Judges 8:23
Judges 8:23 in Multiple Translations
But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you.”
And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.
And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: Jehovah shall rule over you.
But Gideon said to them, I will not be a ruler over you, and my son will not be a ruler over you: it is the Lord who will be ruler over you.
“I won't be your ruler, and my son won't either,” Gideon replied. “The Lord will be your ruler.”
And Gideon sayde vnto them, I will not reigne ouer you, neither shall my childe reigne ouer you, but the Lord shall reigne ouer you.
And Gideon saith unto them, 'I do not rule over you, nor doth my son rule over you; Jehovah doth rule over you.'
Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you. The LORD shall rule over you.”
And Gideon said to them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.
And he said to them: I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you, but the Lord shall rule over you.
But Gideon replied, “No, I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you. Yahweh will rule over you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 8:23
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 8:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אֲלֵ/הֶם֙
גִּדְע֔וֹן
לֹֽא
אֶמְשֹׁ֤ל
אֲנִי֙
בָּ/כֶ֔ם
וְ/לֹֽא
יִמְשֹׁ֥ל
בְּנִ֖/י
בָּ/כֶ֑ם
יְהוָ֖ה
יִמְשֹׁ֥ל
בָּ/כֶֽם
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵ/הֶם֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
גִּדְע֔וֹן
Gidʻôwn
H1439
Gideon
N-proper
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֶמְשֹׁ֤ל
mâshal
H4910
to rule
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
בָּ/כֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִמְשֹׁ֥ל
mâshal
H4910
to rule
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּנִ֖/י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
בָּ/כֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
יִמְשֹׁ֥ל
mâshal
H4910
to rule
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בָּ/כֶֽם
Prep | Suff
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 8:23
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.
אֲלֵ/הֶם֙
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.
גִּדְע֔וֹן
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.
לֹֽא
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.
אֶמְשֹׁ֤ל
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
בָּ/כֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
יִמְשֹׁ֥ל
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
בְּנִ֖/י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בָּ/כֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֖ה
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.
יִמְשֹׁ֥ל
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
בָּ/כֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Judges 8:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 8:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:23
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:23
- Sermons on Judges 8:23
Context — Gideon’s Ephod
21Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels.
22Then the Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you and your son and grandson—for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.”
23But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you.”
24Then he added, “Let me make a request of you, that each of you give me an earring from his plunder.” (For the enemies had gold earrings because they were Ishmaelites.) 25“We will give them gladly,” they replied. So they spread out a garment, and each man threw an earring from his plunder onto it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 33:22 | For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 12:12 | But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 10:19 | But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.” |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 1:24 | Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm. |
| 5 | Judges 11:9–11 | But Jephthah asked them, “If you take me back to fight the Ammonites and the LORD gives them to me, will I really be your leader?” And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “The LORD is our witness if we do not do as you say.” So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him their leader and commander. And Jephthah repeated all his terms in the presence of the LORD at Mizpah. |
| 6 | Judges 10:18 | And the rulers of Gilead said to one another, “Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites will be the head of all who live in Gilead.” |
| 7 | 1 Peter 5:3 | not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. |
| 8 | Judges 2:18 | Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for the Israelites, He was with that judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies while the judge was still alive; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed them and afflicted them. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 8:6–7 | But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. |
| 10 | Isaiah 63:19 | We have become like those You never ruled, like those not called by Your name. |
Judges 8:23 Summary
In Judges 8:23, Gideon tells the Israelites that he will not rule over them, because he knows that God is the true ruler of His people. This shows that Gideon recognizes God's authority and sovereignty, and he wants to make sure that God gets the glory, not him. This is an important lesson for us today, because we can easily start to think that we are in control, when really God is the one who is guiding our lives (see Proverbs 3:5-6). By trusting in God's rule and guidance, we can live with humility and confidence, knowing that He is always with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Gideon refuse to rule over the Israelites?
Gideon refused to rule over the Israelites because he recognized that God was the true ruler of His people, as stated in Judges 8:23, and he did not want to usurp God's authority, echoing the principle found in Deuteronomy 17:14-15 that warns against human kingship.
What was Gideon's motivation for saying 'The LORD shall rule over you'?
Gideon's motivation was to acknowledge God's sovereignty and to remind the Israelites that their true king was the Lord, as seen in 1 Samuel 8:7 where the Israelites were warned about rejecting God as their king.
How does Gideon's response relate to the concept of leadership in the Bible?
Gideon's response highlights the biblical concept of servant leadership, where leaders recognize their role as servants of God and His people, rather than seeking power or control for themselves, as taught in Matthew 20:26-28 and Mark 10:42-45.
What can we learn from Gideon's humility in this verse?
We can learn the importance of humility and recognizing God's authority in our lives, just as Gideon did, and be reminded of the warning in Proverbs 16:18 that pride comes before a fall.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to rule or control, rather than allowing God to be in charge?
- How can I, like Gideon, acknowledge God's sovereignty in my daily decisions and actions?
- In what ways can I serve others and recognize God's authority in my relationships, as Gideon did with the Israelites?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's rule and guidance in my life, and how can I apply this trust in practical ways?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:23
And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you,.... Not that he declined the government of them as a judge, to which he was raised of God, but as a king, for which he had no authority and call
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:23
And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you. The Lord shall rule over you.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:23
I will not rule over you, to wit, as a king, which you desire. The Lord shall rule over you, in a special manner, as he hath hitherto done, by judges, whom God did particularly appoint and direct, even by Urim and Thummim, and assist upon all occasions; whereas kings had a greater power, and only a general dependence upon God, as other kings had. Compare ,7.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:23
Judges 8:23 And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.Ver. 23. I will not rule over you.] Since I cannot without manifest wrong done to God. This modesty of his in refusing such an offer was very commendable; as it was afterwards in Alphonsus, King of Arragon, and Frederick, the Elector of Saxony, who might have been chosen emperors of Germany, but would not. Rodolphus, Duke of Suevia, was too forward to accept of the empire offered him by Pope Hildebrand; and all too late repented it. So was Silvester II, who for seven years’ enjoyment of the popedom, gave his soul to the devil.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:23
(23) The Lord shall rule over you.—Numbers 23:21; Deuteronomy 33:5; 1 Samuel 6:12. Gideon refused the splendid temptation of an hereditary crown, though, in strict accordance with Divine guidance, he was willing to be their judge ( Shaphat, as in Judges 10:2-3; Judges 12:7, &c.). Cassel compares the remark of Washington when he accepted the Presidency, because he would “obey the voice of the people.” saying that “no people could be more bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men than the people of the United States” (Marshall’s Life of Washington, 2:146). The day anticipated in Deuteronomy 17:14-20 had not yet come. Up to this point “we feel all the goodness of Gideon. There is a sweetness and nobleness mingled with his courage, something of the past greatness of Joshua, something of the future grace of David.” He reminds us in some respects of Henry Y. of England, and Henry IV. of France.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:23
Verse 23. The Lord shall rule over you] Few with such power at their command would have acted as Gideon. His speech calls them back to their first principles, and should have excited in them both shame and contrition. How different is this speech from that of Oliver Cromwell when the commons offered him the crown of England!
Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:23
23. I will not rule over you] But ch. 9 implies that Gideon did exercise some kind of supremacy, at any rate in his own district, and his sons claimed to inherit his position, Judges 9:2. These words, then, either mean that Gideon seized the power, but rejected the title, of king; or they represent the view, which apparently came to the front in the closing years of the Northern Kingdom, that earthly kingship was inconsistent with the sovereignty of Jehovah; cf. 1 Samuel 8:7; 1 Samuel 10:19; 1 Samuel 12:12; 1 Samuel 12:17; 1 Samuel 12:19 (E source), Hosea 13:10 f. The latter is the explanation most generally accepted.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:23
23. The Lord shall rule over you — Your king shall still be Jehovah, not Gideon. By choosing a Gideon or a Saul the nation would be choosing a human instead of a divine sovereign.
Sermons on Judges 8:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Elijah Legacy) 1. Days of Elijah by David Davis | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of government-endorsed idolatry in various countries, including Israel, America, and the Philippines. He highlights the abortion epi |
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On Arguing Concerning the Apostolical Succession. on Reluctance to Confess the Apostolical Succession by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of upholding the Apostolic Succession in the Church, emphasizing the duty to carefully examine and understand this doctrine, even if faced |
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Reconciliation, Atonement, and Judgment by P.T. Forsyth | P.T. Forsyth preaches about the necessity of objective atonement, emphasizing that God Himself made the offering for reconciliation. He delves into the idea that God's atonement wa |
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Power With God Exemplified in Samuel by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of Samuel's ministry as a representation of power with God, particularly in a time when the people of Israel were not aligned with God' |
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A New Priesthood Arises by George Warnock | George Warnock emphasizes the transition from the corrupt priesthood of Eli to the rise of Samuel, a faithful servant of God, who was born from Hannah's deep cries for a son. This |
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(2 Corinthians) ch.1:20-3:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the inner life of the Apostle Paul and his ministry. Paul emphasizes the importance of working together with others and not ministering alone |
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Feel by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing emotions and affections in the pursuit of maximum joy in God. He acknowledges that he may not have suffered as |