Judges 20:22

Judges 20:22 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But the Israelite army took courage and again took their battle positions in the same place where they had arrayed themselves on the first day.

King James Version KJV

And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day.

American Standard Version ASV

And the people, the men of Israel, encouraged themselves, and set the battle again in array in the place where they set themselves in array the first day.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But the people, the men of Israel, taking heart again, put their forces in order and took up the same position as on the first day.

Free Bible Version FBV

But the Israelites encouraged one another to be confident, and they took up the same positions they had on the first day.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the people, the men of Israel plucked vp their hearts, and set their battel againe in aray in the place where they put them in aray the first day.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the people, the men of Israel, strengthen themselves, and add to set the battle in array in the place where they arranged themselves on the first day.

World English Bible WEB

The people, the men of Israel, encouraged themselves, and set the battle again in array in the place where they set themselves in array the first day.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Again Israel trusting in their strength and their number, set their army in array in the same place, where they had fought before:

Translation for Translators T4T

Late that afternoon, the remaining Israeli men went to the place of worship and cried until the sun set. Then they asked Yahweh, “Should we attack the men of the tribe of Benjamin again, even though they are our fellow Israelis?” Yahweh replied, “Yes, attack them again.” So the Israeli men encouraged each other.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:22

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 20:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּתְחַזֵּ֥ק הָ/עָ֖ם אִ֣ישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַ/יֹּסִ֨פוּ֙ לַ/עֲרֹ֣ךְ מִלְחָמָ֔ה בַּ/מָּק֕וֹם אֲשֶׁר עָ֥רְכוּ שָׁ֖ם בַּ/יּ֥וֹם הָ/רִאשֽׁוֹן

וַ/יִּתְחַזֵּ֥ק châzaq H2388 to strengthen Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

וַ/יֹּסִ֨פוּ֙ yâçaph H3254 to add Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

לַ/עֲרֹ֣ךְ ʻârak H6186 to arrange Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מִלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 battle N-fs

בַּ/מָּק֕וֹם mâqôwm H4725 place Prep | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עָ֥רְכוּ ʻârak H6186 to arrange V-Qal-Perf-3cp

שָׁ֖ם shâm H8033 there Adv

בַּ/יּ֥וֹם yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms

הָ/רִאשֽׁוֹן riʼshôwn H7223 first Art | Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:22

וַ/יִּתְחַזֵּ֥ק châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms

To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with

Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.

הָ/עָ֖ם 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.

אִ֣ישׁ 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.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל 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.

וַ/יֹּסִ֨פוּ֙ yâçaph H3254 "to add" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.

Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.

לַ/עֲרֹ֣ךְ ʻârak H6186 "to arrange" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.

Definition: 1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place 1a2) to compare, be comparable

Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value. See also: Genesis 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Psalms 5:4.

מִלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" N-fs

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.

בַּ/מָּק֕וֹם mâqôwm H4725 "place" Prep | N-ms

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

אֲשֶׁר 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.

עָ֥רְכוּ ʻârak H6186 "to arrange" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.

שָׁ֖ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

בַּ/יּ֥וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

הָ/רִאשֽׁוֹן riʼshôwn H7223 "first" Art | Adj

This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.

Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.

Study Notes — Judges 20:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 20:22 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:22
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:22
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:22
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:22
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:22
Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:22
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:22
Sermons on Judges 20:22

Context — Civil War against Benjamin

20And the men of Israel went out to fight against Benjamin and took up their battle positions at Gibeah. 21And the Benjamites came out of Gibeah and cut down 22,000 Israelites on the battlefield that day.

22But the Israelite army took courage and again took their battle positions in the same place where they had arrayed themselves on the first day.

23They went up and wept before the LORD until evening, inquiring of Him, “Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites?” And the LORD answered, “Go up against them.” 24On the second day the Israelites advanced against the Benjamites.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 64:5	They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say.
2	Judges 20:17	The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.
3	1 Samuel 30:6	And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.
4	Judges 20:15	On that day the Benjamites mobilized 26,000 swordsmen from their cities, in addition to the 700 select men of Gibeah.
5	2 Samuel 11:25	Then David told the messenger, “Say this to Joab: ‘Do not let this matter upset you, for the sword devours one as well as another. Strengthen your attack against the city and demolish it.’ Encourage him with these words.”

Judges 20:22 Summary

This verse shows that even when things seem to be going badly, we can still trust in God and have courage to keep moving forward. The Israelites had just suffered a big loss, but they didn't give up - they took courage and went back to the same battle positions, trusting that God would guide them. This is similar to what we're encouraged to do in Psalm 23:4, where it says 'even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me'. We can learn from their example to trust in God's power and guidance, even when things seem uncertain or difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Israelites return to the same battle positions after suffering a significant loss?

The Israelites took courage and returned to the same battle positions because they were determined to follow God's will, as seen in Judges 20:18, where they inquired of the Lord before the first battle.

What can we learn from the Israelites' decision to take courage and continue fighting?

We can learn that even in the face of adversity, we must trust in God's sovereignty and continue to obey His will, just as the Israelites did, and as encouraged in Psalm 27:14, which says to 'wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart'

How does this verse relate to the concept of perseverance in the Bible?

This verse illustrates the importance of perseverance, as the Israelites did not give up despite their initial defeat, and instead chose to trust in God and continue fighting, which is also encouraged in Galatians 6:9, where it says 'let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up'

What role does faith play in the Israelites' decision to continue fighting?

Faith plays a significant role, as the Israelites trusted in God's power and guidance, even when the outcome seemed uncertain, which is similar to the faith exhibited by the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:1-40

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to take courage and trust in God's sovereignty, just like the Israelites did in this verse?
How can I apply the principle of perseverance in my own life, especially when faced with challenges or setbacks?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of seeking God's will and guidance in my decisions, and how can I apply this to my daily life?
In what ways can I demonstrate courage and faith in the face of adversity, and how can I trust in God's power to overcome them?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:22

And the people, the men of Israel, encouraged themselves,.... That though they had lost a great number of men, yet still their forces were large and greatly superior to those of Benjamin, and above

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:22

And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:22

Encouraged themselves, Heb. strengthened themselves; partly by supporting themselves with the conscience of the justice of their cause, and the hopes of success; and partly by putting themselves in better order for defending themselves, and annoying their enemies. In the place where they put themselves in array the first day; hereby showing their freedom from that heathenish superstition, whereby they might have been apt to have rejected that as an unlucky place. Compare ,28.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:22

Judges 20:22 And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day.Ver. 22. Encouraged themselves.] Not in the Lord their God, as David in a distress did, but in the goodness of their cause, and in the multitude of their men. Thus also did the Tigurines in their fight against the Popish cantons, and were defeated and discomfited by them. In that fight fell that famous man of God, Huldericus Zuinglius. And Oecolampadius in an epistle to the divines of Ulm writeth thus thereupon, Non inter minima bona recenseri merentur humiliatio mentium nostrarum, et fiducia non in brachium carnis sed in Deum ipsum: quae duo electi inde discunt. Two good things we have learned by this late defeat: first to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God; and secondly, not to put confidence any more in the arm of flesh, but in God alone.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:22

(22) Encouraged themselves.—Trusting, as the Vulgate adds, in their courage and numbers.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:22

22. To make sense this and Judges 20:23 should change places. After the men of Israel the Vulgate adds trusting to their prowess and numbers, i.e. it was the presumption of the Israelites which caused their defeat.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:22

22. Encouraged themselves — “They did not seek for courage from God, but they cheered one another with vainglorious vauntings of their own strength, and with confident assurances of victory, and

Sermons on Judges 20:22

	Sermon	Description
	1 Timothy 1:1, 2 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the dignity of an Apostle, emphasizing Paul's humility in being called by the commandment of God as an Apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul's authority as a
	Trusting God Again Like a Child by Francis Chan	Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of trusting God with childlike faith, urging leaders to genuinely love their congregations and seek God's presence in their ministry. He refl
	The Current Economic Situation by David Wilkerson	This sermon addresses the current crisis in the world, emphasizing the fear and uncertainty that many are experiencing due to economic meltdowns and global turmoil. It highlights t
	Are You Holding Hands With Satan or Jesus by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that godly men are often targeted by Satan's attacks. He also highlights that the families of godly men, particularly their children, are al
	(1 Samuel) Bottomed Out and Starting to Rise by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of David and his men returning to their city, Ziklag, only to find it burned and their families taken captive. The speaker emphasiz
	Sixteen Vital Facets of the Bible by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher warns about the dangers of being a backslider and burying God's Word for anything. He emphasizes that even in laughter, the heart of a backslider is so
	First Fruits by Michael Koulianos	Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of 'first fruits' in our spiritual lives, drawing from Romans 11:16 to illustrate that the beginnings of our actions and commitments t