Judges 8:6
Judges 8:6 in Multiple Translations
But the leaders of Succoth asked, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your army?”
¶ And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army?
And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thy hand, that we should give bread unto thine army?
But the chiefs of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna even now in your hand that we are to give bread to your army?
But the Succoth town leaders replied, “Why should we give your army bread when you haven't even captured Zebah and Zalmunna yet?”
And the princes of Succoth sayde, Are the handes of Zebah and Zalmunna nowe in thine hads, that we should giue bread vnto thine army?
And the heads of Succoth say, 'Is the hand of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thy hand, that we give to thy host bread?'
The princes of Succoth said, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?”
And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thy hand, that we should give bread to thy army?
The princes of Soccoth answered: Peradventure the palms of the hands of Zebee and Salmana are in thy hand, and therefore thou demandest that we should give bread to thy army.
But the leaders of Succoth replied, “You have not caught [RHQ] Zebah and Zalmunna yet. So why should we give food to your troops now? Catch them first, and then we will give you food.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 8:6
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 8:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
שָׂרֵ֣י
סֻכּ֔וֹת
הֲ֠/כַף
זֶ֧בַח
וְ/צַלְמֻנָּ֛ע
עַתָּ֖ה
בְּ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
כִּֽי
נִתֵּ֥ן
לִֽ/צְבָאֲ/ךָ֖
לָֽחֶם
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׂרֵ֣י
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
סֻכּ֔וֹת
Çukkôwth
H5523
Succoth
N-proper
הֲ֠/כַף
kaph
H3709
palm
Part | N-fs
זֶ֧בַח
Zebach
H2078
Zebah
N-proper
וְ/צַלְמֻנָּ֛ע
Tsalmunnâʻ
H6759
Zalmunna
Conj | N-proper
עַתָּ֖ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Adv
בְּ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נִתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
לִֽ/צְבָאֲ/ךָ֖
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
Prep | N-cs | Suff
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 8:6
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
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.
שָׂרֵ֣י
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
סֻכּ֔וֹת
Çukkôwth
H5523
"Succoth"
N-proper
Succoth means booths, the first stop for Israelites leaving Egypt. It appears in the Bible as a place in Egypt and Palestine.
Definition: § Succoth = "booths" the first stopping place of the Israelites when they left Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Succoth. See also: Genesis 33:17; Judges 8:8; Psalms 60:8.
הֲ֠/כַף
kaph
H3709
"palm"
Part | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
זֶ֧בַח
Zebach
H2078
"Zebah"
N-proper
Zebach was a Midianite prince who, along with another king, invaded Palestine but was defeated by Gideon. His name means 'deprived of protection', and he's mentioned in the book of Judges. The KJV translates his name as 'Zebah'.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.8.5 § Zebah = "deprived of protection" one of the two kings of Midian who commanded the great invasion of Palestine and finally were defeated by Gideon
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Zebah. See also: Judges 8:5; Judges 8:12; Psalms 83:12.
וְ/צַלְמֻנָּ֛ע
Tsalmunnâʻ
H6759
"Zalmunna"
Conj | N-proper
Zalmunna was a Midianite king who was slain by Gideon, as told in Judges 8:5. His name means 'deprived of protection' and he lived before the time of Israel's monarchy. He was a significant figure in the biblical account.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.8.5 § Zalmunna = "deprived of protection" a Midianite king slain by Gideon
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Zalmunna. See also: Judges 8:5; Judges 8:12; Psalms 83:12.
עַתָּ֖ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
בְּ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
כִּֽי
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.
נִתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִֽ/צְבָאֲ/ךָ֖
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
Study Notes — Judges 8:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 8:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:6
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:6
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 8:6
- Sermons on Judges 8:6
Context — Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna
4Then Gideon and his three hundred men came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit.
5So Gideon said to the men of Succoth, “Please give my troops some bread, for they are exhausted, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”
6But the leaders of Succoth asked, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your army?”
7“Very well,” Gideon replied, “when the LORD has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will tear your flesh with the thorns and briers of the wilderness!” 8From there he went up to Penuel and asked the same from them, but the men of Penuel gave the same response as the men of Succoth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 20:11 | And the king of Israel replied, “Tell him: ‘The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.’” |
| 2 | Philippians 2:21 | For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. |
| 3 | Proverbs 18:23 | The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 14:9 | But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. |
| 5 | Genesis 25:13 | These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, |
| 6 | Judges 8:15 | And Gideon went to the men of Succoth and said, “Here are Zebah and Zalmunna, about whom you taunted me, saying, ‘Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your weary men?’” |
| 7 | Genesis 37:28 | So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. |
| 8 | Judges 5:23 | ‘Curse Meroz,’ says the angel of the LORD. ‘Bitterly curse her inhabitants; for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.’ |
| 9 | Genesis 37:25 | And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 25:10–11 | But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know?” |
Judges 8:6 Summary
The leaders of Succoth did not want to give bread to Gideon's army because they did not think Gideon would win the battle against Zebah and Zalmunna. They wanted proof that Gideon had already defeated them before they would help, as stated in Judges 8:6. This shows that they did not have faith in Gideon or in God's plan, unlike the faith demonstrated by David in 1 Samuel 17:45-47. We can learn from this that it is essential to trust in God's plan and provision, even when things seem uncertain, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where it is written that God has a plan to prosper us, not to harm us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the leaders of Succoth's reasoning for not giving bread to Gideon's army?
The leaders of Succoth asked for proof that Gideon had already defeated Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian, before providing bread to his army, as seen in Judges 8:6, showing a lack of faith in Gideon's mission, similar to the doubt expressed by the Israelites in Exodus 14:11-12.
Why did the leaders of Succoth refuse to help Gideon?
The leaders of Succoth refused to help Gideon because they did not believe he would be victorious over Zebah and Zalmunna, and they did not want to take sides or get involved in the conflict, as stated in Judges 8:6, demonstrating a lack of trust in God's plan, unlike the faith demonstrated by Abraham in Romans 4:20-22.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan and provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, where it is written to trust in the Lord and do good, and to delight in Him, and He will give you the desires of your heart, demonstrating that faith and trust in God are essential for receiving His blessings and provision.
What can we learn from the leaders of Succoth's response to Gideon?
We can learn from the leaders of Succoth's response that a lack of faith and trust in God can lead to missed opportunities to participate in His plan and to receive His blessings, as seen in Matthew 25:14-30, where the servant who did not use his talents was cast into outer darkness, demonstrating the importance of being faithful and obedient to God's will.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have doubted God's plan or provision, and how can I learn to trust Him more?
- How can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's plan and provision to my current circumstances, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my trust in God, such as obeying His commands, as seen in John 14:15, or giving generously to others, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7?
- How can I balance my desire to be wise and prudent with my need to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:6
And the princes of Succoth said,.... The chief magistrates of the place made answer, one in the name of the rest; for the word said is in the singular number: are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:6
And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:6
Art thou so foolish to think, with thy three hundred faint and weary soldiers, to conquer and destroy a host of fifteen thousand men?
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:6
Judges 8:6 And the princes of Succoth said, [Are] the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army?Ver. 6. And the princes of Succoth said.] They not only deny him so reasonable a request, but deride and scornfully treat him, in like sort as afterwards Nabal the churl did David; which vexed him not a little.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:6
(6) Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand?—Literally, Is the fist (caph) of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thy hand (yad)? The general meaning, of course, is clear: “Are you so completely victor as to secure us from the vengeance of these kings?” (Comp. 1 Kings 20:11.) But what the exact shade of meaning is in this proverbial expression we do not know. Perhaps it is an allusion to the chained hands of captives. Nor do we know whether the tone of the elders of Succoth was one of derision or only of cowardice. In any case, they were guilty of inhumanity, want of faith, want of courage, and want of patriotism. That we should give bread unto thine army.—They use the exaggerated term “army,” as though to magnify the sacrifice required of them. Gideon had only said “my followers.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:6
Verse 6. Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand] They feared to help Gideon, lest, if he should be overpowered, the Midianites would revenge it upon them; and they dared not trust God.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:6
6. the princes of Succoth] i.e. the executive officials of the community, responsible for its government, e.g. Judges 9:30 (‘ruler,’ lit. ‘prince’), or for the conduct of its wars, e.g. Judges 7:25, Judges 8:3. See further on Judges 8:14.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 8:6
The number of the followers of Zebah and Zalmunna was still so formidable, and Gideon’s enterprise still so doubtful, that the men of Succoth (being on the same side of the Jordan) would not risk the
Sermons on Judges 8:6
| Sermon | Description | |
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Road to Reality - When We Have Failed, What Next? - Part 1 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experiences as a missionary in India and the challenges he faced. He reflects on the sacrifices and dangers that missionaries endure |
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When We Have Failed, Part One by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannon shares his personal experiences as a missionary and the challenges he faced in preaching the gospel. He reflects on the sacrifices made by mis |
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Seek Only God's Approval Part One by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker challenges the audience to give up their money and pursue a deeper relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of knowing God intimately and enc |
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Little Foxes & Dead Flies by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, Bill McLeod shares a personal experience of a man named George Bell who was a successful witness and soul winner. Despite his initial envy towards George, God chall |
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Keep on Keeping On by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making God our ultimate goal. He references Isaiah 40:29, which speaks about waiting upon God and how He renews our strengt |
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The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory by Chip Brogden | Chip Brogden preaches on the three-fold benediction concluding the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing the Kingdom, Power, and Glory belonging to God. The Kingdom signifies the ongoing spir |
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What Happened? by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan addresses the decline of passion and vision in movements over time, illustrating how organizations can shift from being vibrant and radical to becoming rigid and bure |