Judges 2:3
Judges 2:3 in Multiple Translations
So now I tell you that I will not drive out these people before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.”
Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.
Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.
And so I have said, I will not send them out from before you; but they will be a danger to you, and their gods will be a cause of falling to you.
I also warned you, ‘I will not drive them out before you, and they will be snares for you, and their gods will be traps for you.’”
Wherefore, I sayd also, I wil not cast them out before you, but they shalbe as thornes vnto your sides, and their gods shalbe your destruction.
And I also have said, I do not cast them out from your presence, and they have been to you for adversaries, and their gods are to you for a snare.'
Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.’”
Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.
Wherefore I would not destroy them from before your face: that you may have enemies, and their gods may be your ruin.
So now, I am telling you that I will not expel your enemies as you advance. They will be like thorns in your sides. And they will try to trap you by making you worship their idols.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 2:3
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 2:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/גַ֣ם
אָמַ֔רְתִּי
לֹֽא
אֲגָרֵ֥שׁ
אוֹתָ֖/ם
מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֑ם
וְ/הָי֤וּ
לָ/כֶם֙
לְ/צִדִּ֔ים
וֵ/אלֹ֣הֵי/הֶ֔ם
יִהְי֥וּ
לָ/כֶ֖ם
לְ/מוֹקֵֽשׁ
וְ/גַ֣ם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
אָמַ֔רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֲגָרֵ֥שׁ
gârash
H1644
to drive out
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
אוֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
וְ/הָי֤וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
לָ/כֶם֙
Prep | Suff
לְ/צִדִּ֔ים
tsad
H6654
side
Prep | N-mp
וֵ/אלֹ֣הֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Conj | N-mp | Suff
יִהְי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לָ/כֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
לְ/מוֹקֵֽשׁ
môwqêsh
H4170
snare
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 2:3
וְ/גַ֣ם
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.
אָמַ֔רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
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.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֲגָרֵ֥שׁ
gârash
H1644
"to drive out"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to drive out or expel, often used in the context of divorce or being forced to leave a place, as seen in the story of Israel's exile. It can also mean to trouble or cast out. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : drive out 1) to drive out, expel, cast out, drive away, divorce, put away, thrust away, trouble, cast up 1a) (Qal) to thrust out, cast out 1b) (Niphal) to be driven away, be tossed 1c) (Piel) to drive out, drive away 1d) (Pual) to be thrust out Also means: ga.rash (גָּרַשׁ ": divorce" H1644H)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: cast up (out), divorced (woman), drive away (forth, out), expel, [idiom] surely put away, trouble, thrust out. See also: Genesis 3:24; Joshua 24:18; Psalms 34:1.
אוֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | 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.
וְ/הָי֤וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/כֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/צִדִּ֔ים
tsad
H6654
"side"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to the side of something, like the side of a building or a person's side. It can also mean an enemy or adversary, like someone who opposes you. It is used in the Bible to describe locations or relationships.
Definition: side Aramaic equivalent: tsad (צַד "side" H6655)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: (be-) side. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 6:8; Psalms 91:7.
וֵ/אלֹ֣הֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יִהְי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/כֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/מוֹקֵֽשׁ
môwqêsh
H4170
"snare"
Prep | N-ms
A snare or trap, this word is used to describe a device to catch animals. In the Bible, it is also used figuratively to describe being trapped by sin or temptation, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: bait, lure, snare
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: be ensnared, gin, (is) snare(-d), trap. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 69:23; Psalms 18:6.
Study Notes — Judges 2:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 2:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 2:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 2:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 2:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 2:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 2:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 2:3
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 2:3
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 2:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 2:3
- Sermons on Judges 2:3
Context — Israel Rebuked at Bochim
1Now the angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bochim and said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land that I had promised to your fathers, and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you,
2and you are not to make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall tear down their altars.’ Yet you have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done?
3So now I tell you that I will not drive out these people before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.”
4When the angel of the LORD had spoken these words to all the Israelites, the people lifted up their voices and wept. 5So they called that place Bochim and offered sacrifices there to the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 23:13 | know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you. |
| 2 | Numbers 33:55 | But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land before you, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides; they will harass you in the land where you settle. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 7:16 | You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God will deliver to you. Do not look on them with pity. Do not worship their gods, for that will be a snare to you. |
| 4 | Psalms 106:36 | They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them. |
| 5 | Exodus 34:12 | Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst. |
| 6 | Exodus 23:33 | They must not remain in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” |
| 7 | Judges 2:21 | I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died. |
| 8 | Judges 3:6 | And they took the daughters of these people in marriage, gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 11:1–7 | King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away. For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been. Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely. At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites. |
Judges 2:3 Summary
This verse means that God is not going to remove the people who are already living in the land, and instead, they will cause problems and temptations for the Israelites. The people's gods will also be a trap for the Israelites, leading them away from the one true God, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:16. This is a reminder that when we disobey God, there are consequences, and we must be careful not to be influenced by the world's sinful ways, but instead, trust in God's power and protection, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God decide not to drive out the people before the Israelites?
God decided not to drive out the people before the Israelites because they did not obey His voice and make a covenant with the people of the land, as He had commanded in Judges 2:2, and as seen in other instances like Exodus 23:32-33 and Deuteronomy 7:2-5.
What does it mean for the gods of the people to be a snare to the Israelites?
The gods of the people being a snare to the Israelites means that they will be a source of temptation and idolatry, leading them away from the one true God, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:16 and 1 Corinthians 10:21-22.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?
This verse relates to the concept of spiritual warfare in that it highlights the struggle between the Israelites and the spiritual forces of the people they were supposed to displace, as seen in Ephesians 6:12 and 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.
What is the significance of the phrase 'thorns in your sides'?
The phrase 'thorns in your sides' is a metaphor for the constant annoyance, frustration, and pain that the Israelites will experience due to the presence of these people, as seen in Numbers 33:55 and Ezekiel 28:24.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the lesson of obedience to God's commands in my own life, and what are the potential consequences of disobedience?
- What are some ways that the world's idols and false gods can be a snare to me, and how can I protect myself from their influence?
- In what ways can I be a light for God in a world filled with darkness and idolatry, and what does it mean to be a witness for Him?
- How can I balance the command to love my neighbors with the command to be separate from the world and its sinful influences, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and Matthew 22:37-40?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 2:3
Wherefore I also said,.... Supposing, or on condition of their being guilty of the above things, which was foreseen they would: I will not drive them out from before you; the seven nations of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 2:3
Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 2:3
I also said with myself; I have now taken up this peremptory resolution. Thorns in your sides: See Poole ""; See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 2:3
Judges 2:3 Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be [as thorns] in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.Ver. 3. As thorns in your sides.] See Joshua 23:13.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 2:3
(3) Wherefore I also said.—Rather, And now I have said.I will not drive them out.—The withdrawal of the conditional promises in Exodus 23:31. They shall be as thorns in your sides.—The Hebrew is, “they shall be to you for sides.” The words “as thorns” are conjecturally supplied from Numbers 33:55. In Joshua 23:13 we have “scourges in your sides.” The LXX. render “for pressures,” and the Vulgate “that you may have enemies.” The Hebrew word for “sides” is tsiddim, and would differ little from tsarim (“nets”), which is the conjecture of R. Jonas; and this root is found in the verb, “and they shall vex you,” in Numbers 33:55. Whether we adopt this reading, or tsinnim (“thorns”), or suppose that a word has dropped out, the general sense is the same. Their gods shall be a snare unto you.—See Judges 2:12-13; Psalms 106:36.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 2:3
Verse 3. I will not drive them out from before you] Their transgressions, and breach of the covenant, were the reasons why they were not put in entire possession of the promised land. See note at the end of this chapter. Clarke "Judges 2:23".
Cambridge Bible on Judges 2:3
3. Wherefore I also said] Moreover also I said; perhaps referring to the warning in Joshua 23:13 D, Numbers 33:55 P, from which latter place the expressions in this verse appear to be borrowed. Others translate ‘and I have also said,’ a present, resolve in antithesis to the past promise ‘And I said, I will never break’ etc. in Judges 2:1 b; but the antithesis is hardly to be extracted from the Hebr. they shall be as thorns in your sides] Supplying ‘as thorns’ from Numbers 33:55, to make sense; cf. Joshua 23:13 ‘thorns in your eyes’; the word ‘as thorns’ may have been omitted here by accident. Instead of ‘they shall be sides (!) unto you’ (ṣ ?iddim) the Vulgate and Targ. have ‘they shall be adversaries’ (ṣ ?arim); the LXX, taking ṣ ?arim as = ṣ ?aroth, render ‘straits,’ ‘distresses,’ so Vet. Ital. in angustias, in pressura: these are probably only conjectures. It has been proposed to pronounce ṣ ?iddim ‘sides’ as ṣ ?addim, and give it the sense of the Assyrian ṣ ?addu ‘a net, trap’; this would make a good parallel to ‘snare’ at the end of the verse; but the Assyr. form is not quite certain (? zaddu). their gods … a snare unto you] Cf. Exodus 23:33; Exodus 34:12; Deuteronomy 7:16; Joshua 23:13.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 2:3
“Wherefore I also said” - Rather because ye have done the things mentioned in Judges 2:2, “I have now said (i. e. I now protest and declare) that I will not drive them out from before you” (compare Judges 19:29).
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 2:3
3. Wherefore I also said — By the lips of Moses (Numbers 33:55) and of Joshua (Joshua 23:12-13) the declaration was made that if they clave unto the remnant of the nations, and had social and commercial intercourse with them.
Sermons on Judges 2:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Diligence in God's Work - More Lessons From Nehemiah by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being able to escape from God, no matter where one may try to hide. The preacher shares a personal experience as a tee |
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Prickly Problems of This Existence by Vance Havner | The sermon transcript discusses the current state of some churches, describing them as "25 miles wide, one-inch deep." The speaker shares personal experiences of preaching at the F |
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God's Truth About Alliances by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon series titled "How Can Two Walk Together Except They Be Agreed?", the speaker addresses the topic of Satan's lies about holiness, separation, and false alliances. Th |
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The Vow of the Nicolaitan Bride by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of going beyond personal convenience in order to fulfill God's plans for our lives. He quotes the scripture where Paul urges |
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The Candlestick - Pergamos by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher criticizes the current state of preaching, claiming that many sermons focus on worldly pleasures rather than addressing sin and the significance of the |
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(Spiritual Dangers) Danger of Losing Your Passion for Christ by Don Currin | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of buying a movie for his family. However, upon previewing the movie, he discovers that it contains profanity and takes God |
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(Spiritual Dangers) the Danger of High Places by Don Currin | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of buying a movie for his family. However, upon previewing the movie, he discovers that it contains profanity and takes God |