Judges 20:43
Judges 20:43 in Multiple Translations
They surrounded the Benjamites, pursued them, and easily overtook them in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east.
Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.
They inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trod them down at their resting-place, as far as over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.
And crushing Benjamin down, they went after them, driving them from Nohah as far as the east side of Gibeah.
Chasing after the Benjamites, the Israelites surrounded them, easily overtaking them east of Gibeah.
Thus they compassed the Beniamites about, and chased them at ease, and ouerranne them, euen ouer against Gibeah on the Eastside.
they have compassed the Benjamites — they have pursued them — with ease they have trodden them down till over-against Gibeah, at the sun-rising.
They surrounded the Benjamites, chased them, and trod them down at their resting place, as far as near Gibeah toward the sunrise.
Thus they inclosed the Benjaminites on all sides, and chased them, and trod them down with ease over against Gibeah towards the sun-rising.
And so it was, that they were slain on both sides by the enemies, and there was no rest of their men dying. They fell and were beaten down on the east side of the city Gabaa.
They surrounded some of the men of the tribe of Benjamin, and pursued the others to the area east of Gibeah.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:43
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 20:43 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּתְּר֤וּ
אֶת
בִּנְיָמִן֙
הִרְדִיפֻ֔/הוּ
מְנוּחָ֖ה
הִדְרִיכֻ֑/הוּ
עַ֛ד
נֹ֥כַח
הַ/גִּבְעָ֖ה
מִ/מִּזְרַח
שָֽׁמֶשׁ
כִּתְּר֤וּ
kâthar
H3803
to surround
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בִּנְיָמִן֙
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
N-proper
הִרְדִיפֻ֔/הוּ
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
מְנוּחָ֖ה
mᵉnûwchâh
H4496
resting
N-cs
הִדְרִיכֻ֑/הוּ
dârak
H1869
to tread
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
עַ֛ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
נֹ֥כַח
nôkach
H5227
before
Prep
הַ/גִּבְעָ֖ה
Gibʻâh
H1390
Gibeah
Art | N-proper
מִ/מִּזְרַח
mizrâch
H4217
east
Prep | N-ms
שָֽׁמֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:43
כִּתְּר֤וּ
kâthar
H3803
"to surround"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
To surround something means to enclose or crown it, like when God surrounds his people with protection in Psalm 139:5.
Definition: 1) to surround 1a) (Piel) to surround 1b) (Hiphil) to surround, encircle
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: beset round, compass about, be crowned inclose round, suffer. See also: Judges 20:43; Psalms 142:8; Psalms 22:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
בִּנְיָמִן֙
Binyâmîyn
H1144
"Benjamin"
N-proper
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.
הִרְדִיפֻ֔/הוּ
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
מְנוּחָ֖ה
mᵉnûwchâh
H4496
"resting"
N-cs
This word means a resting place or a state of quietness, like a peaceful home, as described in the Bible. It can also refer to marriage as a source of comfort and rest. Rest is the main idea.
Definition: 1) resting place, rest 1a) resting place 1b) rest, quietness Also means: nu.ach (נוּחַ "rest" H5118)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: comfortable, ease, quiet, rest(-ing place), still. See also: Genesis 49:15; Psalms 116:7; Psalms 23:2.
הִדְרִיכֻ֑/הוּ
dârak
H1869
"to tread"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.
Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.
עַ֛ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
נֹ֥כַח
nôkach
H5227
"before"
Prep
Refers to something being in front of or before something else, often describing location or direction. Used in Deuteronomy to describe the Israelites' position relative to the Promised Land. It can also mean on behalf of someone.
Definition: subst 1) be in front of adv 2) in front of, opposite to, in the sight of, before, to the front, right on prep 3) towards the front of, in front of, on behalf of, as far as in front of Also means: ne.khach (נֵכַח "before" H5226)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, before, direct(-ly), for, right (on). See also: Genesis 25:21; 1 Kings 22:35; Proverbs 4:25.
הַ/גִּבְעָ֖ה
Gibʻâh
H1390
"Gibeah"
Art | N-proper
Gibeah was a city in Palestine, specifically in the region of Benjamin, and was the birthplace of King Saul. The name means hill, and it is mentioned in various KJV translations as Gibeah or the hill.
Definition: § Gibeah = "hill" a city of Benjamin, birthplace of king Saul
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: Gibeah, the hill. See also: Joshua 15:57; Judges 20:36; Isaiah 10:29.
מִ/מִּזְרַח
mizrâch
H4217
"east"
Prep | N-ms
This word means the direction of the sunrise, or east. It is used in the Bible to describe the direction of the sun and the east side of something.
Definition: 1) place of sunrise, east 1a) sunrise, east (with 'sun') 1b) the east (without 'sun') 1b1) to or toward the place of sunrise 1b2) to the east, eastward
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: east (side, -ward), (sun-) rising (of the sun). See also: Exodus 27:13; 1 Kings 7:25; Psalms 50:1.
שָֽׁמֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
Study Notes — Judges 20:43
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 20:43 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:43
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:43
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:43
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:43
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:43
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:43
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 20:43
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:43
Context — Civil War against Benjamin
41Then the men of Israel turned back on them, and the men of Benjamin were terrified when they realized that disaster had come upon them.
42So they fled before the men of Israel toward the wilderness, but the battle overtook them, and the men coming out of the cities struck them down there.
43They surrounded the Benjamites, pursued them, and easily overtook them in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east.
44And 18,000 Benjamites fell, all men of valor. 45Then the Benjamites turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, and Israel cut down 5,000 men on the roads. And they overtook them at Gidom and struck down 2,000 more.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 8:20–22 | When the men of Ai turned and looked back, the smoke of the city was rising into the sky. They could not escape in any direction, and the troops who had fled to the wilderness now became the pursuers. When Joshua and all Israel saw that the men in ambush had captured the city and that smoke was rising from it, they turned around and struck down the men of Ai. Meanwhile, those in the ambush came out of the city against them, and the men of Ai were trapped between the Israelite forces on both sides. So Israel struck them down until no survivor or fugitive remained. |
Judges 20:43 Summary
Judges 20:43 describes a turning point in the battle between the Israelites and the Benjamites, where the Benjamites are easily overtaken and pursued. This event is a consequence of the Benjamites' wicked actions, as seen in the preceding verses, and it highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). The location 'in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east' adds significance to the event, as it is near the hometown of King Saul (1 Samuel 10:26). This story teaches us about the seriousness of sin and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in Romans 6:23 and Psalm 37:3-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the location 'in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east' in Judges 20:43?
The location is significant because Gibeah was the hometown of King Saul, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 10:26, and it holds importance in the history of the Israelites, highlighting the seriousness of the Benjamites' situation as they are being pursued and overtaken near their own city, similar to how God allowed the Philistines to overtake the Israelites in 1 Samuel 4:2.
How does the pursuit of the Benjamites in Judges 20:43 illustrate God's judgment?
The pursuit and overtaking of the Benjamites demonstrate God's judgment on their wickedness, as seen in Judges 19:22-30, where the men of Gibeah committed a heinous act, and now they face the consequences of their actions, similar to the judgment seen in Genesis 19:1-11 and Deuteronomy 28:15-68.
What can we learn from the Benjamites' easy overtaking in Judges 20:43?
The ease with which the Benjamites were overtaken serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, as stated in Proverbs 28:1 and Romans 6:23, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Joshua 1:8.
How does this verse relate to the larger narrative of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger story of God's relationship with His people, Israel, and it illustrates the cycle of sin, judgment, and redemption seen throughout the Bible, from Genesis 3:1-7 to Revelation 20:1-15, highlighting God's justice, mercy, and faithfulness to His covenant people, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7 and Hebrews 13:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the lesson of the Benjamites' pursuit to my own life, recognizing the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience to God?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, as seen in the story of the Benjamites?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of my actions and their potential consequences, considering the example of the Benjamites and the principles found in Galatians 6:7-8 and Proverbs 22:8?
- What does this verse teach me about God's character, and how can I deepen my understanding of His justice, mercy, and faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 89:14 and Lamentations 3:22-23?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:43
Thus they enclosed the Benjaminites round about,.... Surrounded them on all sides, the army of Israel being posted in different places, and people coming out of all the cities to their assistance.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:43
And the LORD smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred men: all these drew the sword. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:43
With ease; without great difficulty. Now that God gave them his presence and assistance, they easily did that which before they found too hard for them. Or, unto Menuchah; or, as far as Menuchah; a place so called. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:43
Judges 20:43 [Thus] they inclosed the Benjamites round about, [and] chased them, [and] trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.Ver. 43. And chased them, and trode them.] These things are recorded, that people may see the woe of war, and take heed of sin, the cause of it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:43
(43) A strong and poetic description of the total rout and massacre which ensued. With ease.—There is no “with” in the Hebrew, but perhaps it may be understood. The LXX. and Luther make it mean “from Noria.” Others render it “in their rest,” i.e., in the places to which they fled for refuge. The Vulg. paraphrases it: “Nor was there any repose of the dying.” But the whole verse is obscure.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:43
43. The unidiomatic style (and … and are not in the original), together with the obscurity of the sense, prove that the text is corrupt. Of the various attempts to emend it, the following is as plausible as any: taking the two Hebr. words for the Benjamites … chased them as a doublet of the next two at their resting place, trode them down, and omitting the latter, we may read they cut down (LXX. cod. B) Benjamin and pursued him as far as over against Geba toward the sunrising. The Gibeah of the text was not E. of the flying Benjamites; as elsewhere it is confused with Geba = Jeba‘, 3 m. N.E. of Tell el-Fûl. Jeba‘ lies on the way to Rammôn; but before the fugitives could reach their place of refuge (Rimmon Judges 20:45), the narrow defile of the Wadi Suwçnît (1 Samuel 14:4 ff.), between Jeba‘ and Machmâs, would stop further pursuit: accordingly over against Geba they were cut down.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 20:43
The language and construction of this verse is poetical; it seems to be an extract from a song, and to describe, in the language of poetry, the same event which the preceding verse described in that of prose.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:43
43. With ease — The Hebrew word thus rendered is better taken as a proper name, Menuchah, as in the margin.