Judges 6:38
Judges 6:38 in Multiple Translations
And that is what happened. When Gideon arose the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water.
And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
And it was so; for he rose up early on the morrow, and pressed the fleece together, and wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlful of water.
And it was so: for he got up early on the morning after, and twisting the wool in his hands, he got a basin full of water from the dew on the wool.
That's what happened. When Gideon got up early the next morning, he pressed on the fleece and squeezed out the dew, enough water to fill a bowl.
And so it was: for he rose vp earely on the morow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, and filled a bowle of water.
and it is so, and he riseth early on the morrow, and presseth the fleece, and wringeth dew out of the fleece — the fulness of the bowl, of water.
It was so; for he rose up early on the next day, and pressed the fleece together, and wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
And it was so: for he rose early on the morrow, and pressed the fleece, and wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowl-full of water.
And it was so. And rising before day wringing the fleece, he filled a vessel with the dew.
And that is what happened. When Gideon got up the next morning, he picked up the fleece, and squeezed out a whole bowlful of water!
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 6:38
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 6:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִי
כֵ֕ן
וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּם֙
מִֽ/מָּחֳרָ֔ת
וַ/יָּ֖זַר
אֶת
הַ/גִּזָּ֑ה
וַ/יִּ֤מֶץ
טַל֙
מִן
הַ/גִּזָּ֔ה
מְל֥וֹא
הַ/סֵּ֖פֶל
מָֽיִם
וַ/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כֵ֕ן
kên
H3651
right
Adv
וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּם֙
shâkam
H7925
to rise
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִֽ/מָּחֳרָ֔ת
mochŏrâth
H4283
morrow
Prep | N-fs
וַ/יָּ֖זַר
zûwr
H2115
to crush
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/גִּזָּ֑ה
gâzzah
H1492
fleece
Art | N-fs
וַ/יִּ֤מֶץ
mâtsâh
H4680
to drain
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
טַל֙
ṭal
H2919
dew
N-ms
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/גִּזָּ֔ה
gâzzah
H1492
fleece
Art | N-fs
מְל֥וֹא
mᵉlôʼ
H4393
fullness
N-ms
הַ/סֵּ֖פֶל
çêphel
H5602
bowl
Art | N-ms
מָֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 6:38
וַ/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
כֵ֕ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּם֙
shâkam
H7925
"to rise"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to rise or start early, like loading up a burden. It is used in Genesis to describe early morning activities.
Definition: 1) to rise or start early 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to rise early, make an early start 1a2) early (as adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (arise, be up, get (oneself) up, rise up) early (betimes), morning. See also: Genesis 19:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 127:2.
מִֽ/מָּחֳרָ֔ת
mochŏrâth
H4283
"morrow"
Prep | N-fs
This word means tomorrow or the next day, referring to a future time. It appears in several places in the Bible, including Genesis 30:33 and Exodus 16:23, where it is used to make promises or give instructions for the next day.
Definition: the morrow, the day after
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: morrow, next day. See also: Genesis 19:34; Judges 6:38; Jeremiah 20:3.
וַ/יָּ֖זַר
zûwr
H2115
"to crush"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to press or crush something, like when the Israelites were oppressed by the Egyptians in Exodus 1. It can also mean to close up or squeeze, like when a wound is closed, as described in the story of the wounded man in Luke 10.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to press, squeeze, crush, press down and out 1a) to close up (of a wound)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: close, rush, thrust together. See also: Judges 6:38; Job 39:15; Isaiah 1:6.
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/גִּזָּ֑ה
gâzzah
H1492
"fleece"
Art | N-fs
This word refers to a fleece, like the one Gideon used to test God's will in Judges 6. It's a simple, everyday term for a common object. The KJV Bible translates it as 'fleece'.
Definition: fleece
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: fleece. See also: Judges 6:37; Judges 6:39; Judges 6:40.
וַ/יִּ֤מֶץ
mâtsâh
H4680
"to drain"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To drain or suck out something, like water from a container, as seen in the instructions for the Passover in Exodus 12:15. It involves removing liquid from a source.
Definition: 1) to drain, drain out 1a) (Qal) to drain, drain out 1b) (Niphal) to be drained out
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: suck, wring (out). See also: Leviticus 1:15; Psalms 73:10; Psalms 75:9.
טַל֙
ṭal
H2919
"dew"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means dew, or the moisture that covers plants and grass overnight. It is often used to describe the natural world and the cycle of nature.
Definition: dew, night mist Aramaic equivalent: tal (טַל "dew" H2920)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: dew. See also: Genesis 27:28; Job 29:19; Psalms 110:3.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/גִּזָּ֔ה
gâzzah
H1492
"fleece"
Art | N-fs
This word refers to a fleece, like the one Gideon used to test God's will in Judges 6. It's a simple, everyday term for a common object. The KJV Bible translates it as 'fleece'.
Definition: fleece
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: fleece. See also: Judges 6:37; Judges 6:39; Judges 6:40.
מְל֥וֹא
mᵉlôʼ
H4393
"fullness"
N-ms
Fullness means having everything that is needed, like a full container or a complete amount. It can also mean a large quantity, like a multitude of things.
Definition: 1) fulness, that which fills 1a) fulness, handful 1b) mass, multitude 1c) fulness, that which fills, entire contents 1d) full length, full line
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] all along, [idiom] all that is (there-) in, fill, ([idiom] that whereof...was) full, fulness, (hand-) full, multitude. See also: Genesis 48:19; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 24:1.
הַ/סֵּ֖פֶל
çêphel
H5602
"bowl"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a bowl or basin, often used for holding or serving food and drinks, as seen in 2 Kings 21:13. It is a deep container, used in various biblical contexts. The KJV translates it as bowl or dish.
Definition: bowl, basin
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: bowl, dish. See also: Judges 5:25; Judges 6:38.
מָֽיִם
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.
Study Notes — Judges 6:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Sign of the Fleece
36Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said,
37then behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said.”
38And that is what happened. When Gideon arose the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water.
39Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me; let me speak one more time. Please allow me one more test with the fleece. This time let it be dry, and the ground covered with dew.” 40And that night God did so. Only the fleece was dry, and dew covered the ground.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 35:7 | The parched ground will become a pool, the thirsty land springs of water. In the haunt where jackals once lay, there will be grass and reeds and papyrus. |
Judges 6:38 Summary
Judges 6:38 shows us that God is a God who cares about our doubts and fears, and is willing to give us signs and guidance when we need it, as seen in Psalm 32:8 and Proverbs 3:5-6. Gideon asked for a sign, and God provided it, giving him the courage to trust and obey. We can learn from Gideon's example by seeking God's guidance and trusting in His goodness, even when things seem uncertain, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:13. By doing so, we can deepen our faith and walk more closely with Him, as seen in John 15:1-17 and Colossians 2:6-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Gideon ask for a sign from God in Judges 6:38?
Gideon asked for a sign to confirm that God was truly with him and would save Israel by his hand, as seen in Judges 6:36-37, which is similar to the way God confirmed His presence with Moses in Exodus 3:12 and with Abraham in Genesis 15:1-6.
What is the significance of the fleece being full of dew in Judges 6:38?
The fleece being full of dew was a sign from God that He was with Gideon and would save Israel, as Gideon had requested in Judges 6:36-37, demonstrating God's power and care for His people, as seen in Psalm 119:64 and Isaiah 40:26.
Is it okay to ask God for signs like Gideon did in Judges 6:38?
While it's not wrong to ask God for guidance or confirmation, we should be careful not to test God or demand signs, as seen in Matthew 4:7 and Deuteronomy 6:16, but instead trust in His goodness and faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does Gideon's request for a sign in Judges 6:38 relate to faith?
Gideon's request for a sign shows that he was seeking to confirm his faith and trust in God, as seen in Hebrews 11:6, which emphasizes the importance of faith in pleasing God, and in 2 Corinthians 5:7, which encourages walking by faith, not by sight.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's presence and guidance, and how can I seek His confirmation like Gideon did?
- How can I balance seeking signs or guidance from God with simply trusting in His goodness and faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and Jeremiah 29:11?
- What are some ways that God has already shown His care and provision in my life, and how can I reflect on those experiences to deepen my faith, as encouraged in Psalm 77:11-12 and Isaiah 46:9-10?
- In what ways can I, like Gideon, be obedient to God's call on my life, even when it seems uncertain or challenging, as seen in Joshua 1:9 and 1 Peter 5:7?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 6:38
And it was so,.... The Lord condescended to work this miracle for the confirmation of his faith, and for the encouragement of those that were with him; the fleece was wet with the dew of heaven, and
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 6:38
(38) A bowl full of water.—The word used for bowl is sêphel, as in Judges 5:25.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 6:38
36–40. The divine impulse has seized Gideon, he has called out his men, he is ready to attack; but here he seems to be still at home, hesitating and waiting to be convinced. In order of time these verses are parallel, not subsequent, to Judges 6:11-24; and indeed, after the revelation of the Angel, it is strange that Gideon should have demanded a second sign. Instead of ‘Jehovah’ and ‘the Angel of Jehovah’ the name ‘Elohim’ (God) is used here; the narrative from which these verses come was a work of the Elohist school; to the same narrative we may assign Judges 6:7-10; Judges 6:25-33; Judges 6:35 a (?) in this ch.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 6:38
38. A bowl full of water — Heavy dews are wont to fall in Palestine, especially on the highlands, and wool naturally absorbs much dew.