Judges 9:21
Judges 9:21 in Multiple Translations
Then Jotham ran away, escaping to Beer, and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech.
And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.
And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.
Then Jotham straight away went in flight to Beer, and was living there for fear of his brother Abimelech.
Then Jotham escaped and ran away. He went to Beer and stayed there because of the threat of Abimelech his brother.
And Iotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there for feare of Abimelech his brother.
And Jotham hasteth, and fleeth, and goeth to Beer, and dwelleth there, from the face of Abimelech his brother.
Jotham ran away and fled, and went to Beer and lived there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.
And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.
And when he had said thus he fled, and went into Bera: and dwelt there for fear of Abimelech his brother.
After Jotham finished saying that, he escaped from them and ran away to Beer town. He stayed there because he was afraid that his brother Abimelech would try to kill him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:21
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 9:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֣נָס
יוֹתָ֔ם
וַ/יִּבְרַ֖ח
וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ
בְּאֵ֑רָ/ה
וַ/יֵּ֣שֶׁב
שָׁ֔ם
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
אֲבִימֶ֥לֶךְ
אָחִֽי/ו
וַ/יָּ֣נָס
nûwç
H5127
to flee
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹתָ֔ם
Yôwthâm
H3147
Jotham
N-proper
וַ/יִּבְרַ֖ח
bârach
H1272
to flee
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּאֵ֑רָ/ה
Bᵉʼêr
H876
Beer
N-proper | Suff
וַ/יֵּ֣שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
אֲבִימֶ֥לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
N-proper
אָחִֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:21
וַ/יָּ֣נָס
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
יוֹתָ֔ם
Yôwthâm
H3147
"Jotham"
N-proper
Jotham means Jehovah is perfect, the name of three Israelites, including a king of Judah and a son of Caleb. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and was a contemporary of Isaiah. Jotham was a king of Judah for 16 years.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.2.47; son of Caleb (H3612H) and Jahdai (H3056); brother of: Regem (H7276), Geshan (H1529), Pelet (H6404), Ephah (H5891I) and Shaaph (H8174) § Jotham = "Jehovah is perfect" 1) son of king Uzziah of Judah by Jerushah; king of Judah for 16 years and contemporary with Isaiah and king Pekah of Israel 2) son of Jahdai and a descendant of Caleb and Judah 3) youngest son of Gideon who escaped from the massacre of his brothers
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Jotham. See also: Judges 9:5; 1 Chronicles 3:12; Isaiah 1:1.
וַ/יִּבְרַ֖ח
bârach
H1272
"to flee"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, pass through 1a2) to flee 1a3) to hasten, come quickly 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pass through 1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight 1b3) to drive away
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot. See also: Genesis 16:6; 1 Kings 11:17; Psalms 3:1.
וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בְּאֵ֑רָ/ה
Bᵉʼêr
H876
"Beer"
N-proper | Suff
Beer means well, referring to a city near Hebron or a place in the Desert. It appears in the Bible as a location.
Definition: Beer = "well" a city west of Hebron Another name of be.e.rot (בְּאֵרוֹת "Beeroth" H0881G)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Beer. See also: Numbers 21:16; Judges 9:21.
וַ/יֵּ֣שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
שָׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֲבִימֶ֥לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
"Ahimelech"
N-proper
Abimelech was the name of two Philistine kings and two Israelites in the Bible, including a king who met Abraham and a priest who helped David. The name means 'my father is king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Another spelling of a.chi.me.lekh (אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0288I) § Abimelech = "Melek is father" or "my father is king" 1) king of Gerar in Abraham's time 2) king of Gath in David's time; maybe title of Philistine kings 3) son of Gideon by a concubine 4) priest, son of Abiathar
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Abimelech. See also: Genesis 20:2; Judges 9:20; Psalms 34:1.
אָחִֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
Study Notes — Judges 9:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 9:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:21
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:21
- Sermons on Judges 9:21
Context — Jotham’s Parable
19if you have acted faithfully and honestly toward Jerubbaal and his house this day, then may you rejoice in Abimelech, and he in you.
20But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech.”
21Then Jotham ran away, escaping to Beer, and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech.
22After Abimelech had reigned over Israel for three years, 23God sent a spirit of animosity between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem and caused them to treat Abimelech deceitfully,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 21:16 | From there they went on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people so that I may give them water.” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 20:14 | Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel-beth-maacah and through the entire region of the Berites, who gathered together and followed him. |
| 3 | Joshua 19:8 | and all the villages surrounding these cities as far as Baalath-beer (Ramah of the Negev). This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Simeon. |
Judges 9:21 Summary
[Jotham ran away to a place called Beer because he was afraid of his brother Abimelech, who had just become king. This shows that Jotham knew Abimelech was not a safe person to be around, and he wanted to protect himself. As the Bible says in Proverbs 22:3, it's sometimes wise to avoid evil or dangerous situations. In a similar way, we can learn from Jotham's example to trust in God's protection and provision, even when we are in a difficult or fearful situation, just like David did in Psalm 23:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jotham run away to Beer?
Jotham ran away to Beer because he was afraid of his brother Abimelech, who had just been made king and had shown violent tendencies, as seen in Judges 9:21 and Judges 9:5 where Abimelech killed his seventy brothers.
What can we learn from Jotham's actions in this verse?
We can learn that sometimes it is wise to remove ourselves from a situation that may be harmful or dangerous, as Jotham did when he fled to Beer, and as advised in Proverbs 22:3, which says to avoid evil.
How does Jotham's running away relate to his previous actions in Judges 9:7-21?
Jotham's running away is a direct result of his bold declaration against Abimelech in Judges 9:7-21, where he condemned Abimelech's actions and called for God's judgment, showing that our actions can have consequences, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8.
What does this verse reveal about Abimelech's character?
This verse reveals that Abimelech is a man to be feared, as Jotham is afraid of him, and this fear is likely due to Abimelech's violent and power-hungry nature, as seen in his actions in Judges 9:5 and Judges 9:56.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I need to take a step back and remove myself from harm, just like Jotham did?
- How can I balance being bold in my faith, like Jotham, with being wise and cautious in the face of danger?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's protection and provision, even when I am in a difficult or fearful situation, like Jotham was?
- How can I apply the lesson of Jotham's running away to my own life, and what are some areas where I need to be more cautious or wise?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:21
And Jotham ran away, and fled,.... Having delivered his fable, and the application of it, he made his escape, having the advantage of being on the top of a mountain, at some distance from the people,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:21
And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. Jotham ran away, and fled.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:21
He might easily flee, having the advantage of the hill and other accommodations for flight, and because the people were not forward to pursue a man whom they knew to have such just cause and great provocation to speak, and so little power to do them any hurt. Beer; a place remote from Shechem, and out of Abimelech’ s reach. There were divers places of that name.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:21
Judges 9:21 And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.Ver. 21. And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went.] It was but high time to fly, Cito, citius, citissime, whence all this heap of words in the text. So fled Jacob from Esau, David from Saul, Paul from his persecutors. It is not unlawful in some cases to save ourselves by flight. Tertullian was too rigid in this point. God hath not set us as standing marks or butts to be shot at.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:21
(21) Went to Beer.—Since Beer means a “well,” it. was naturally a very common name in Palestine. There is nothing to show with certainty whether this Beer is Beeroth in Benjamin (Joshua 9:17), now el Bireh, about. six miles north of Jerusalem (see my Life of Christ, i. 73), or the el Bireh which lies on the road from Shechem to Askalon, or the el Bireh near Endor. Probably Jotham would be safe anywhere in the territories of Judah or Benjamin, without going, as Ewald supposes, to the Beer of Num 21:16, on the frontiers of Moab, an ancient sanctuary on the other side of the Jordan, possibly the Beer-elim (palm-well) of Isaiah 15:8. For fear of Abimelech.—Literally, from the face of Abimelech.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:21
Verse 21. Went to Beer] Mr. Maundrell, in his journey from Aleppo to Jerusalem, p. 64, 5th edit., mentions a place of this name, which he thinks to be that to which Jotham fled, and supposed to be the same as Mishmash, 1 Samuel 14:5; 1 Samuel 14:31. It is situated, he says, towards the south, on an easy declivity; and has a fountain of excellent water at the bottom of the hill from which it has taken its name.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:21
21. Beer] Unknown; a common name = a well.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:21
21. Jotham ran away — After such a burning application of his fable he knew that his only safety was in flight. The precipice from the top of which he spoke enabled him to get the start of any who might be disposed to pursue him.
Sermons on Judges 9:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Water of Life by J. Sidlow Baxter | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of the well in the Book of Numbers. The well was the subject of a divine promise from God, who said He would provide water. The peo |
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Isaac, a Man of the Wells by Don Courville | This sermon delves into the story of Isaac and the wells, highlighting the importance of living under the authority of God's presence, the consequences of compromise and strife, an |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 475 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of wells in the Bible. He starts by referencing the story of Abraham's servant finding Isaac a wife at a well. The preacher |
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Becoming a Well of Living Water by Allan Halton | Allan Halton preaches about the significance of wells in the Bible, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and life-giving water in times of drought and barrenness. From Abraham to Mose |