Judges 17:2

Judges 17:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

said to his mother, “The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you and about which I heard you utter a curse—I have the silver here with me; I took it.” Then his mother said, “Blessed be my son by the LORD!”

King James Version KJV

And he said unto his mother, The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from thee, about which thou cursedst, and spakest of also in mine ears, behold, the silver is with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my son.

American Standard Version ASV

And he said unto his mother, The eleven hundred pieces of silver that were taken from thee, about which thou didst utter a curse, and didst also speak it in mine ears, behold, the silver is with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessed be my son of Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he said to his mother, The eleven hundred shekels of silver which were taken from you, about which you took an oath and said in my hearing, I have given this silver to the Lord from my hand for myself, to make a pictured image and a metal image: see, I have the silver, for I took it: so now I will give it back to you. And his mother said, May the blessing of the Lord be on my son.

Free Bible Version FBV

told his mother, “Those eleven hundred shekels of silver that were stolen from you and that I heard you curse—I've got the silver. I was the one who took it.” Then his mother said, “My son, the Lord bless you!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And he saide vnto his mother, The eleuen hundreth shekels of siluer that were taken from thee, for the which thou cursedst, and spakedst it, euen in mine hearing, beholde, the siluer is with me, I tooke it. Then his mother saide, Blessed be my sonne of the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and he saith to his mother, 'The eleven hundred silverlings which have been taken of thine, and [of which] thou hast sworn, and also spoken in mine ears; lo, the silver [is] with me, I have taken it;' and his mother saith, 'Blessed [is] my son of Jehovah.'

World English Bible WEB

He said to his mother, “The eleven hundred pieces of silver that were taken from you, about which you uttered a curse, and also spoke it in my ears—behold, the silver is with me. I took it.” His mother said, “May the LORD bless my son!”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he said to his mother, The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from thee, about which thou didst curse, and speak of also in my ears, behold, the silver is with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my son.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Who said to his mother: The eleven hundred pieces of silver, which thou hadst put aside for thyself, and concerning which thou didst swear in my hearing, behold I have, and they are with me. And she said to him: Blessed be my son by the Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

One day he said to his mother, “I heard you curse whoever stole ◄1,100 pieces/28 pounds/13 kg.► of silver from your house. I am the one who took the silver, and I still have it.” His mother replied, “My son, I pray that Yahweh will bless you for admitting that you took it.”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 17:2

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 17:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר לְ/אִמּ֡/וֹ אֶלֶף֩ וּ/מֵאָ֨ה הַ/כֶּ֜סֶף אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֻֽקַּֽח לָ֗/ךְ ו/אתי וְ/אַ֤תְּ אָלִית֙ וְ/גַם֙ אָמַ֣רְתְּ בְּ/אָזְנַ֔/י הִנֵּֽה הַ/כֶּ֥סֶף אִתִּ֖/י אֲנִ֣י לְקַחְתִּ֑י/ו וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר אִמּ֔/וֹ בָּר֥וּךְ בְּנִ֖/י לַ/יהוָֽה

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לְ/אִמּ֡/וֹ ʼêm H517 mother Prep | N-fs | Suff

אֶלֶף֩ ʼeleph H505 thousand Adj

וּ/מֵאָ֨ה mêʼâh H3967 hundred Conj | Adj

הַ/כֶּ֜סֶף keçeph H3701 silver Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לֻֽקַּֽח lâqach H3947 to take V-Pual-Perf-3ms

לָ֗/ךְ Prep | Suff

ו/אתי ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron

וְ/אַ֤תְּ ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron

אָלִית֙ ʼâlâh H422 to swear V-Qal-Perf-2fs

וְ/גַם֙ gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM

אָמַ֣רְתְּ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-2fs

בְּ/אָזְנַ֔/י ʼôzen H241 ear Prep | N-fd | Suff

הִנֵּֽה hinnêh H2009 behold Part

הַ/כֶּ֥סֶף keçeph H3701 silver Art | N-ms

אִתִּ֖/י ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff

אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 I Pron

לְקַחְתִּ֑י/ו lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

אִמּ֔/וֹ ʼêm H517 mother N-fs | Suff

בָּר֥וּךְ bârak H1288 to bless V-Qal-Inf-c

בְּנִ֖/י bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff

לַ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 17:2

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

לְ/אִמּ֡/וֹ ʼêm H517 "mother" Prep | N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.

Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division

Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.

אֶלֶף֩ ʼeleph H505 "thousand" Adj

A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.

Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.

וּ/מֵאָ֨ה mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Conj | Adj

Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.

הַ/כֶּ֜סֶף keçeph H3701 "silver" Art | N-ms

Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.

Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents

Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

לֻֽקַּֽח lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Pual-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

לָ֗/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

ו/אתי ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

וְ/אַ֤תְּ ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

אָלִית֙ ʼâlâh H422 "to swear" V-Qal-Perf-2fs

To swear or curse, this Hebrew word involves making a promise or declaration, often before God. It can also mean to put someone under oath or to curse them. The KJV translates it as 'adjure, curse, swear'.

Definition: 1) to swear, curse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swear, take an oath (before God) 1a2) to curse 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to put under oath, adjure 1b2) to put under a curse

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: adjure, curse, swear. See also: Judges 17:2; 2 Chronicles 6:22; Hosea 10:4.

וְ/גַם֙ gam H1571 "also" Conj | DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

אָמַ֣רְתְּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-2fs

בְּ/אָזְנַ֔/י ʼôzen H241 "ear" Prep | N-fd | Suff

The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.

Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation

Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.

הִנֵּֽה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

הַ/כֶּ֥סֶף keçeph H3701 "silver" Art | N-ms

Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.

Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents

Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.

אִתִּ֖/י ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

לְקַחְתִּ֑י/ו lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

אִמּ֔/וֹ ʼêm H517 "mother" N-fs | Suff

Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division

Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.

בָּר֥וּךְ bârak H1288 "to bless" V-Qal-Inf-c

To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.

Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)

Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.

בְּנִ֖/י bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

לַ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — Judges 17:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 17:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 17:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 17:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 17:2
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 17:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 17:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 17:2
Cambridge Bible on Judges 17:2
Barnes' Notes on Judges 17:2
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 17:2
Sermons on Judges 17:2

Context — Micah’s Idolatry

1Now a man named Micah from the hill country of Ephraim

2said to his mother, “The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you and about which I heard you utter a curse—I have the silver here with me; I took it.” Then his mother said, “Blessed be my son by the LORD!”

3And when he had returned the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, she said, “I wholly dedicate the silver to the LORD for my son’s benefit, to make a graven image and a molten idol. Therefore I will now return it to you.” 4So he returned the silver to his mother, and she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who made them into a graven image and a molten idol. And they were placed in the house of Micah.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Nehemiah 13:25	I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves!
2	Ruth 3:10	Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.
3	1 Samuel 23:21	“May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me.
4	1 Corinthians 16:22	If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord!
5	1 Samuel 14:28	Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the troops with a solemn oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food today.’ That is why the people are faint.”
6	Deuteronomy 27:16	‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
7	Psalms 10:3	For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.
8	Proverbs 28:24	He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.
9	1 Samuel 14:24	Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food.
10	Jeremiah 48:10	Cursed is the one who is remiss in doing the work of the LORD, and cursed is he who withholds his sword from bloodshed.

Judges 17:2 Summary

[In this verse, Micah returns the stolen silver to his mother, and she responds by blessing him and dedicating the silver to the Lord. However, as we'll see later, her dedication is misguided, and the silver is ultimately used for idolatrous purposes. This serves as a reminder that our actions and motivations must be guided by a desire to please God, rather than just seeking to do what seems right in our own eyes, as seen in Proverbs 14:12. By seeking God's wisdom and guidance, we can avoid the pitfalls of idolatry and instead use our blessings to bring glory to Him, as seen in Matthew 5:16.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Micah's mother curse the silver?

The Bible doesn't explicitly state why Micah's mother cursed the silver, but it's possible that she did so because she felt a strong sense of loss and injustice, as seen in other cases like in Deuteronomy 27:18 where a curse is used to condemn evil actions.

What does it mean for Micah's mother to say 'Blessed be my son by the Lord'?

When Micah's mother says 'Blessed be my son by the Lord', she is expressing her gratitude and praise towards God for her son's actions, similar to how Hannah praises God for answering her prayers in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.

Is Micah's action of taking the silver and returning it to his mother a righteous act?

While Micah's action of returning the silver to his mother may seem righteous, it's essential to consider the context and motivations behind his actions, as seen in Proverbs 21:2, which reminds us that God weighs our motivations and actions.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of Micah and the idol?

This verse sets the stage for the rest of the story, as Micah's mother dedicates the silver to the Lord, but ultimately uses it to create an idol, highlighting the theme of idolatry and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Exodus 20:4-5 and Deuteronomy 5:8-9.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can show gratitude and praise towards God for the blessings in my life, like Micah's mother did?
How can I ensure that my actions are motivated by a desire to please God, rather than just seeking to appease others or myself?
What are some potential consequences of using God's blessings for my own selfish desires, rather than using them for His glory?
In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking God's wisdom and guidance in my decision-making, as seen in James 1:5-8?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 17:2

And he said unto his mother,.... Who seems to have been a widow, and an ancient woman since Micah had sons, and one of them at age to become a priest: the eleven hundred shekels of silver that were

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 17:2

And he said unto his mother, The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from thee, about which thou cursedst, and spakest of also in mine ears, behold, the silver is with me; I took it.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 17:2

About which thou cursedst, i.e. didst curse the person who had taken them away, and that in my hearing, as it follows. I took it; the fear of thy curse makes me acknowledge mine offence, and beg thy pardon. Blessed be thou of the Lord; I willingly consent to and beg from God the removal of the curse, and a blessing instead of it. Be thou free from my curse, because thou hast so honestly restored it.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 17:2

Judges 17:2 And he said unto his mother, The eleven hundred [shekels] of silver that were taken from thee, about which thou cursedst, and spakest of also in mine ears, behold, the silver [is] with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessed [be thou] of the LORD, my son.Ver. 2. And he said unto his mother.] His conscience troubled him when he heard his mother curse the thief, which he knew to be himself: “ Conscia mens ut cuique sun est, &c. ” The eleven hundred shekels of silver.] Lyra telleth us of some that held Delilah to be Micah’ s mother, because she received one thousand one hundred pieces of silver of each lord of the Philistines, to betray Samson into their hands. But this is but a blind guess, and no whit likely; let it therefore pass for a Jewish fable. I like his note better who saith, Old wood is apt to take fire. After all the airing in the desert, Micah’ s mother will smell of Egypt. And again, As civilly, so also morally, the birth followeth the belly, as Micah, his mother. Hence most of the kings’ mothers are named. About which thou cursedst.] Whilst her wealth lasted, she could dedicate a good part of it. But now she hath lost it she falleth a-cursing; as a parrot when beaten falleth to her own hoarse and harsh voice. Wicked men’ s mouths are "full of cursing and bitterness." But cursing men are cursed men. And spakest of also in mine ears.] He started at and was terrified by a mother’ s curse. And indeed if there be just cause, God sometimes says Amen to parents’ curses, as were easy to instance. See Genesis 9:25 I took it.] Of robbing parents, see Proverbs 28:24, with the note. Blessed be thou of the Lord, my son.] "Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing." So doth it out of the Pope’ s eftsoons, as in the case of Henry IV of France. Bp. Hall.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 17:2

(2) He said unto his mother.—The story is singularly abbreviated, and all details as to how she had acquired the money, &c., are left to conjecture. The eleven hundred shekels of silver.—The value of eleven hundred skekels would be about £136. It is the same sum which each of the lords of the Philistines promised to give Delilah (Judges 16:5), and only six hundred shekels less than the entire mass of the earrings given to Gideon—only that those were golden shekels. It is hard to say whence this Ephraimitish lady could have amassed so large a sum. That were taken from thee.—This is probably the true rendering. The LXX. (Cod. B) have “which thou tookest for thyself,” and (Cod. A) “those taken by thee,” as though she had stolen them. About which thou cursedst.—Literally, and thou didst adjure. The LXX. (Cod. B) add, “dost adjure me.” The adjuration was clearly that commanded in Leviticus 5:1 : “And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.” (Comp. Ecclus. iii. 9: “The curse of a mother rooteth out foundations.”) I took it.—Micah is terrified into confession by his mother’s adjuration. He shows throughout a singular mixture of superstition and ignorance. Blessed be thou of the Lord, my son.—Because of his penitence and confession.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 17:2

Verse 2. About which thou cursedst] Houbigant and others understand this of putting the young man to his oath. It is likely that when the mother of Micah missed the money, she poured imprecations on the thief; and that Micah, who had secreted it, hearing this, was alarmed, and restored the money lest the curses should fall on him.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 17:2

2. eleven hundred pieces of silver] See on Judges 16:5. and didst also speak it] A paraphrase; lit. ‘and didst also say.…’ The text of Jdg 17:2-3 has suffered disturbance; the words of the speech are missing here; the sequence ‘and he restored … I will restore (Judges 17:3) … And he restored (Judges 17:4)’ is unintelligible. Of the various corrections proposed the most satisfactory is that of Moore: ‘and thou didst utter a curse and didst also say in mine ears, I verily dedicate the silver unto the Lord from my hand for my son, to make a graven image [and a molten image]; behold, the silver is with me; I took it; now therefore I will restore it unto thee. And his mother said, Blessed be my son of the Lord. Judges 17:4. So he restored the silver unto his mother, and his mother took two hundred pieces of silver’ etc. That is to say, when the mother of Micah discovered that the money had been stolen, she cursed the thief (never dreaming that her son was guilty), and further consecrated the money forthwith to Jehovah. Under dread of the curse, and fearing the consequences of sacrilege, Micah confessed the theft and restored the money. In the text as rearranged, the words ‘And he restored the eleven hundred pieces of silver to his mother’ in Judges 17:3 have been struck out as a mistaken anticipation of Jdg 17:4. The curse was held to possess a living, potent efficacy (cf. Zechariah 5:3); it called upon the offender to come forward; and whoever heard it was bound to make it known, as we learn from the law in Leviticus 5:1, cf. Proverbs 29:24. To augment the curse in the present case the ‘money was solemnly consecrated to Jehovah; it became taboo, and the thief could not make use of it without incurring the Deity’s retaliation. The curse could not be withdrawn, but it might be neutralized by a blessing.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 17:2

Thou cursedst - or, “adjuredst me by God.” Compare Matthew 26:63; Leviticus 5:1.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 17:2

2. About which thou cursedst — Having missed the money, she uttered imprecations against the thief. Also in my ears — She so uttered and kept repeating her curses that among others Micah also heard her.

Sermons on Judges 17:2

	Sermon	Description
	Does God Love the World Outside of Jesus Christ? by Alan Martin	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. He states that there is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ and that al
	Loving Jesus by Hans R. Waldvogel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the love of Jesus Christ. He describes it as a love affair between God and humanity, where God proposes his love to us. Th
	The Extent of Christ's Love by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves deep into the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the value of intimate fellowship with God and the importance of understanding the depth of
	Sexual Complementarity - Lesson 4 by John Piper	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of submission and leadership in the context of manhood and womanhood. They argue that the Bible teaches a distinction between men an
	If Any Man Love Not the Lord by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher recounts a story about a young boy who walked a long distance and then suddenly died. The preacher emphasizes that he does not know if the boy was save
	Christ on the Throne by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher talks about the story of Jesus calling Peter, James, and John to follow him. He emphasizes that Jesus, although fully human, was without sin and demons
	Signs Seen, and Not Seen by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches on the lamentation of not seeing the signs of God's favor, highlighting the importance of recognizing outward marks of God's presence and grace upon the soul.