Judges 3:25
Judges 3:25 in Multiple Translations
So they waited until they became worried and saw that he had still not opened the doors of the upper room. Then they took the key and opened the doors—and there was their lord lying dead on the floor.
And they tarried till they were ashamed: and, behold, he opened not the doors of the parlour; therefore they took a key, and opened them: and, behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth.
And they tarried till they were ashamed; and, behold, he opened not the doors of the upper room: therefore they took the key, and opened them; and, behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth.
And they went on waiting till they were shamed, but the doors were still shut; so they took the key, and, opening them, saw their lord stretched out dead on the floor.
So they waited until they couldn't stand it any more, and since he still hadn't opened the doors of the room, they went and found the key and opened the doors. There was their lord, lying dead on the floor.
And they taryed till they were ashamed: and seeing he opened not the doores of the parler, they tooke the key, and opened them, and behold, their lord was fallen dead on the earth.
And they stay till confounded, and lo, he is not opening the doors of the upper chamber, and they take the key, and open, and lo, their lord is fallen to the earth — dead.
They waited until they were ashamed; and behold, he didn’t open the doors of the upper room. Therefore they took the key and opened them, and behold, their lord had fallen down dead on the floor.
And they tarried till they were ashamed: and behold, he opened not the doors of the parlor, therefore they took a key and opened them : and behold, their lord lay dead on the earth.
And waiting a long time till they were ashamed, and seeing that no man opened the door, they took a key: and opening, they found their lord lying dead on the ground.
So they waited, but when the king did not open the doors of the room, after a while they were worried. They got a key and unlocked the doors. And they saw that their king was lying on the floor, dead.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 3:25
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 3:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּחִ֣ילוּ
עַד
בּ֔וֹשׁ
וְ/הְנֵּ֛ה
אֵינֶ֥/נּוּ
פֹתֵ֖חַ
דַּלְת֣וֹת
הָֽ/עֲלִיָּ֑ה
וַ/יִּקְח֤וּ
אֶת
הַ/מַּפְתֵּ֨חַ֙
וַ/יִּפְתָּ֔חוּ
וְ/הִנֵּה֙
אֲדֹ֣נֵי/הֶ֔ם
נֹפֵ֥ל
אַ֖רְצָ/ה
מֵֽת
וַ/יָּחִ֣ילוּ
chûwl
H2342
to twist
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
בּ֔וֹשׁ
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Qal-Inf-a
וְ/הְנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
אֵינֶ֥/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
פֹתֵ֖חַ
pâthach
H6605
to open
V-Qal
דַּלְת֣וֹת
deleth
H1817
door
N-fp
הָֽ/עֲלִיָּ֑ה
ʻălîyâh
H5944
upper room
Art | N-fs
וַ/יִּקְח֤וּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מַּפְתֵּ֨חַ֙
maphtêach
H4668
key
Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּפְתָּ֔חוּ
pâthach
H6605
to open
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וְ/הִנֵּה֙
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
אֲדֹ֣נֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-mp | Suff
נֹפֵ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal
אַ֖רְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
מֵֽת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 3:25
וַ/יָּחִ֣ילוּ
chûwl
H2342
"to twist"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
עַד
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.
בּ֔וֹשׁ
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Qal-Inf-a
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
וְ/הְנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אֵינֶ֥/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
פֹתֵ֖חַ
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
V-Qal
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
דַּלְת֣וֹת
deleth
H1817
"door"
N-fp
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
הָֽ/עֲלִיָּ֑ה
ʻălîyâh
H5944
"upper room"
Art | N-fs
This word refers to an upper room or a lofty place, like a stairway or a roof chamber. In 2 Kings 4:10, it describes a special room built for the prophet Elisha, showing hospitality to him. It can also symbolize a place of spiritual elevation.
Definition: roof-room, roof chamber
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: ascent, (upper) chamber, going up, loft, parlour. See also: Judges 3:20; 2 Kings 23:12; Psalms 104:3.
וַ/יִּקְח֤וּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
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.
הַ/מַּפְתֵּ֨חַ֙
maphtêach
H4668
"key"
Art | N-ms
This word means a key or an opening instrument, used to unlock or open something. In the Bible, it is used to describe a physical key.
Definition: key, opening instrument
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: key. See also: Judges 3:25; Isaiah 22:22.
וַ/יִּפְתָּ֔חוּ
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
וְ/הִנֵּה֙
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אֲדֹ֣נֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
נֹפֵ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
אַ֖רְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מֵֽת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Judges 3:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Judges 3:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 3:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 3:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 3:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 3:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 3:25
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 3:25
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 3:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 3:25
Context — Ehud
23Then Ehud went out through the porch, closing and locking the doors of the upper room behind him.
24After Ehud was gone, Eglon’s servants came in and found the doors of the upper room locked. “He must be relieving himself in the cool room,” they said.
25So they waited until they became worried and saw that he had still not opened the doors of the upper room. Then they took the key and opened the doors—and there was their lord lying dead on the floor.
26Ehud, however, had escaped while the servants waited. He passed by the idols and escaped to Seirah. 27On arriving in Seirah, he blew the ram’s horn throughout the hill country of Ephraim. The Israelites came down with him from the hills, and he became their leader.Judges 3:25 Summary
This verse, Judges 3:25, shows how Eglon's servants waited and became worried when he didn't come out of the upper room, only to find him dead on the floor. It highlights the unexpected turn of events and how God can use even the actions of unbelievers to fulfill His plans, as seen in Isaiah 46:10. The story reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when things don't make sense, and to be patient and wait on Him, as encouraged in Psalm 27:14. By doing so, we can see God's plan unfold, just like the Israelites did when Ehud led them to victory, as described in Judges 3:27.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Eglon's servants wait so long to check on him?
The servants waited because they thought Eglon was relieving himself in the cool room, as they said in Judges 3:24, and they didn't want to disturb him, showing the private nature of the upper room.
What can we learn from the servants' delay in checking on Eglon?
The delay shows how God can use the actions and misunderstandings of others to fulfill His plans, as seen in Judges 3:25, and reminds us to trust in His sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 19:21.
How did Ehud manage to escape undetected?
Ehud escaped while the servants waited, as stated in Judges 3:26, indicating that he took advantage of the delay to make his getaway, possibly due to his knowledge of the area and God's providence, as seen in Psalm 37:23-24.
What is the significance of the upper room in this story?
The upper room served as a private chamber for Eglon, and its locked doors created an opportunity for Ehud to carry out his plan, as described in Judges 3:23-25, highlighting the importance of the setting in the fulfillment of God's purposes, as also seen in Acts 1:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- How do I trust in God's sovereignty when circumstances seem to be delaying or hindering my plans, and what can I learn from the example of Ehud in Judges 3:25?
- In what ways can I, like Ehud, use the resources and opportunities available to me to fulfill God's purposes, as described in Judges 3:23-27?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to wait patiently, like the servants in Judges 3:25, and trust that God is working everything out for my good, as stated in Romans 8:28?
- How can I, like the Israelites in Judges 3:27, respond to God's call to action and leadership, and what role can I play in His larger plan, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 3:25
And they tarried until they were ashamed,.... And knew not what to think of it, or what methods to take to be satisfied of the truth of the matter, and what should be the meaning of the doors being
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 3:25
When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 3:25
Ashamed, or, confounded, not knowing what to say or think; lest they should either disturb him, or be guilty of neglect towards him. A key; another key, it being usual in princes’ courts to have divers keys for the same door.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 3:25
Judges 3:25 And they tarried till they were ashamed: and, behold, he opened not the doors of the parlour; therefore they took a key, and opened [them]: and, behold, their lord [was] fallen down dead on the earth.Ver. 25. And they tarried till they were ashamed,] viz., Of their long staying, and not looking after their lord. And, behold, their lord was fallen down dead.] “ Ad generum Cereris sine caede et sanguine pauci Descendunt reges, et sicca morte tyranni. ” God, when he hath chastised his children, doth many times cast the rod into the fire: witness the persecutors in all ages, many of whom came to untimely ends. Most of the Caesars, till Constantine, got nothing by their adoption or designation, nisi ut citius interficerentur, but to be the sooner slain.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 3:25
(25) Tarried till they were ashamed.—See 2 Kings 2:17; 2 Kings 8:11. It is a dangerous matter to intrude on the privacy of an Oriental king. A key.—Literally, the opener. The ancient key was simply a bar of wood, hooked at the end, which passed through a hole in the door and caught the bolt inside. Their lord was fallen down dead.—Comp. Judges 4:22.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 3:25
25. till they were ashamed] Cf. 2 Kings 2:17; 2 Kings 8:11; an idiom expressive of surprise and perplexity. the key, and opened them] The lock or bolt was constructed most likely in the same fashion as the wooden locks still used in Palestine; the bolt is shot by hand, the key is used only for unlocking. was fallen down dead] Cf. Judges 4:22; Jdt 14:14 f.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 3:25
A key - literally, “an opener.” Probably a wooden instrument with which they either lifted up the latch within, or drew back the wooden bar or bolt.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 3:25
25. Took a key — See on Judges 3:23. Dead on the earth — That is, on the floor of his chamber.