Judges 7:10
Judges 7:10 in Multiple Translations
But if you are afraid to do so, then go down to the camp with your servant Purah
But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:
But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Purah thy servant down to the camp:
But if you have fear of going down, take your servant Purah with you and go down to the tents;
But if you are afraid to go down, go with your servant Purah to the camp.
But if thou feare to go downe, then go thou, and Phurah thy seruant downe to the hoste,
and if thou art afraid to go down — go down, thou and Phurah thy young man, unto the camp,
But if you are afraid to go down, go with Purah your servant down to the camp.
But if thou fearest to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:
But if thou be afraid to go alone, let Phara thy servant go down with thee.
But if you are afraid to attack them by yourself, take your servant Purah with you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 7:10
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 7:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
יָרֵ֥א
אַתָּ֖ה
לָ/רֶ֑דֶת
רֵ֥ד
אַתָּ֛ה
וּ/פֻרָ֥ה
נַעַרְ/ךָ֖
אֶל
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶֽה
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
יָרֵ֥א
yârêʼ
H3373
afraid
V-Qal
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
לָ/רֶ֑דֶת
yârad
H3381
to go down
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
רֵ֥ד
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אַתָּ֛ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וּ/פֻרָ֥ה
Purâh
H6513
Purah
Conj | N-proper
נַעַרְ/ךָ֖
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶֽה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Art | N-cs
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 7:10
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יָרֵ֥א
yârêʼ
H3373
"afraid"
V-Qal
This word describes someone who is afraid or fearful, and is also used to convey a sense of reverence or respect. It's often translated as 'afraid' in the KJV. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's reactions to God or scary situations.
Definition: fearing, reverent, afraid
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: afraid, fear (-ful). See also: Genesis 22:12; Psalms 103:17; Psalms 15:4.
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
לָ/רֶ֑דֶת
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
רֵ֥ד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
אַתָּ֛ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וּ/פֻרָ֥ה
Purâh
H6513
"Purah"
Conj | N-proper
Purah was an Israelite who lived before the monarchy, serving as Gideon's armor-bearer in Judges 7:10. His name means 'bough' and he is also known as Phurah. He played a role in Gideon's army.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.7.10 § Phurah = "bough" the servant of Gideon, probably his armour-bearer
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Phurah. See also: Judges 7:10; Judges 7:11.
נַעַרְ/ךָ֖
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶֽה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
Study Notes — Judges 7:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 7:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 7:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 7:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 7:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 7:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 7:10
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 7:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 7:10
- Sermons on Judges 7:10
Context — The Sword of Gideon
8So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred men, who took charge of the provisions and rams’ horns of the others. And the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley.
9That night the LORD said to Gideon, “Get up and go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand.
10But if you are afraid to do so, then go down to the camp with your servant Purah
11and listen to what they are saying. Then your hands will be strengthened to attack the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant to the outposts where armed men were guarding the camp. 12Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 4:10–14 | “Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.” And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.” But Moses replied, “Please, Lord, send someone else.” Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well, and he is now on his way to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. |
| 2 | Judges 4:8–9 | Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” “I will certainly go with you,” Deborah replied, “but the road you are taking will bring you no honor, because the LORD will be selling Sisera into the hand of a woman.” So Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh, |
Judges 7:10 Summary
[This verse shows that Gideon is given a choice: to trust in God's power and go down to the enemy's camp, or to let his fear hold him back. It's a reminder that we all have the same choice, to trust in God's power and plan, as seen in Romans 8:28, or to let our fears and doubts control us. By choosing to trust, like Gideon, we can find the courage to obey God's commands, even when it's hard. As the Bible says in Psalm 56:3, 'When I am afraid, I will trust in you.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Gideon's fear in this verse?
Gideon's fear is a natural human response to the overwhelming task before him, but God's command to him in Judges 7:9 and the presence of his servant Purah in Judges 7:10 remind him of God's presence and provision, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6.
Who is Purah and why is he mentioned in this verse?
Purah is Gideon's servant, and his presence serves as a reminder that Gideon is not alone in his task, and that God can use anyone to accomplish His will, as seen in Exodus 4:14 where God uses Aaron to assist Moses.
What does it mean for Gideon to 'go down to the camp' with Purah?
Going down to the camp with Purah means that Gideon is to approach the enemy's camp with his servant, to gather information and to trust in God's plan, as instructed in Judges 7:11, and to have faith like in Psalm 27:1.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Gideon's life?
This verse is a pivotal moment in Gideon's journey, as it shows his trust in God's plan and his willingness to obey, despite his fears, which is a key theme in the book of Judges, and echoed in Hebrews 11:32-34 where faith is defined as trust in God's power and plan.
Reflection Questions
- What are the things that make me afraid to trust in God's plan, and how can I, like Gideon, find the courage to obey?
- In what ways can I, like Gideon, use the people and resources around me to accomplish God's will?
- What are some times in my life when I have felt overwhelmed, and how can I apply the lesson of Gideon's trust in God to those situations?
- How can I balance my natural fears and doubts with the need to trust and obey God, as seen in the life of Gideon?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 7:10
But if thou fear to go down,.... With his little army, to attack a numerous host in the night, then he is directed to take this step first: go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host; in a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 7:10
But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host: Go thou with Phurah thy servant.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 7:10
If thou fear to go down, to wit, without some further assurance of thy success, I will condescend so far to thee, as to give thee another sign.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 7:10
Judges 7:10 But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:Ver. 10. Go thou with Phurah thy servant.] Optimum solatium, sodalitium. Two is better than one. Christ sent out the seventy disciples by two and two. And himself took Peter, James, and John with him into the garden, where he was to begin his passion. This Phurah was but a servant; yet, for his faithfulness, he is renowned in God’ s book, when many great monarchs, who strove by pyramids, palaces, arches, porches, and other monuments, to eternalise their memories, lie nevertheless obscured, or wrapt up in the sheet of shame.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 7:10
(10) To go down.—If thou fear to make the attack at once, without still further encouragement. Let it be borne in mind that the courage required by Gideon and his men was in many respects far beyond that of the much more vaunted 300 at Thermopylæ—(1) because they were to attack, not to defend; (2) because they were to attack a host in the plain, not to hold a narrow valley; (3) because they had not a large number of allies and attendants with them, as the 300 Spartans had (Grote’s Greece, v. 103, 121). Phurah thy servant.—The name Phurah means “branch”; the word for “servant” is literally boy, but here means the armour-bearer. The classical reader will recall the night-raid of Diomedes and Odysseus into the camp of the Thracians at Troy (Il. x. 220, et seqq.).
Cambridge Bible on Judges 7:10
10. thy servant] A warrior of rank Had an attendant who acted as armour-bearer, cf. Judges 9:54, 1 Samuel 14:1; 1 Samuel 14:6. With a companion danger is more easily faced; cf. the words of Diomedes when he offers to explore the Trojan camp: ἀλλʼ ? εἴτίςμοιἀνὴρἅμʼ ? ἕποιτοκαὶἄλλος, Μᾶλλονθαλπωρὴ, καὶθαρσαλεώτερονἔσται. Iliad X. 222 f.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 7:10
10. But if thou fear — The meaning of this verse and the preceding is thus well paraphrased by Keil: “Go with thy three hundred men into (á) the hostile camp to smite it, for I have given it into thy
Sermons on Judges 7:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Samson #5 - Tragic Legacy by Andrew Foster | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the sad state of the Church of Christ, which has become blind and defeated, giving the wicked reason to mock God's people. The preacher empha |
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Understanding Your Temptations by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal struggle with temptation and feeling different from other Christians. He explains how he was rescued by the Word of the Lord and th |
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Have You Seen Your Calling Yet by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of Christians seeking their calling and purpose in life. He emphasizes that many believers are searching for guidance and understan |
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A Frail but Honest Testimony by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. He highlights the simplicity of Christianity and the need for belie |
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(Exodus) Exodus 7:1 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of putting aside the human element and relying solely on God. He quotes Paul's statement that within the flesh dwells no good |
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(Exodus) Exodus 4:6-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a heart yielded to God. He uses the example of Moses and how God wanted to use him to deliver the Israelites from Eg |
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Blood Upon Dry Land by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the commission given to believers to deliver multitudes who are sorrowing and crying out in our generation. He uses the example of Moses, who |