Judges 20:2
Judges 20:2 in Multiple Translations
The leaders of all the people and all the tribes of Israel presented themselves in the assembly of God’s people: 400,000 men on foot, armed with swords.
And the chief of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.
And the chiefs of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.
And the chiefs of the people, out of all the tribes of Israel, took their places in the meeting of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen armed with swords.
The leaders of all the people of every Israelite tribe took their assigned positions in the assembled army of God's people, four hundred thousand soldiers armed with swords.
And the chiefe of all the people, and all the tribes of Israel assembled in the Congregation of the people of God foure hundreth thousand footemen that drewe sword.
And the chiefs of all the people, of all the tribes of Israel, station themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen drawing sword.
The chiefs of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen who drew sword.
And the chief of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.
And all the chiefs of the people, and all the tribes of Israel met together in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen fit for war.
The leaders of eleven of the tribes of Israel stood in front of the people who gathered there. There were 400,000 men with swords who were there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:2
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 20:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּֽתְיַצְּב֞וּ
פִּנּ֣וֹת
כָּל
הָ/עָ֗ם
כֹּ֚ל
שִׁבְטֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
בִּ/קְהַ֖ל
עַ֣ם
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
אַרְבַּ֨ע
מֵא֥וֹת
אֶ֛לֶף
אִ֥ישׁ
רַגְלִ֖י
שֹׁ֥לֵֽף
חָֽרֶב
וַ/יִּֽתְיַצְּב֞וּ
yâtsab
H3320
to stand
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
פִּנּ֣וֹת
pinnâh
H6438
corner
N-fp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
כֹּ֚ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
שִׁבְטֵ֣י
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
בִּ/קְהַ֖ל
qâhâl
H6951
assembly
Prep | N-ms
עַ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
אַרְבַּ֨ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Adj
מֵא֥וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
אֶ֛לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
רַגְלִ֖י
raglîy
H7273
on foot
Adj
שֹׁ֥לֵֽף
shâlaph
H8025
to draw
V-Qal
חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:2
וַ/יִּֽתְיַצְּב֞וּ
yâtsab
H3320
"to stand"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
To stand or place something firmly is what this word means, and it's used in the Bible to describe presenting oneself or standing firm in faith, as seen in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to place, set, stand, set or station oneself, present oneself 1a) (Hithpael) to station oneself, take one's stand, stand, present oneself, stand with someone Aramaic equivalent: ye.tsav (יְצַב "to know" H3321)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up). See also: Exodus 2:4; 1 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 2:2.
פִּנּ֣וֹת
pinnâh
H6438
"corner"
N-fp
This word refers to a corner or an angle, like a pinnacle or a chief ruler. It's used in descriptions of buildings, cities, and leaders in the Bible, like in Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) corner 1a) corner (of square objects) 1b) corner (of ruler or chief-fig.) Also means: pen (פֵּן "Corner" H6434)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: bulwark, chief, corner, stay, tower. See also: Exodus 27:2; Psalms 118:22; Proverbs 7:8.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
כֹּ֚ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
שִׁבְטֵ֣י
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
N-mp
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
בִּ/קְהַ֖ל
qâhâl
H6951
"assembly"
Prep | N-ms
A group of people gathered together, like the congregation in Solomon's temple or a crowd in the streets of Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) assembly, company, congregation, convocation 1a) assembly 1a1) for evil counsel, war or invasion, religious purposes 1b) company (of returning exiles) 1c) congregation 1c1) as organised body
Usage: Occurs in 116 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude. See also: Genesis 28:3; 2 Chronicles 28:14; Psalms 22:23.
עַ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
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.
אַרְבַּ֨ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
מֵא֥וֹת
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.
אֶ֛לֶף
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.
אִ֥ישׁ
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.
רַגְלִ֖י
raglîy
H7273
"on foot"
Adj
This word means on foot or a foot soldier, like when David fought Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:51. It describes someone who travels or fights without a horse or vehicle.
Definition: 1) on foot 1a) man on foot, footman, foot soldier
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: (on) foot(-man). See also: Exodus 12:37; 2 Samuel 10:6; Jeremiah 12:5.
שֹׁ֥לֵֽף
shâlaph
H8025
"to draw"
V-Qal
This Hebrew verb means to pull or draw something out, like drawing a plant out of the ground. It is used in various contexts, including pulling out a sword or growing up. In the Bible, it appears in descriptions of everyday life and warfare.
Definition: 1) to draw out or off, take off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw out 1a2) to draw off 1a3) to shoot up, draw out (of blade of grass on roof)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: draw (off), grow up, pluck off. See also: Numbers 22:23; Judges 20:46; Psalms 129:6.
חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
Study Notes — Judges 20:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 20:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 20:2
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:2
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 20:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:2
Context — The Decree of the Assembly
1Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out, and the congregation assembled as one man before the LORD at Mizpah.
2The leaders of all the people and all the tribes of Israel presented themselves in the assembly of God’s people: 400,000 men on foot, armed with swords.
3(Meanwhile the Benjamites heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah.) And the Israelites asked, “Tell us, how did this wicked thing happen?” 4So the Levite, the husband of the murdered woman, answered: “I and my concubine came to Gibeah in Benjamin to spend the night.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 8:10 | Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army of about fifteen thousand men—all that were left of the armies of the people of the east. A hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen. |
| 2 | Judges 20:17 | The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior. |
| 3 | Judges 20:15 | On that day the Benjamites mobilized 26,000 swordsmen from their cities, in addition to the 700 select men of Gibeah. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 24:9 | And Joab reported to the king the total number of the troops. In Israel there were 800,000 men of valor who drew the sword, and in Judah there were 500,000. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 3:26 | When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not prevail. |
Judges 20:2 Summary
This verse describes a large gathering of Israelite leaders and men, all armed and ready to take action against the evil that had been committed in Gibeah. The fact that all the tribes were represented shows that the Israelites were united in their purpose, similar to when they gathered in Joshua 1:12-15. Just like in Deuteronomy 13:12-18, where the entire nation was held accountable for the actions of one city, the Israelites here are taking collective responsibility for the sin of the Benjamites. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn about the importance of standing together against evil and taking responsibility for our actions, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:10-18 and Galatians 6:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the assembly of God's people in Judges 20:2?
The assembly was likely a gathering to address the evil that had been committed in Gibeah, as seen in the context of Judges 19 and 20, and to determine a course of action, similar to the gatherings in Joshua 22:12 and 1 Samuel 7:5-6.
How many men were present in the assembly, and what does this number signify?
There were 400,000 men on foot, armed with swords, which signifies a large and prepared army, similar to the one described in 1 Samuel 15:4, indicating the Israelites were ready to take action against the Benjamites.
What does the phrase 'the leaders of all the people and all the tribes of Israel' imply about the unity of the Israelites?
This phrase suggests that the Israelites were united in their purpose, with all tribes represented, much like in Joshua 1:12-15, where the tribes came together to support one another.
How does this gathering relate to the concept of corporate responsibility in the Bible?
The gathering in Judges 20:2 illustrates the concept of corporate responsibility, where the entire nation is held accountable for the actions of one tribe, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:12-18 and Joshua 7:1-26.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the importance of unity and collective action in the face of evil?
- How does the large number of men gathered relate to the concept of 'be strong and courageous' in Joshua 1:9?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of corporate responsibility in my own life and community, considering verses like Leviticus 26:37 and Proverbs 24:23-25?
- What role does leadership play in times of crisis, and how can I, as a leader or follower, respond to evil in my own sphere of influence, as seen in 1 Timothy 4:12 and Hebrews 13:17?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:2
And the chief of all the people,.... The princes of the tribes and heads of families, rulers of thousands, and hundreds, and fifties, and tens; or the "corners" (c), who were like the corner stones
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:2
And the chief of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:2
The chief, Heb. the corners, i.e. the nobles and rulers, which are oft so called, because, like corner-stones, they both unite, and support, and adorn the whole building. Four hundred thousand, or, and four hundred thousand. It is an ellipsis of the particle and, of which examples have been given before: for the chief of the people were not so many; but the common soldiers, and these were all footmen; whereas many of the rulers rode upon horses, or asses, 10:4 12:14. The number is here set down, to show both their zeal and forwardness in punishing such a villany; and the strange blindness of the Benjamites that durst oppose so great and united body; and that the success of battles depends not upon great numbers, seeing this great host was twice defeated by the Benjamites, but wholly upon God’ s blessing. Footmen; for horsemen they had few or none in their armies.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:2
Judges 20:2 And the chief of all the people, [even] of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.Ver. 2. And the chief of all the people.] Heb., The corners of all the people: for the chieftains and rulers bear up the people, and hold them together, as the corner stones do the whole building, which else would soon shatter and fall to ruin. See the like in Zephaniah 3:6. Diodat rendereth it, the cantons. Ut anguli in domo, sunt primates in populo. - Vat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:2
(2) The chief.—The Hebrew word is pinnoth, “corner-stones,” as in 1 Samuel 14:38; Isaiah 19:13. Four hundred thousand.—Hence we learn the interesting fact that in their struggles against the Canaanites the number of the people had been diminished one-third—i.e., to a far greater extent than they had been diminished by the wanderings in the wilderness. For at the census in the first year of the wanderings their numbers were (including 35,400 of Benjamin) 603,550 (Numbers 1:46); and in the census in the last year they were 601,730, excluding the Benjamites, who, unlike the other tribes, had increased in numbers, for they were then 45,600 in number. Footmen.—The Israelites were forbidden to use either chariots or cavalry. (See Notes on Judges 1:19; Judges 4:3.) That drew sword.—Judges 8:10.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 20:2
Verse 2. The chief of all the people] The corners פנות pinnoth; for as the corner-stones are the strength of the walls, so are the chiefs the strength of the people. Hence Christ is called the chief corner-stone. In the assembly of the people of God] The Septuagint translate, And all the tribes of Israel stood up before the face of the Lord, ενεκκλησιᾳτουλαουτουΘεου, in the Church of the people of God. Here was a Church, though there was no priest; for, as Tertullian says, Ubi tres, ecclesia est, licet laici; "Wheresoever three are gathered together in the name of the Lord, there is a Church, although there be none but the laity."
Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:2
2. chiefs] Lit. the word = corner, of a house Job 1:19, or of a city Nehemiah 3:24; Nehemiah 3:31 f.; also a corner-stone Isaiah 28:16, cf. Jeremiah 51:26. As suggestive of support or prominence, the corner could be used in a metaphorical sense; cf. 1 Samuel 14:38, Isaiah 19:13. even of all the tribes] even of is not in the Hebr.; read and all the tribes with LXX. cod. A. presented themselves] took their stand, ready for what might happen; cf. Exodus 19:17, Deuteronomy 31:14, 1 Samuel 17:16. the assembly of the people of God] Only here; usually the assembly of Jehovah or of God, Deuteronomy 23:1-3, Nehemiah 13:1. The number 400,000 is obviously exaggerated; contrast the Song of Deborah, which reckons the warriors of all Israel at 40,000, Judges 5:8. The treatment of history in the narrative of B reflects the ideas of the church-nation of a later day; cf. the impossible figures of P, Exodus 12:37. Moore notes that the Roman army which destroyed Jerusalem in a.d. 70 numbered about 60,000; and the German army which captured Paris in 1870, about 240,000. that drew sword] Cf. Judges 20:15; Judges 20:17; Judges 20:25; Judges 20:35; Judges 20:46, Judges 8:10, 2 Samuel 24:9.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 20:2
The chief - literally, “the corner stones.” (Compare 1 Samuel 14:38.)
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:2
2. Four hundred thousand — On the possibility of collecting so vast a number in a short time, see note on 1 Samuel 11:9.