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Judges 5:19

Judges 5:19 in Multiple Translations

Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they took no plunder of silver.

The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.

The kings came and fought; Then fought the kings of Canaan, In Taanach by the waters of Megiddo: They took no gain of money.

The kings came on to the fight, the kings of Canaan were warring; in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo: they took no profit in money.

Kings came and fought, the Canaanite kings fought at Taanach near the waters of Megiddo, but they didn't get any silver plunder.

The Kings came and fought: then fought the Kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo: they receiued no gaine of money.

Kings came — they fought; Then fought kings of Canaan, In Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; Gain of money they took not!

“The kings came and fought, then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo. They took no plunder of silver.

The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Tanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.

The kings came and fought, the kings of Chanaan fought in Thanach by the waters of Mageddo, and yet they took no spoils.

“The kings of Canaan fought us at Taanach, near the springs in Megiddo Valley. But since they did not defeat us, they did not carry away any silver or other treasures from the battle.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 5:19

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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 5:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB בָּ֤אוּ מְלָכִים֙ נִלְחָ֔מוּ אָ֤ז נִלְחֲמוּ֙ מַלְכֵ֣י כְנַ֔עַן בְּ/תַעְנַ֖ךְ עַל מֵ֣י מְגִדּ֑וֹ בֶּ֥צַע כֶּ֖סֶף לֹ֥א לָקָֽחוּ
בָּ֤אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מְלָכִים֙ melek H4428 King's N-mp
נִלְחָ֔מוּ lâcham H3898 to fight V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
אָ֤ז ʼâz H227 then Adv
נִלְחֲמוּ֙ lâcham H3898 to fight V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
מַלְכֵ֣י melek H4428 King's N-mp
כְנַ֔עַן Kᵉnaʻan H3667 Canaan N-proper
בְּ/תַעְנַ֖ךְ Taʻănâk H8590 Taanach Prep | N-proper
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
מֵ֣י mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp
מְגִדּ֑וֹ Mᵉgiddôwn H4023 Megiddo N-proper
בֶּ֥צַע betsaʻ H1215 unjust-gain N-ms
כֶּ֖סֶף keçeph H3701 silver N-ms
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
לָקָֽחוּ lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 5:19

בָּ֤אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מְלָכִים֙ melek H4428 "King's" N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
נִלְחָ֔מוּ lâcham H3898 "to fight" V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
אָ֤ז ʼâz H227 "then" Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
נִלְחֲמוּ֙ lâcham H3898 "to fight" V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
מַלְכֵ֣י melek H4428 "King's" N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
כְנַ֔עַן Kᵉnaʻan H3667 "Canaan" N-proper
Canaan was a son of Ham and the name of the country where he lived, which is now modern-day Israel. The Canaanites were known for being merchants and traders, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.9.18; son of: Ham (H2526); brother of: Cush (H3568), Egypt (H4714) and Put (H6316); father of: Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § merchant, trader
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: Canaan, merchant, traffick. See also: Genesis 9:18; Exodus 6:4; Psalms 105:11.
בְּ/תַעְנַ֖ךְ Taʻănâk H8590 "Taanach" Prep | N-proper
Taanach was an ancient city in Palestine, conquered by Joshua and given to the Levites. It is mentioned in the book of Joshua as a city near the waters of Megiddo.
Definition: Taanach or Tanach = "sandy" an ancient Canaanite city conquered by Joshua and allotted to the half tribe of Manasseh although in the territory of Issachar; given to the Kohathite Levites; located on the west of the Jordan and near the waters of Megiddo Also named: a.ner (עָנֵר "Aner" H6063H)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Taanach, Tanach. See also: Joshua 12:21; Judges 1:27; 1 Chronicles 7:29.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מֵ֣י mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מְגִדּ֑וֹ Mᵉgiddôwn H4023 "Megiddo" N-proper
Megiddo was an important city in ancient Israel, located near Mount Carmel and Nazareth. It is mentioned in the Bible as a place of crowds and is also known as Armageddon, where many battles took place, including the one described in Revelation 16:16.
Definition: Megiddo or Megiddon = "place of crowds" ancient city of Canaan assigned to Manasseh and located on the southern rim of the plain of Esdraelon 6 miles (10 km) from Mount Carmel and 11 miles (18 km) from Nazareth Also named: Armageddōn (Ἀρμαγεδδών "Armageddon" G0717)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Megiddo, Megiddon. See also: Joshua 12:21; 2 Kings 9:27; Zechariah 12:11.
בֶּ֥צַע betsaʻ H1215 "unjust-gain" N-ms
This word describes unjust gain or profit, often acquired through violence or dishonest means, as referred to in the Bible.
Definition: profit, unjust gain, gain (profit) acquired by violence
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: covetousness, (dishonest) gain, lucre, profit. See also: Genesis 37:26; Isaiah 56:11; Psalms 30:10.
כֶּ֖סֶף keçeph H3701 "silver" N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
לָקָֽחוּ lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.

Study Notes — Judges 5:19

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Judges 5:30 ‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoil— a girl or two for each warrior, a plunder of dyed garments for Sisera, the spoil of embroidered garments for the neck of the looter?’
2 Judges 1:27 At that time Manasseh failed to drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo, and their villages; for the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land.
3 1 Kings 4:12 Baana son of Ahilud in Taanach, in Megiddo, and in all of Beth-shean next to Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah and on past Jokmeam;
4 Psalms 44:12 You sell Your people for nothing; no profit do You gain from their sale.
5 Psalms 118:8–12 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
6 Judges 4:13 he summoned all nine hundred of his iron chariots and all the men with him, from Harosheth-hagoyim to the River Kishon.
7 Genesis 14:22 But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,
8 Genesis 4:16 So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
9 Psalms 48:4–6 For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together. They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror. Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor.
10 Joshua 10:22–27 Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me.” So they brought the five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. When they had brought the kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had accompanied him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So the commanders came forward and put their feet on their necks. “Do not be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua said. “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight.” After this, Joshua struck down and killed the kings, and he hung their bodies on five trees and left them there until evening. At sunset Joshua ordered that they be taken down from the trees and thrown into the cave in which they had hidden. Then large stones were placed against the mouth of the cave, and the stones are there to this day.

Judges 5:19 Summary

Judges 5:19 is talking about a big battle where the kings of Canaan fought against the Israelites, but they didn't win because God was on the side of the Israelites. This shows that God is powerful and can give us victory even when things seem impossible (Psalm 24:8). Just like the Israelites trusted in God, we can trust in Him to help us in our own struggles. We can remember that God is always fighting for us, and we can march on in strength, knowing that He will give us the victory (Judges 5:21, Romans 8:37).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the kings of Canaan fighting at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo in Judges 5:19?

The location is significant because it was a major battleground in the ancient world, and the fact that the kings of Canaan fought there but took no plunder of silver suggests that God was fighting against them, as seen in other battles where God gave the Israelites victory (Exodus 14:14, Deuteronomy 20:4).

Why did the kings of Canaan take no plunder of silver?

The kings of Canaan took no plunder of silver because God was on the side of the Israelites, and He fought against their enemies, giving them victory (Judges 5:20, Psalm 24:8).

What is the spiritual significance of the kings of Canaan fighting against the Israelites?

The spiritual significance is that it represents the ongoing battle between good and evil, with God ultimately giving victory to those who trust in Him (Romans 8:37, 2 Corinthians 2:14).

How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Bible?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's redemption of His people, and it points forward to the ultimate victory of God over evil through Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:11-16, Isaiah 25:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I trust in God's power and provision in my own life, even when faced with overwhelming opposition?
  2. What are the 'battles' that I am facing in my life right now, and how can I trust God to give me victory?
  3. How can I remember that God is always fighting for me, even when I don't see immediate results?
  4. What are some ways that I can 'march on' in strength, like the Israelites did after their victory (Judges 5:21)?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 5:19

The kings came,.... Who were with Sisera, as the Targum adds; unless Deborah can be thought to refer to the battle, supposed to be fought about the same place, between Joshua and the kings in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 5:19

The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money. The kings came and fought. This describes the scene of battle, and the issue.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 5:19

The kings; either confederate with him, or subject to him: for it is known that there were divers petty kings in those parts; which also ofttimes were subject to one greater and more potent king; and particularly this Hazor, where this Jabin now reigned, , was beforetime the head of divers petty kingdoms, . Taanach and Megiddo were two eminent cities, belonging indeed to Manasseh, , but seated in the tribe of Issachar, , not far from Mount Tabor, , nor from the river Kishon. They took no gain of money; either, first, From Sisera. They fought without pay, whether from mere hatred of the Israelites, and a desire to be revenged upon them; or from a full hope and confidence of paying themselves abundantly out of Israel’ s spoils. Or, secondly, From the Israelites; so the sense is, They fell, lost all their hopes of money, and rich spoils, and booty, which they assured themselves of; instead of gaining a prey, they lost themselves.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 5:19

Judges 5:19 The kings came [and] fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.Ver. 19. The kings came and fought.] They could combine, but so could not the Israelites. What a shame is it that the great Turk should be heard to say, that he sooner expected that his fingers should be all of one length than that the Christian princes should be all of one mind against him their common enemy. They took no gain of money.] Desiderabile argentum non acceperunt, they served freely without pay, out of their love to the cause, and hopes of making themselves great gainers by the spoils of the Israelites. So George Fransperg, a general in the imperial army, under the conduct of Charles Bourbon, that sacked Rome in the time of Pope Clement VII, carried into Italy thirteen thousand soldiers of Germany, almost all Lutherans, with no other pay but of one crown apiece of his own goods, and a promise to lead them to Rome, where he would hang the Pope, and give them the spoil of the city. Hist. of Council of Trent, 43.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 5:19

(19) The kings.—Comp. Joshua 11:1. Jabin did not stand alone. In Taanach.—See Judges 1:27. The word means “sandy soil.” By the waters of Megiddo.—The affluents of the Kishon, or the swollen waves of the river itself. There is a copious spring at Lejjûn, the ancient Megiddo, which in rainy seasons rapidly turns the plain into a morass (Thomson’s Land and Book. ch. 29). They took no gain of money.—Literally, fragment of silver they did not take. They had doubtless hoped, if not for much actual spoil, at least for ransom from the numerous captives which they expected to win, or from the gain derived by selling them into slavery.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 5:19

Verse 19. The kings came and fought] It is conjectured that Jabin and his confederates had invaded Manasseh, as both Taanach and Megiddo were in that tribe: and that they were discomfited by the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali at Taanach and Megiddo; while Barak defeated Sisera at Mount Tabor. They took no gain of money] They expected much booty in the total rout of the Israelites; but they were defeated, and got no prey; or, if applied to the Israelites, They fought for liberty, not for plunder.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 5:19

19–22. The battle.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 5:19

The Canaanite hosts are now described, led to battle by their numerous kings. (Compare Joshua 12:21.) They took no gain of money - i. e.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 5:19

19. There came kings — Canaanitish kings or princes confederate with Jabin. Compare Joshua 11:1-5. As in Joshua’s time, so now, all these kings combined together to fight with Israel.

Sermons on Judges 5:19

SermonDescription
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - Judges by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the persistent nature of evil habits in our lives, likening them to the Canaanites who resisted being dislodged from the land. He reminds us that as believers
Bakht Singh (God's Sanctuary) 03 Men of His Own Heart 2 by Bakht Singh In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God's help constantly, even in the face of opposition and persecution. He uses the example of David, who learned to
C.H. Spurgeon Trust in God - True Wisdom by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of handling matters wisely in a land full of enemies. He warns that if one does not choose their way carefully, they will fac
Bob Hoekstra Singles Serving the Lord Without Distraction - Part 1 by Bob Hoekstra This sermon emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord without distraction, focusing on seeking an undivided heart and finding completeness in Christ. It delves into the signifi
Chuck Smith This Is the Day by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker discusses the anticipation of the day when God would send his only begotten Son into the world to redeem mankind from sin. The sermon emphasizes the spi
Erlo Stegen Trusting God in Stead of Man by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for the words spoken to be transformed from water into wine, symbolizing a powerful and impactful message. The preacher then discusse
James K. Boswell Studies in Psalm 16:-01 by James K. Boswell In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing how people often use technology without fully understanding how it works. He then shares a story about a doctor who operated on a b

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