Judges 5:12
Judges 5:12 in Multiple Translations
‘Awake, awake, O Deborah! Awake, awake, sing a song! Arise, O Barak, and take hold of your captives, O son of Abinoam!’
Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.
Awake, awake, Deborah; Awake, awake, utter a song: Arise, Barak, and lead away thy captives, thou son of Abinoam.
Awake! awake! Deborah: awake! awake! give a song: Up! Barak, and take prisoner those who took you prisoner, O son of Abinoam.
‘Wake up, Deborah, wake up! Wake up, wake up, sing a song! Get up, Barak! Capture your prisoners, son of Abinoam.’
Vp Deborah, vp, arise, and sing a song: arise Barak, and leade thy captiuitie captiue, thou sonne of Abinoam.
Awake, awake, Deborah; Awake, awake, utter a song; Rise, Barak, and take captive thy captivity, Son of Abinoam.
‘Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, utter a song! Arise, Barak, and lead away your captives, you son of Abinoam.’
Awake, awake, Deborah; awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.
Arise, arise, O Debbora, arise, arise, and utter a canticle. Arise, Barac, and take hold of thy captives, O son of Abinoem.
The people came to my house and shouted, ‘Deborah, wake up! Wake up and start singing!’ They also shouted, ‘Barak, son of Abinoam, get up, and capture our enemies!’
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 5:12
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 5:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עוּרִ֤י
עוּרִי֙
דְּבוֹרָ֔ה
ע֥וּרִי
ע֖וּרִי
דַּבְּרִי
שִׁ֑יר
ק֥וּם
בָּרָ֛ק
וּֽ/שֲׁבֵ֥ה
שֶׁבְיְ/ךָ֖
בֶּן
אֲבִינֹֽעַם
עוּרִ֤י
ʻûwr
H5782
to rouse
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
עוּרִי֙
ʻûwr
H5782
to rouse
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
דְּבוֹרָ֔ה
Dᵉbôwrâh
H1683
Deborah
N-proper
ע֥וּרִי
ʻûwr
H5782
to rouse
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
ע֖וּרִי
ʻûwr
H5782
to rouse
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
דַּבְּרִי
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Impv-2fs
שִׁ֑יר
shîyr
H7892
song
N-cs
ק֥וּם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
בָּרָ֛ק
Bârâq
H1301
Barak
N-proper
וּֽ/שֲׁבֵ֥ה
shâbâh
H7617
to take captive
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
שֶׁבְיְ/ךָ֖
shᵉbîy
H7628
captivity
N-cs | Suff
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֲבִינֹֽעַם
ʼĂbîynôʻam
H42
Abinoam
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 5:12
עוּרִ֤י
ʻûwr
H5782
"to rouse"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To rouse means to wake up or stir someone into action. It can also mean to be excited or triumphant, and is used in the Bible to describe God stirring up his people. This word is about being awakened or energized.
Definition: 1) to rouse oneself, awake, awaken, incite 1a) (Qal) to rouse oneself, awake 1b) (Niphal) to be roused 1c) (Polel) to stir up, rouse, incite 1d) (Hithpolel) to be excited, be triumphant 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to rouse, stir up 1e2) to act in an aroused manner, awake
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self). See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalms 7:7.
עוּרִי֙
ʻûwr
H5782
"to rouse"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To rouse means to wake up or stir someone into action. It can also mean to be excited or triumphant, and is used in the Bible to describe God stirring up his people. This word is about being awakened or energized.
Definition: 1) to rouse oneself, awake, awaken, incite 1a) (Qal) to rouse oneself, awake 1b) (Niphal) to be roused 1c) (Polel) to stir up, rouse, incite 1d) (Hithpolel) to be excited, be triumphant 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to rouse, stir up 1e2) to act in an aroused manner, awake
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self). See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalms 7:7.
דְּבוֹרָ֔ה
Dᵉbôwrâh
H1683
"Deborah"
N-proper
Deborah was a prophetess and judge in the Bible, known for her wisdom and leadership, as told in the book of Judges, chapters 4 and 5.
Definition: A woman living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.4.4; married to Lappidoth (H3941) § Deborah = "bee" 1) the nurse of Rebekah who accompanied her from the house of Bethuel 2) a prophetess who judged Israel
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Deborah. See also: Genesis 35:8; Judges 4:14; Judges 5:15.
ע֥וּרִי
ʻûwr
H5782
"to rouse"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To rouse means to wake up or stir someone into action. It can also mean to be excited or triumphant, and is used in the Bible to describe God stirring up his people. This word is about being awakened or energized.
Definition: 1) to rouse oneself, awake, awaken, incite 1a) (Qal) to rouse oneself, awake 1b) (Niphal) to be roused 1c) (Polel) to stir up, rouse, incite 1d) (Hithpolel) to be excited, be triumphant 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to rouse, stir up 1e2) to act in an aroused manner, awake
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self). See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalms 7:7.
ע֖וּרִי
ʻûwr
H5782
"to rouse"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To rouse means to wake up or stir someone into action. It can also mean to be excited or triumphant, and is used in the Bible to describe God stirring up his people. This word is about being awakened or energized.
Definition: 1) to rouse oneself, awake, awaken, incite 1a) (Qal) to rouse oneself, awake 1b) (Niphal) to be roused 1c) (Polel) to stir up, rouse, incite 1d) (Hithpolel) to be excited, be triumphant 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to rouse, stir up 1e2) to act in an aroused manner, awake
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self). See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalms 7:7.
דַּבְּרִי
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Impv-2fs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
שִׁ֑יר
shîyr
H7892
"song"
N-cs
This word refers to a song or singing, and it is used in the Bible to describe musical expressions of praise and worship, like the songs of David in the book of Psalms. It can also be used to describe a specific song or ode.
Definition: 1) song 1a) lyric song 1b) religious song 1c) song of Levitical choirs Also means: shi.rah (שִׁירָה "song" H7892B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: musical(-ick), [idiom] sing(-er, -ing), song. See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 76:1; Psalms 18:1.
ק֥וּם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
בָּרָ֛ק
Bârâq
H1301
"Barak"
N-proper
Barak means lightning, a man who delivered Israel from the Canaanites with Deborah's help, as told in Judges 4.6. He was the son of Abinoam of Kedesh. Barak's story shows God's power through faithful leaders.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.4.6; son of: Abinoam (H0042) § Barak = "lightning" or "lightning flash" son of Abinoam of Kedesh who, incited by Deborah, a prophetess of Ephraim, delivered the Israelites from the yoke of Jabin by routing the Canaanites in the plain of Jezreel
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Barak. See also: Judges 4:6; Judges 4:15; Judges 5:15.
וּֽ/שֲׁבֵ֥ה
shâbâh
H7617
"to take captive"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to take someone captive, like a prisoner of war. It involves transporting people away from their homes, often as a result of conflict or battle. The Bible uses it to describe the experiences of the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to take captive 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take captive 1a2) captive (participle) 1a3) to lead captive 1b) (Niphal) to be taken captive
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (bring away, carry, carry away, lead, lead away, take) captive(-s), drive (take) away. See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Chronicles 6:38; Psalms 68:19.
שֶׁבְיְ/ךָ֖
shᵉbîy
H7628
"captivity"
N-cs | Suff
This word describes someone who has been captured or taken away, like the Israelites who were exiled to Babylon. It can also refer to the act of taking someone or something away, or to the state of being a captive.
Definition: 1) captivity, captives 1a) (state of) captivity 1b) (act of) capture 1c) captives
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: captive(-ity), prisoners, [idiom] take away, that was taken. See also: Exodus 12:29; Isaiah 49:24; Psalms 68:19.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֲבִינֹֽעַם
ʼĂbîynôʻam
H42
"Abinoam"
N-proper
Abinoam was an Israelite and the father of Barak, a judge in Israel. He is mentioned in the book of Judges as the parent of a prominent figure. Abinoam's name means 'my father is delight'.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.4.6; father of: Barak (H1301) § Abinoam = "my father is delight" father of Barak, descendant of Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Abinoam. See also: Judges 4:6; Judges 5:1; Judges 5:12.
Study Notes — Judges 5:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 5:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 5:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 5:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 5:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 5:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 5:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 5:12
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 5:12
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 5:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 5:12
- Sermons on Judges 5:12
Context — The Song of Deborah and Barak
10You who ride white donkeys, who sit on saddle blankets, and you who travel the road, ponder
11the voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates:
12‘Awake, awake, O Deborah! Awake, awake, sing a song! Arise, O Barak, and take hold of your captives, O son of Abinoam!’
13Then the survivors came down to the nobles; the people of the LORD came down to me against the mighty. 14Some came from Ephraim, with their roots in Amalek; Benjamin came with your people after you. The commanders came down from Machir, the bearers of the marshal’s staff from Zebulun.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 4:8 | This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.” |
| 2 | Psalms 68:18 | You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there. |
| 3 | Psalms 57:8 | Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. |
| 4 | 2 Timothy 2:26 | Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will. |
| 5 | Ephesians 5:14 | So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 31:26 | At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been most pleasant to me. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 15:34 | Sober up as you ought, and stop sinning; for some of you are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame. |
| 8 | Isaiah 51:9 | Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD. Wake up as in days past, as in generations of old. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced through the dragon? |
| 9 | Isaiah 33:1 | Woe to you, O destroyer never destroyed, O traitor never betrayed! When you have finished destroying, you will be destroyed. When you have finished betraying, you will be betrayed. |
| 10 | Isaiah 51:17 | Awake, awake! Rise up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of His fury; you who have drained the goblet to the dregs— the cup that makes men stagger. |
Judges 5:12 Summary
[Judges 5:12 is a call to action and celebration, urging Deborah to sing a song of praise and Barak to take hold of his captives, symbolizing victory and freedom. This verse reminds us that, like Deborah and Barak, we can trust in God's power and provision to overcome any challenge, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 40:31. As we reflect on this verse, we are encouraged to be alert and aware of God's presence in our lives, and to trust in His goodness and love, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is being called to awake and sing in Judges 5:12?
Deborah is being called to awake and sing, as she is a prophetess and leader in Israel, as seen in Judges 4:4, and Barak is called to take hold of his captives, indicating a victorious moment in their battle against the Canaanites, as supported by Deuteronomy 20:1-4.
What is the significance of the repetition of 'awake, awake' in this verse?
The repetition of 'awake, awake' emphasizes the urgency and importance of the moment, similar to how Isaiah 51:9 encourages God's people to awaken and trust in His power, and also seen in Romans 13:11 where believers are called to be awake and alert in their spiritual walk.
Why is Barak called the 'son of Abinoam' in this verse?
Barak is called the 'son of Abinoam' to identify his lineage and emphasize his role as a leader, similar to how Jesus is referred to as the 'son of David' in Matthew 1:1, highlighting his ancestral heritage and divine purpose.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger song of praise and victory in Judges 5, which celebrates the defeat of the Canaanites and the heroic actions of Deborah and Barak, as seen in Judges 5:1-31, and is reminiscent of other biblical songs of praise like Exodus 15:1-21 and Psalm 136:1-26.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'awake' and be more alert to God's presence and guidance?
- How can I, like Deborah, use my gifts and talents to serve and lead others in a way that honors God?
- What are some 'captive' areas in my life that I need to take hold of and trust God to set free, as Barak did in this verse?
- In what ways can I, like the people of Israel in this chapter, recounted the righteous acts of the Lord and celebrate His victories in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 5:12
Awake, awake, Deborah, awake, awake, utter a song, c] Either perceiving some languor and remissness in her spirits, while she was delivering this song, and therefore arouses herself to attend to this
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 5:12
Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 5:12
Awake, awake; stir up thyself and all that is within thee to admire and praise the Lord. Lead thy captivity captive: how could this be done when there was none of them left? . Answ. 1. None were left to make head against them. 2. None is oft put for few, and those few might be taken after the battle, and carried captive, and led in triumph, and afterward slain.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 5:12
Judges 5:12 Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam. Ver. 12. Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake.] As the cock clapping first his own sides awakeneth himself, and then calleth up others; so doth Deborah here, and finding haply some indisposition to this duty of praising God, she setteth the thorn to the breast, with the nightingale. Her good soul was unsatisfiable; and, like an earthly angel, she sings perpetual hallelujahs, stirring up others to do the like.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 5:12
(12) Awake, awake, Deborah.—The prophetess rouses herself in this verse—which forms an introduction to the second section of the song—to describe the loyalty of the tribes and the grandeur of the victory. Lead thy captivity captive.—Lead in triumph thy long train of captives. For the expression, comp. Revelation 13:10.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 5:12
Verse 12. Lead thy captivity captive] Make those captives who have formerly captivated us.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 5:12
12. The real subject of the Song, introduced by the previous verses, begins here. Part II, Judges 5:12-22, describes the muster and the battle. Like Part I it consists of three stanzas; like Part III (which has two longer stanzas) it starts with a short prelude, Judges 5:12 cf. Judges 5:23. Awake, awake, Deborah] We are transported to the time before the outbreak of the war; the poet calls upon Deborah to rouse herself and summon the tribes. utter a song] lit. ‘speak a song’ (an unusual expression), not the present song of praise for victory won, but the war-song which stirred up the clans for battle, and promised them success (cf. Judges 4:6-7; Judges 4:14). Arise, Barak] as the recognized military leader. A slight change of pronunciation gives the improved rendering take prisoner those who took thee prisoner, cf. 1 Kings 8:48, Isaiah 14:2; this is the proper meaning of the word, rather than ‘lead captives in a triumph,’ cf. Numbers 21:1; Deuteronomy 21:10; Psalms 68:18.
Barak himself had suffered at the enemy’s hands; like Gideon (Judges 8:18), he had wrongs of his own to avenge. The LXX. cod. A, however, suggests a better form of the original text than that which lies before us; eliminating doublets we obtain the following: Rouse thee, rouse thee, Debôrah; arouse the myriads of the people: in thy strength arise, Barak, capture thy captors, son of Abinôam. We thus have a four lined verse, which is much wanted (cf. Judges 5:23), and we get rid of speak a song. The second line of the present text is readily explained as a corruption of the first. 13–15a. The muster.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 5:12
Deborah incites Barak to carry off as his prey the captive Canaanites and their sheep and cattle (their “captivity”).
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 5:12
12. Awake, awake — Having in the previous verses sung of the sublime coming of Jehovah from Sinai to deliver the nation from its fallen state, and having called on all classes to join her in the
Sermons on Judges 5:12
| Sermon | Description | |
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(1 Peter - Part 29): False Teaching on Obscure Teaching by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of salvation and the role of baptism in it. He emphasizes that very few people were saved in the past, highlighting the importanc |
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Baptism of the Spirit by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from history and not repeating the mistakes of the past. He highlights the 400 years of captivity that the Israel |
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(Spiritual Gifts): Gifts of the Spirit 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of music in the worship of God. He highlights instances in the Bible where music played a significant role, such as during th |
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(Gospel in the Book of Esther) 3. Haman Hanged on His Gallows by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the purpose of Jesus' crucifixion and the role of Satan in trying to thwart God's plan. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus willingly went to |
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a.w. Tozer Reading Poetry by A.W. Tozer | The sermon transcript is a prayer-like invocation to God, asking for His guidance and power. The speaker asks for strength to overcome sin and to spread the message of salvation. T |
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Word of Reconciliation by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the challenges and uncertainties that Christians face in life. He emphasizes that despite the difficulties, the best is yet to come for bel |
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The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Jesus as a prophet and a supreme example of God's sovereignty. The purpose of Jesus' life was to rebuke and show what God r |