Judges 18:16
Judges 18:16 in Multiple Translations
The six hundred Danites stood at the entrance of the gate, armed with their weapons of war.
And the six hundred men appointed with their weapons of war, which were of the children of Dan, stood by the entering of the gate.
And the six hundred men girt with their weapons of war, who were of the children of Dan, stood by the entrance of the gate.
And the six hundred armed men of the Danites took their places by the doorway.
The six hundred Danite armed men stood at the entrance by the gate.
And the six hundreth men appointed with their weapons of warre, which were of the children of Dan, stoode by the entring of the gate.
(and the six hundred men girded with their weapons of war, who [are] of the sons of Dan, are standing at the opening of the gate), —
The six hundred men armed with their weapons of war, who were of the children of Dan, stood by the entrance of the gate.
And the six hundred men appointed with their weapons of war, who were of the children of Dan, stood by the entrance of the gate.
And the six hundred men stood before the door, appointed with their arms.
The 600 men of the tribe of Dan stood outside the gate of the house, carrying their weapons.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 18:16
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 18:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שֵׁשׁ
מֵא֣וֹת
אִ֗ישׁ
חֲגוּרִים֙
כְּלֵ֣י
מִלְחַמְתָּ֔/ם
נִצָּבִ֖ים
פֶּ֣תַח
הַ/שָּׁ֑עַר
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
מִ/בְּנֵי
דָֽן
וְ/שֵׁשׁ
shêsh
H8337
six
Conj | Adj
מֵא֣וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
חֲגוּרִים֙
châgar
H2296
to gird
V-Qal-Inf-c
כְּלֵ֣י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp
מִלְחַמְתָּ֔/ם
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fs | Suff
נִצָּבִ֖ים
nâtsab
H5324
to stand
V-Niphal
פֶּ֣תַח
pethach
H6607
entrance
N-ms
הַ/שָּׁ֑עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
מִ/בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
דָֽן
Dân
H1835
Dan
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 18:16
וְ/שֵׁשׁ
shêsh
H8337
"six"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
מֵא֣וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
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.
אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
חֲגוּרִים֙
châgar
H2296
"to gird"
V-Qal-Inf-c
The Hebrew word chagar means to gird or put on a belt, and is used to describe preparing for battle or work, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to gird, gird on, gird oneself, put on a belt 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to gird 1a2) to gird on, bind on 1a3) to gird oneself
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: be able to put on, be afraid, appointed, gird, restrain, [idiom] on every side. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 45:4.
כְּלֵ֣י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
מִלְחַמְתָּ֔/ם
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fs | Suff
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
נִצָּבִ֖ים
nâtsab
H5324
"to stand"
V-Niphal
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
פֶּ֣תַח
pethach
H6607
"entrance"
N-ms
A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.
Definition: opening, doorway, entrance
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.
הַ/שָּׁ֑עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
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.
מִ/בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
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.
דָֽן
Dân
H1835
"Dan"
N-proper
Dan was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Dan was known for its skills in warfare and is mentioned in the book of Genesis.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Dan living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.6; son of: Israel (H3478) and Bilhah (H1090A); brother of: Naphtali (H5321); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hushim (H2366B) § Dan = "a judge" 1) the 5th son of Jacob, the 1st of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid 2) the tribe descended from Dan, the son of Jacob 3) a city in Dan, the most northern landmark of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: Daniel See also: Genesis 14:14; Judges 13:25; Jeremiah 4:15.
Study Notes — Judges 18:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 18:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 18:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 18:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 18:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 18:16
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 18:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 18:16
- Sermons on Judges 18:16
Context — The Danites Take Micah’s Idols
14Then the five men who had gone to spy out the land of Laish said to their brothers, “Did you know that one of these houses has an ephod, household gods, a graven image, and a molten idol? Now think about what you should do.”
15So they turned aside there and went to the home of the young Levite, the house of Micah, and greeted him.
16The six hundred Danites stood at the entrance of the gate, armed with their weapons of war.
17And the five men who had gone to spy out the land went inside and took the graven image, the ephod, the household idols, and the molten idol, while the priest stood at the entrance of the gate with the six hundred armed men. 18When they entered Micah’s house and took the graven image, the ephod, the household idols, and the molten idol, the priest said to them, “What are you doing?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 18:11 | So six hundred Danites departed from Zorah and Eshtaol, armed with weapons of war. |
Judges 18:16 Summary
This verse, Judges 18:16, describes a scene where six hundred Danites are standing guard, armed and ready for battle, as their companions go to take some idols and a special priestly garment from a man's house. It shows how the Danites were trying to take control of their spiritual lives, but in a way that was not truly following God, similar to the warnings in Deuteronomy 12:1-14. This serves as a reminder for us to seek God's guidance and wisdom in all our decisions, rather than relying on our own strength or external symbols of spirituality, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the six hundred Danites standing at the entrance of the gate?
The six hundred Danites were standing at the entrance of the gate, armed with their weapons of war, to provide protection and intimidation as their comrades went to take the idols and the ephod from Micah's house, as seen in Judges 18:16-17. This action was likely a show of force to discourage anyone from intervening.
What can we learn from the Danites' actions in this verse?
The Danites' actions in Judges 18:16 demonstrate a mix of both faith and flawed human judgment, similar to the Israelites' actions in other parts of the Bible, such as Exodus 32:1-6, where they also made idols. This serves as a reminder to seek God's guidance and wisdom in all our decisions.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Judges 18?
Judges 18:16 is a pivotal moment in the story, as it shows the Danites taking bold action to acquire the idols and the ephod for themselves, setting the stage for the rest of the chapter, which describes their conquest of Laish and the establishment of their own worship center, as seen in Judges 18:27-31.
What does this verse reveal about the spiritual state of the Danites?
The fact that the Danites were willing to use force to acquire idols and an ephod suggests that they were more interested in having a form of religion than in truly following God, as commanded in Deuteronomy 12:1-14, highlighting their spiritual confusion and idolatry.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like the Danites, may be seeking to 'acquire' spiritual power or status through external means rather than a genuine relationship with God?
- How can I distinguish between bold faith and reckless action in my own life, and what role should God's guidance play in my decision-making?
- In what ways can I prioritize seeking God's presence and wisdom, as commanded in Psalm 105:4, rather than relying on my own strength or external symbols of spirituality?
- What are some potential consequences of prioritizing human strength and strategy over God's guidance, as seen in the Danites' actions in Judges 18?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 18:16
And the six hundred men appointed with their weapons of war,.... Who were armed men, and marched with their armour about them: which were of the children of Dan; for no other were concerned in this
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 18:16
And they went up, and pitched in Kirjath-je'arim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahanehdan unto this day: behold, it is behind Kirjath-je'arim. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 18:16
Judges 18:16 And the six hundred men appointed with their weapons of war, which [were] of the children of Dan, stood by the entering of the gate.Ver. 16. Stood by the entering of the gate.] To aid the thieves, if there should be any opposition made against them. So that here met those two ways of theft mentioned by Nazianzen, επιβουλη, or crafty contrivance, and επιβολη, rapine and violence.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 18:16
(15-18) In these verses we have a graphic description of the whole nefarious proceeding. The five spies, knowing Jonathan, salute him, and inveigle him to the entrance of the court to talk to their six hundred companions. While the chiefs of this little army detain him in conversation, without any show of violence the five slip away unobserved to the alîyah, or upper room, which serves as the chapel, and steal all the essentials of the worship—namely, (1) the ephod; (2) the teraphim; (3) the graven image; (4) the molten image. It is true that in Judges 18:20-30 the massecah is not mentioned; but it may be regarded as belonging to the pesel. It is only when he sees them in actual possession of these that Jonathan asks the alarmed question, “What do ye?”
Cambridge Bible on Judges 18:16
16. The whole of this verse seems to be a mistaken repetition of Jdg 18:17 b; both the grammar and the construction of the sentence are faulty. Budde, however, would transpose the verse to Judges 18:18 after molten image.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 18:16
16. Stood by the entering of the gate — The gate or doorway that led to Micah’s sanctuary is meant.
Sermons on Judges 18:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Samson #5 - Tragic Legacy by Andrew Foster | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the sad state of the Church of Christ, which has become blind and defeated, giving the wicked reason to mock God's people. The preacher empha |