Judges 18:23
Judges 18:23 in Multiple Translations
When they called out after them, the Danites turned to face them and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you that you have called out such a company?”
And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?
And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?
Crying out to them. And the Danites, turning round, said to Micah, What is your trouble, that you have taken up arms?
shouting at them. The Danites turned around to face them and asked Micah, “What's the matter with you? Why call out these men to come after us?”
And cryed vnto the children of Dan: who turned their faces, and said vnto Michah, What ayleth thee, that thou makest an outcrie?
and call unto the sons of Dan, and they turn round their faces, and say to Micah, 'What — to thee that thou hast been called together?'
As they called to the children of Dan, they turned their faces, and said to Micah, “What ails you, that you come with such a company?”
And they cried to the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said to Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?
And began to shout out after them. They looked back, and said to Michas: What aileth thee? Why dost thou cry?
They shouted at them. The men of the tribe of Dan turned around and said to Micah, “What is the problem? Why have you gathered these men to pursue us?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 18:23
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 18:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יִּקְרְאוּ֙
אֶל
בְּנֵי
דָ֔ן
וַ/יַּסֵּ֖בּוּ
פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
לְ/מִיכָ֔ה
מַה
לְּ/ךָ֖
כִּ֥י
נִזְעָֽקְתָּ
וַֽ/יִּקְרְאוּ֙
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
דָ֔ן
Dân
H1835
Dan
N-proper
וַ/יַּסֵּ֖בּוּ
çâbab
H5437
to turn
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לְ/מִיכָ֔ה
Mîykâh
H4318
Micaiah
Prep | N-proper
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
לְּ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נִזְעָֽקְתָּ
zâʻaq
H2199
to cry out
V-Niphal-Perf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 18:23
וַֽ/יִּקְרְאוּ֙
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
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.
דָ֔ן
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.
וַ/יַּסֵּ֖בּוּ
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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/מִיכָ֔ה
Mîykâh
H4318
"Micaiah"
Prep | N-proper
Micaiah means who is like God, a prophet in 1 Kings 22:8, son of Imlah, prophesying during Jotham and Hezekiah's reigns.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.22.8; son of: Imlah (H3229) Another name of mi.kha.ye.hu (מִיכָֽיְהוּ "Micaiah" H4321G) § Micah or Micaiah or Michah = "who is like God" 1) the 6th in order of the minor prophets; a native of Moresheth, he prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, and was contemporary with the prophets Hosea, Amos, and Isaiah 2) an Ephraimite during the period of the judges 3) a descendant of Joel the Reubenite 4) son of Meribbaal and grandson of Jonathan 5) a Kohathite Levite, the eldest son of Uzziel the brother of Amram 6) father of Abdon, a man of high station in the reign of Josiah 7) son of Imlah and a prophet of Samaria who predicted the defeat and death of king Ahab of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Micah, Micaiah, Michah. See also: Judges 17:5; Judges 18:27; Jeremiah 26:18.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לְּ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נִזְעָֽקְתָּ
zâʻaq
H2199
"to cry out"
V-Niphal-Perf-2ms
This verb means to cry out for help or announce something publicly, often in a loud voice, like a herald calling people together. It is used in the Bible to describe people crying out to God for aid. It can also mean to summon or assemble people.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, call for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call (to one's aid) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in need) 1b) (Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to call, call out, call together, summon 1c2) to make a crying, proclaim 1c3) to have a proclamation made 1c4) to call out to, call out at Aramaic equivalent: ze.iq (זְעִ֑ק "to cry out" H2200)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed. See also: Exodus 2:23; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 22:6.
Study Notes — Judges 18:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Danites Take Micah’s Idols
21Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them, they turned and departed.
22After they were some distance from Micah’s house, the men in the houses near Micah’s house mobilized and overtook the Danites.
23When they called out after them, the Danites turned to face them and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you that you have called out such a company?”
24He replied, “You took the gods I had made, and my priest, and went away. What else do I have? How can you say to me, ‘What is the matter with you?’” 25The Danites said to him, “Do not raise your voice against us, or angry men will attack you, and you and your family will lose your lives.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 114:5 | Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back, |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 14:5 | “What troubles you?” the king asked her. “Indeed,” she said, “I am a widow, for my husband is dead. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 11:5 | Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. “Why are they weeping?” And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. |
| 4 | Isaiah 22:1 | This is the burden against the Valley of Vision: What ails you now, that you have all gone up to the rooftops, |
| 5 | Genesis 21:17 | Then God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 6:28 | Then the king asked her, “What is the matter?” And she answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give up your son, that we may eat him, and tomorrow we will eat my son.’ |
Judges 18:23 Summary
In Judges 18:23, the Danites are confronted by Micah and his men, and they ask Micah what is wrong with him for chasing after them. This situation shows how the Danites are confident in their new possessions, but also how they are willing to defend themselves. This can teach us about the importance of trusting in God's power and protection, rather than our own strength and possessions, as seen in (Psalm 20:7) and (Isaiah 31:1). We can also learn from this verse about the dangers of taking matters into our own hands and pursuing our own interests, rather than following God's plan and principles, as outlined in (Proverbs 16:9) and (Jeremiah 10:23).
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the situation that led to the Danites turning to face Micah and his men?
The Danites had taken Micah's idols and priest, and Micah's men had called out after them, prompting the Danites to turn and confront them, as seen in Judges 18:23 and also referenced in Judges 17:1-6 where Micah's initial actions are described.
Why did the Danites ask Micah what was the matter with him?
The Danites asked Micah this question because they were surprised and possibly intimidated by the group of men that Micah had assembled to chase after them, as indicated in Judges 18:22-23, and they were trying to understand Micah's motivations and intentions.
What can we learn from the Danites' response to Micah's pursuit?
The Danites' response reveals their confidence in their newfound possessions and their willingness to defend themselves, which can be seen as a reflection of the self-reliance and lack of trust in God that characterized the period of the judges, as mentioned in Judges 21:25 and also in 1 Samuel 12:9-10 where the Israelites' cycle of sin and deliverance is discussed.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of the book of Judges?
This verse highlights the chaotic and lawless state of Israel during the period of the judges, where individuals and tribes acted according to their own desires and interests, rather than following God's laws and principles, as seen in Judges 17:6 and also in Deuteronomy 12:8-9 where God's plan for Israel's worship and governance is outlined.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Micah, might be trying to take matters into my own hands and pursue my own interests, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty and provision?
- How can I, like the Danites, be tempted to rely on my own strength and possessions for security, rather than trusting in God's power and protection, as promised in Psalm 91:1-2 and Isaiah 41:10?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to let go of my own desires and trust in God's plan, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?
- How can I, like Micah and the Danites, be blind to my own sin and shortcomings, and what can I do to cultivate a greater awareness of my need for God's forgiveness and mercy, as taught in 1 John 1:8-9 and Romans 3:23?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 18:23
And they cried unto the children of Dan,.... When they had got pretty near them, and in their hearing, they called to them aloud, and desired they would stop, having something to say to them: and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 18:23
And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 18:23
Judges 18:23 And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?Ver. 23. What aileth thee, that thou comest?] They knew well enough what ailed him, and yet they expostulate an injury. This is one of the miseries of war, that might overcometh right. Sic cedit viribus aequum, poor men must suffer wrongs and be thankful.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 18:23
(23) What aileth thee?—There is again a certain grim humour in the narrative, with some sense of irony for the total discomfiture and pathetic outcries of Micah. Dan showed himself in this proceeding like “a serpent on the way, an adder in the path” (Genesis 49:17). (Comp. Deuteronomy 33:22.)
Sermons on Judges 18:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah 21-25 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the United States and the world, highlighting the military buildup by Russia and the impending superwar. The preacher em |
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(Isaiah) What to Hang Your Life On by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking why people rush to the rooftop when there is commotion or excitement. He questions whether the noise and commotion they hear is somethi |
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In Time of War by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon on the Valley of Vision, using the prophecy in Isaiah to warn about the impending danger faced by Jerusalem due to their sins and lack of r |
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The Burden of the Valley of Vision (Isaiah 22:1) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks discusses the profound burden carried by prophets, emphasizing their role in discerning spiritual decline and the need for a deeper connection with God's vision. H |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17:19-27 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and God's promise to him. God assures Abraham that he will have a son, Isaac, and that through him, a great nation will |
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The Fear Nots of the Old and New Testament. by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes the recurring theme of 'Fear Not' throughout the Bible, illustrating how God's promises are fulfilled in Christ Jesus. He highlights various instances where |
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The Word Brought Nigh to the Sorrowful by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes God's compassionate presence in times of sorrow, illustrating how He cares for even the most distressed individuals, like Hagar, and reassures them through |