Judges 6:16
Judges 6:16 in Multiple Translations
“Surely I will be with you,” the LORD replied, “and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man.”
And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
And Jehovah said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
Then the Lord said to him, Truly, I will be with you, and you will overcome the Midianites as if they were one man.
“I will be with you,” the Lord told him. “You will defeat the Midianites as if they were just one man.”
Then the Lord sayd vnto him, I wil therefore be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites, as one man.
And Jehovah saith unto him, 'Because I am with thee — thou hast smitten the Midianites as one man.'
The LORD said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”
And the LORD said to him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
And the Lord said to him: I will be with thee: and thou shalt cut off Madian as one man.
Yahweh said to him, “I will help you. So you will defeat the army of Midian as easily as if you were fighting only one man!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 6:16
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 6:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אֵלָי/ו֙
יְהוָ֔ה
כִּ֥י
אֶהְיֶ֖ה
עִמָּ֑/ךְ
וְ/הִכִּיתָ֥
אֶת
מִדְיָ֖ן
כְּ/אִ֥ישׁ
אֶחָֽד
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
עִמָּ֑/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
וְ/הִכִּיתָ֥
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִדְיָ֖ן
Midyân
H4080
Midian
N-proper
כְּ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
אֶחָֽד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 6:16
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֶהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עִמָּ֑/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
וְ/הִכִּיתָ֥
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
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.
מִדְיָ֖ן
Midyân
H4080
"Midian"
N-proper
Refers to Midian, a son of Abraham, his country, and descendants, known for being a tribe that lived in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula.
Definition: § Midian or Midianite = "strife" the tribe descended from Midian inhabitant of the territory of the tribe descended from Midian; located principally in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula; land to which Moses went when he fled from Pharaoh
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: Midian, Midianite. See also: Genesis 25:2; Judges 7:1; Psalms 83:10.
כְּ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | 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.
אֶחָֽד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
Study Notes — Judges 6:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 6:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 6:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 6:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 6:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 6:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 6:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 6:16
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 6:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 6:16
- Sermons on Judges 6:16
Context — The Call of Gideon
14The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Am I not sending you?”
15“Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.”
16“Surely I will be with you,” the LORD replied, “and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man.”
17Gideon answered, “If I have found favor in Your sight, give me a sign that it is You speaking with me. 18Please do not depart from this place until I return to You. Let me bring my offering and set it before You.” And the LORD said, “I will stay until you return.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 1:5 | No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. |
| 2 | Exodus 3:12 | “I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.” |
| 3 | Acts 11:21 | The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. |
| 4 | Mark 16:20 | And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it. |
| 5 | Isaiah 41:10 | Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. |
| 6 | Isaiah 41:14–16 | Do not fear, O worm of Jacob, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. You will winnow them, and a wind will carry them away; a gale will scatter them. But you will rejoice in the LORD; you will glory in the Holy One of Israel. |
| 7 | Matthew 28:20 | and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” |
| 8 | Judges 6:12 | And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” |
Judges 6:16 Summary
This verse is a promise from God to Gideon that He will be with him and help him defeat the Midianites. It means that even when we feel weak or overwhelmed, God can give us the strength and power we need to succeed, just like He did for Gideon. As it says in Deuteronomy 31:6, God will never leave or forsake us, and with His help, we can overcome any challenge. By trusting in God's presence and power, we can have the courage to face our own battles and trust Him for the victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Lord to be with someone?
When the Lord says He will be with someone, it means He will provide guidance, protection, and empowerment, as seen in Judges 6:16 and also in Genesis 28:15 and Exodus 3:12.
How can one person defeat an entire army?
With God's presence and power, as promised in Judges 6:16, even the most unlikely person can achieve great things, just like David defeating Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45-51.
Is this promise only for Gideon or can others apply it to their lives?
While the promise in Judges 6:16 is specifically for Gideon, the principle of God's presence and enablement is available to all believers, as seen in Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5.
What does it mean to strike down the Midianites as one man?
It means that with God's help, Gideon will be able to defeat the Midianites with ease, as if they were a single opponent, not a large army, highlighting God's power and Gideon's faith, similar to the victories in Joshua 10:10-14.
Reflection Questions
- How does the promise of God's presence in my life give me courage to face challenges?
- In what ways can I trust God to empower me to accomplish tasks that seem impossible?
- What are the Midianites in my life that I need God's help to overcome?
- How can I, like Gideon, ask for signs or confirmation from God before taking a step of faith?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 6:16
And the Lord said unto him, surely I will be with thee,.... The Targum is, "my Word shall be thy help,'' which was sufficient to answer all objections taken from his meanness, unworthiness, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 6:16
And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 6:16
As easily as if they were all but one man; or, thou shalt destroy them to a man, as he did, Jude 8.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 6:16
Judges 6:16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.Ver. 16. Surely I will be with thee.] I who, of myself, am a whole army. As one man.] So easy it is with God to deal with huge multitudes of people, when he once taketh them to do.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 6:16
(16) I will be with thee.—See Exodus 3:12; Joshua 1:5. Smite the Midianites as one man.—See Chap’ 19 1:8; Numbers 14:15.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 6:16
Verse 16. Thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.] Thou shalt as surely conquer all their host as if thou hadst but one man to contend with; or, Thou shalt destroy them to a man.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 6:16
16. Surely I will be with thee] The same words as in Exodus 3:12 E. The LXX reads ‘And the Angel of the Lord said unto him, The Lord will be with thee’; hence Moore and Budde emend ‘and he said, Jehovah will be with thee.’ If the text be allowed to stand, we must suppose that the narrator is thinking of the reader, who knows the secret, rather than of Gideon, who is still in ignorance.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 6:16
16. As one man — As if all the Midianitish host was a single individual, and he were executed at a stroke.
Sermons on Judges 6:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Judges 1-7 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Judges in the Bible. He highlights the recurring pattern of the Israelites turning away from God and falling into oppression, onl |
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A Sure Thing by Walter Wilson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a book called "Yes, It's Then Forever" by Henry Bicker Stepp, which is an allegory about the author's death and his encounter with Jesus. The |
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Learn to Stand Up and Fight on Your Own by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of learning to fight our own battles, rather than relying solely on others for deliverance. He draws parallels with Gideon, who, despite Go |
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Four Wonderful Discoveries by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the providence of God and how He prepares and guides His people. He emphasizes that if God has led someone to a particular church or ministry, |
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A Call to Endurance, Part I by David Roper | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a terrifying experience where a group of high school students went to the plaza to talk to people. He notices one boy reading a passage from Jo |
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Genesis #19 Ch. 29:31 - Ch. 31:14 the Sons of Israel by Chuck Missler | In this 19th study in the book of Genesis, Chuck Misler discusses Genesis chapter 29, verse 31, through chapter 31, verse 14. He begins by sharing an anecdote about meeting Malcolm |
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A Cure for Carnality - a Call to Be Steadfast - Part 2 by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the primary mission of pastor teachers is emphasized, which is to prepare God's people for works of service and to build up the body of Christ. The speaker highligh |