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Judges 8:11

Judges 8:11 in Multiple Translations

And Gideon went up by way of the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he attacked their army, taking them by surprise.

¶ And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure.

And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host; for the host was secure.

And Gideon went up by the way used by the people living in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and made an attack on the army when they had no thought of danger.

Gideon took the caravan route to the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he attacked their army, catching them offguard.

And Gideon went through them that dwelt in Tabernacles on the East side of Nobah and Iogbehah, and smote the hoste: for the hoste was carelesse.

And Gideon goeth up the way of those who tabernacle in tents, on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smiteth the camp, and the camp was confident;

Gideon went up by the way of those who lived in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and struck the army; for the army felt secure.

And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure.

And Gedeon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents, on the east of Nobe and Jegbaa, and smote the camp of the enemies, who were secure, and suspected no hurt.

Gideon and his men went east along the road on which caravans travel. They went past Nobah and Jogbehah villages and arrived at the enemy camp by surprise.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 8:11

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 8:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּ֣עַל גִּדְע֗וֹן דֶּ֚רֶךְ הַ/שְּׁכוּנֵ֣י בָֽ/אֳהָלִ֔ים מִ/קֶּ֥דֶם לְ/נֹ֖בַח וְ/יָגְבֳּהָ֑ה וַ/יַּךְ֙ אֶת הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה וְ/הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֖ה הָ֥יָה בֶֽטַח
וַ/יַּ֣עַל ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
גִּדְע֗וֹן Gidʻôwn H1439 Gideon N-proper
דֶּ֚רֶךְ derek H1870 way N-cs
הַ/שְּׁכוּנֵ֣י shâkan H7931 to dwell Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
בָֽ/אֳהָלִ֔ים ʼôhel H168 tent Prep | N-mp
מִ/קֶּ֥דֶם qedem H6924 front Prep | N-ms
לְ/נֹ֖בַח Nôbach H5025 Nobah Prep | N-proper
וְ/יָגְבֳּהָ֑ה Yogbᵉhâh H3011 Jogbehah Conj | N-proper
וַ/יַּךְ֙ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה machăneh H4264 camp Art | N-cs
וְ/הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֖ה machăneh H4264 camp Conj | Art | N-cs
הָ֥יָה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בֶֽטַח beṭach H983 security N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 8:11

וַ/יַּ֣עַל ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
גִּדְע֗וֹן Gidʻôwn H1439 "Gideon" N-proper
Gideon was a judge of Israel who led the Israelites against the Midianites. His name means 'hewer' and he is also called Jerubbaal.
Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.6.11; son of: Joash (H3101); father of: Jether (H3500), Abimelech (H0040H) and Jotham (H3147); also called Jerubbaal at Jdg.6.32; 7.1; 8.29,35; 9.1,2,5,16,19,24,28,57; 1xJerubbesheth at 2Sa.11.21; § Gideon = "hewer" youngest son of Joash of the Abiezrites, fifth judge of Israel who led the Israelites against the Midianites
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Gideon. See also: Judges 6:11; Judges 7:18; Judges 8:35.
דֶּ֚רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
הַ/שְּׁכוּנֵ֣י shâkan H7931 "to dwell" Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
בָֽ/אֳהָלִ֔ים ʼôhel H168 "tent" Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
מִ/קֶּ֥דֶם qedem H6924 "front" Prep | N-ms
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
לְ/נֹ֖בַח Nôbach H5025 "Nobah" Prep | N-proper
Nobah was an Israelite and a place east of the Jordan River. The town was named after its conqueror and was part of the region of Gilead. It is mentioned in the book of Numbers.
Definition: Nobah = "barking" a place in Gilead which comprised the towns of Kenath and its surrounding villages named after its conqueror; area eventually regained its original identity Another name of qe.nat (קְנָת "Kenath" H7079)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Nobah. See also: Numbers 32:42; Judges 8:11.
וְ/יָגְבֳּהָ֑ה Yogbᵉhâh H3011 "Jogbehah" Conj | N-proper
Jogbehah was a city east of the Jordan River, built by the tribe of Gad, meaning lofty or high place. It is mentioned in the Bible as a fortified city.
Definition: § Jogbehah = "lofty" one of the cities east of the Jordan which was built and fortified by the tribe of Gad
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Jogbehah. See also: Numbers 32:35; Judges 8:11.
וַ/יַּךְ֙ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה 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.
וְ/הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֖ה machăneh H4264 "camp" Conj | 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.
הָ֥יָה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-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.
בֶֽטַח beṭach H983 "security" N-ms
Security refers to a feeling of safety or refuge, like a place where one can feel protected, as the Bible describes God as a rock or fortress, providing assurance and hope to those who trust in Him.
Definition: 1) security, safety adv 2) securely
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: assurance, boldly, (without) care(-less), confidence, hope, safe(-ly, -ty), secure, surely. See also: Genesis 34:25; Isaiah 14:30; Psalms 4:9.

Study Notes — Judges 8:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Numbers 32:35 Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah,
2 Numbers 32:42 And Nobah went and captured Kenath and its villages and called it Nobah, after his own name.
3 Judges 18:27 After they had taken Micah’s idols and his priest, they went to Laish, to a tranquil and unsuspecting people, and they struck them with their swords and burned down the city.
4 1 Thessalonians 5:3 While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
5 1 Samuel 30:16 So he led David down, and there were the Amalekites spread out over all the land, eating, drinking, and celebrating the great amount of plunder they had taken from the land of the Philistines and the land of Judah.
6 1 Samuel 15:32 Then Samuel said, “Bring me Agag king of the Amalekites.” Agag came to him cheerfully, for he thought, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.”

Judges 8:11 Summary

In Judges 8:11, Gideon launched a surprise attack on the enemy, taking them by surprise and gaining the upper hand. This shows us that sometimes, God calls us to take bold and decisive action, trusting in His power and promises, just like Gideon did (as seen in Judges 7:2-7). By trusting in God and using wise counsel, we can overcome the challenges and enemies we face, just as Gideon did (as described in Judges 8:12). This verse reminds us to always trust in God's power and promises, and to be bold and courageous in our faith, as encouraged in Joshua 1:9.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Gideon choose to go up by way of the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah?

Gideon likely chose this route to launch a surprise attack on the enemy, taking advantage of the element of surprise, as seen in Judges 8:11, much like the strategy employed by Joshua in Joshua 8:2, where he set an ambush for the king of Ai.

What can we learn from Gideon's military strategy in this verse?

Gideon's strategy teaches us about the importance of wisdom and cunning in our spiritual battles, as emphasized in Proverbs 24:6, where it is written that 'for by wise counsel you will wage your own war'.

How did Gideon's attack relate to the overall outcome of the battle?

Gideon's surprise attack was a crucial turning point in the battle, ultimately leading to the defeat of Zebah and Zalmunna, as described in Judges 8:12, and the routing of their entire army, highlighting the significance of bold and decisive action in times of spiritual warfare, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18.

What role did faith play in Gideon's decision to attack the enemy?

Gideon's faith in God's power and promises, as expressed in Judges 7:2-7, gave him the courage to launch a bold attack, trusting that God would give him victory, as seen in Judges 7:22, where it is written that 'the Lord set every man's sword against his companion and against all the army'.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God for bold and decisive action, just like Gideon did in this verse?
  2. How can I apply the principle of wise counsel, as seen in Gideon's strategy, to my own spiritual battles and challenges?
  3. What are some ways I can use the element of surprise, like Gideon did, to share the Gospel or serve others in my community?
  4. In what ways can I, like Gideon, trust in God's power and promises to overcome the challenges and enemies I face in my life?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:11

And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwell in tents,.... That is of the Arabians and Kedarenes, who dwelt in tents for the sake of feeding their flocks, as the Targum and Jarchi; he did not

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:11

And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:11

Of them that dwelt in tents, i.e. of the Arabians; so fetching a compass, and falling upon them where they least expected it. Nobah and Jogbehah; of which cities see ,42. The host was secure; being now got safe over Jordan, and a great way from the place of battle; and, probably, supposing Gideon’ s men, to be so tired with their hard service, and the great slaughter which they had made, that they would have neither strength nor will to pursue them so far.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:11

Judges 8:11 And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure.Ver. 11. And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents.] The Arabian Nomades or Scenites, who dwelt not in houses or cities, but in movable tents, feeding their cattle, taking up wheresoever night took them. So the Hamaxobii among the Scythians. They had their scouts abroad, doubtless; but he fetched a compass about and came upon the east side, where they never feared any enemy. For the host was secure.] Security ushereth in destruction; as it did at Tyre, at Babylon, those Amalakites in 1 Samuel 30:16-17, the Pompeians at the Pharsalian field, the French at the battle of Agincourt, &c. Caes. Comment. Speed’ s Chron.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:11

(11) By the way of them that dwelt in tents.—He seems to have taken a wide circuit, through some nomad district, leaving the main road, which runs through Nobah and Jogbehah, so as once more to make up for his inferior numbers (for there were still 15,000 left of these children of the East) by surprise and stratagem. Nobah.—In Gilead, belonging to the half-tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 32:42). It was originally called Kenath, but the name was altered in honour of a Manassite hero, who is otherwise unrecorded. Jewish tradition says that he was born in Egypt, and died during the passage of the Jordan (Seder Olam Rabba). The original name displaced its rival, for the site is now called Kenâwat.Jogbehah.—In Gad (Numbers 32:34). It is not mentioned elsewhere, and has not been identified. The host was secure.—They would have thought it most unlikely that the Israelites, with their mere handful of men, would pursue so large an army for so long a distance. They fancied themselves beyond the reach of pursuit because they miscalculated the energy and powers of Gideon, who, not improbably, once more attacked them by night.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:11

11. Describes Gideon’s route going E. from Penuel. by the way of them that dwelt in tents is a doubtful rendering of a doubtful text. With slight corrections we may transl. towards the way of the tent-dwellers, i.e. the Bedouin route, such, for instance, as the present Haj road from Damascus to Mecca. The Targ. paraphrases, ‘by the way to the camp of the Arabs who encamp in tents in the desert east of Nobah.’ Strictly by the way of ought to be by the way to a place; hence Moore supposes that the tent-dwellers is a corruption of some place-name. Nobah] has been identified, on the strength of Num 32:42 (Nobah = Kenath), with Ḳ ?anawât on the west of the Ḥ ?aurân mountains; but this is much too far north. Jogbehah (belonging to Gad, Numbers 32:35) has survived in the modern ‘Ajbçhât, a ruined site 6 m. N.N.W. of ‘Ammân.secure] Not expecting an attack; cf. Judges 18:7; Genesis 34:25; Micah 2:8.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:11

11. Way of them that dwelt in tents — A section of that eastern desert thickly dotted with the tents of resident shepherds.

Sermons on Judges 8:11

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Judgement Seat 1-31-91 - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the corruption and violence present in the world today. He criticizes the politicians in Washington for their involvement in financial scand
Rolfe Barnard Death, and After This, the Judgment by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the certainty of death and the judgment that follows. He mentions significant events in recent history, such as the televised funeral servi
Reggie Kelly Daniel as a Type of Godly Remnant by Reggie Kelly Reggie Kelly delves into the critical and timely revelations found in the book of Daniel, emphasizing the importance of understanding prophetic interpretations and the significance
Andrew Murray Twelfth Lesson. ‘Have Faith in God;’ Or, the Secret of Believing Prayer by Andrew Murray Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'asphales,' which signifies security, safety, and certainty, describing something unshakeable and immovable. This term is used in vari
Arno Clemens Gaebelein The World War and What Followed by Arno Clemens Gaebelein Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the events leading up to and during World War I, highlighting the divine inspiration behind the pre-written history of world affairs as penned
David Wilkerson Signs of the Coming of Christ by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the signs of Christ's imminent return amidst the world's turmoil, reminding believers that while many may cry 'peace and safety,' sudden destruction is c
Jonathan Edwards The Manner in Which the Salvation of the Soul Is to Be Sought by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of undertaking great endeavors for our own salvation, using Noah's obedience in building the ark as an example. He emphasizes the tho

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