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Judges 9:31

Judges 9:31 in Multiple Translations

So he covertly sent messengers to Abimelech to say, “Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you.

And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against thee.

And he sent messengers unto Abimelech craftily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren are come to Shechem; and, behold, they constrain the city to take part against thee.

And he sent to Abimelech at Arumah, saying, See, Gaal, the son of Ebed, and his brothers have come to Shechem, and they are working up the town against you.

He secretly sent messengers to Abimelech to tell him, “Look, Gaal, son of Ebed, and his relatives have arrived in Shechem, and they are stirring up the town to rebel against you.

Therefore he sent messengers vnto Abimelech priuily, saying, Beholde, Gaal the sonne of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem, and beholde, they fortifie the citie against thee.

and he sendeth messengers unto Abimelech deceitfully, saying, 'Lo, Gaal son of Ebed and his brethren are coming into Shechem, and lo, they are fortifying the city against thee;

He sent messengers to Abimelech craftily, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem; and behold, they incite the city against you.

And he sent messengers to Abimelech privately, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed, and his brethren, are come to Shechem; and behold, they fortify the city against thee.

And sent messengers privately to Abimelech, saying: Behold Gaal the son of Obed is come into Sichem with his brethren, and endeavoureth to set the city against thee.

He secretly sent some messengers to Abimelech. They told him, “Gaal and his brothers have come here to Shechem, and they are causing the people of the city to rebel against you.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:31

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 9:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֧ח מַלְאָכִ֛ים אֶל אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ בְּ/תָרְמָ֣ה לֵ/אמֹ֑ר הִנֵּה֩ גַ֨עַל בֶּן עֶ֤בֶד וְ/אֶחָי/ו֙ בָּאִ֣ים שְׁכֶ֔מָ/ה וְ/הִנָּ֛/ם צָרִ֥ים אֶת הָ/עִ֖יר עָלֶֽי/ךָ
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֧ח shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מַלְאָכִ֛ים mălʼâk H4397 messenger N-mp
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ ʼĂbîymelek H40 Ahimelech N-proper
בְּ/תָרְמָ֣ה tormâh H8649 treachery Prep | N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הִנֵּה֩ hinnêh H2009 behold Part
גַ֨עַל Gaʻal H1603 Gaal N-proper
בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms
עֶ֤בֶד ʻEbed H5651 Ebed N-proper
וְ/אֶחָי/ו֙ ʼâch H251 brother Conj | N-mp | Suff
בָּאִ֣ים bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal
שְׁכֶ֔מָ/ה Shᵉkem H7927 Shechem N-proper | Suff
וְ/הִנָּ֛/ם hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part | Suff
צָרִ֥ים tsûwr H6696 to confine V-Qal
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/עִ֖יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs
עָלֶֽי/ךָ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:31

וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֧ח shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
מַלְאָכִ֛ים mălʼâk H4397 "messenger" N-mp
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
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.
אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ 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.
בְּ/תָרְמָ֣ה tormâh H8649 "treachery" Prep | N-proper
This word means deceitfulness or fraud, describing actions that are dishonest or treacherous. It is used to describe secret or sneaky behavior, often with negative intentions.
Definition: in treachery, treacherously
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: deceit(-ful), privily. See also: Judges 9:31; Jeremiah 14:14; Psalms 119:118.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
הִנֵּה֩ hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
גַ֨עַל Gaʻal H1603 "Gaal" N-proper
Gaal was an Israelite who lived before Israel's monarchy, first mentioned in Judges 9:26, and was the son of Ebed. He helped the Shechemites rebel against Abimelech.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.9.26; son of: Ebed (H5651) § Gaal = "loathing" son of Eved who aided the Shechemites in their rebellion against Abimelech
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Gaal. See also: Judges 9:26; Judges 9:35; Judges 9:41.
בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms
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.
עֶ֤בֶד ʻEbed H5651 "Ebed" N-proper
Ebed was the name of two Israelites, one mentioned in Ezra 8:6 and another in the time of the judges. The name means servant, and one Ebed was the father of Gaal. The KJV translates it as Ebed.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.6; son of: Jonathan (H3129H) § Ebed = "servant" 1) father of Gaal in the time of the judges 2) son of Jonathan and one of the sons of Adin who returned from exile with Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Ebed. See also: Judges 9:26; Judges 9:31; Ezra 8:6.
וְ/אֶחָי/ו֙ ʼâch H251 "brother" Conj | N-mp | 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.
בָּאִ֣ים bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
שְׁכֶ֔מָ/ה Shᵉkem H7927 "Shechem" N-proper | Suff
Shechem refers to a city in Palestine and a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 33:19. He was the son of Hamor, a Hivite chieftain. The city was located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; son of: Hamor (H2544) § Shechem = "back" or "shoulder" 1) son of Hamor, the chieftain of the Hivites at Shechem at the time of Jacob's arrival 2) a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) south- east of Samaria
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Shechem. See also: Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6; Psalms 60:8.
וְ/הִנָּ֛/ם hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part | Suff
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
צָרִ֥ים tsûwr H6696 "to confine" V-Qal
To form or shape something, like a potter molds clay, as in Isaiah 29:16.
Definition: 1) to bind, besiege, confine, cramp 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to confine, secure 1a2) to shut in, beseige 1a3) to shut up, enclose
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: adversary, assault, beset, besiege, bind (up), cast, distress, fashion, fortify, inclose, lay siege, put up in bags. See also: Exodus 23:22; 2 Kings 18:9; Psalms 139:5.
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.
הָ/עִ֖יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
עָלֶֽי/ךָ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

Study Notes — Judges 9:31

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Judges 9:31 Summary

This verse shows how Zebul, the governor of the city, responded to the threat of Gaal and his brothers, who were stirring up the city against Abimelech. Zebul sent secret messengers to Abimelech to warn him of the danger, demonstrating his loyalty to Abimelech and his commitment to maintaining order in the city, much like the importance of loyalty and submission emphasized in Romans 13:1-7 and Hebrews 13:17. This verse teaches us that as believers, we should prioritize loyalty, wisdom, and courage in our actions, and be diligent in responding to threats against God's people and leaders, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:1-5. By studying this verse, we can learn valuable lessons about leadership, loyalty, and community, and apply them to our own lives, just as we see in the examples of faithful leaders in the Bible, such as Moses in Exodus 18:13-27.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Zebul send messengers to Abimelech in secret?

Zebul sent messengers to Abimelech in secret because he was trying to counter the influence of Gaal, who was stirring up the city against Abimelech, as seen in Judges 9:31. This action shows that Zebul was loyal to Abimelech and wanted to protect his authority, much like the loyalty demonstrated in Ruth 3:1-6.

What was the motivation behind Zebul's actions in this verse?

Zebul's motivation was likely to maintain order and stability in the city, as well as to protect Abimelech's position, as indicated in Judges 9:30 where Zebul burned with anger upon hearing Gaal's words. This is similar to the leadership principles found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, where leaders are called to maintain order and discipline.

How does this verse relate to the concept of loyalty and leadership?

This verse highlights the importance of loyalty and leadership, as Zebul's actions demonstrate his commitment to Abimelech and the city of Shechem, much like the loyalty of David to King Saul in 1 Samuel 24:1-7. It also shows how leaders must make difficult decisions to maintain order and protect their people, as seen in Nehemiah 5:1-19.

What can we learn from Zebul's response to Gaal's rebellion?

We can learn that as believers, we must be diligent in responding to threats against God's people and His leaders, just as Zebul responded to Gaal's rebellion, and that we should prioritize loyalty, wisdom, and courage in our actions, as encouraged in Proverbs 24:23-25 and 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can demonstrate loyalty to my leaders and community, just as Zebul did in this verse?
  2. How can I balance the need to maintain order and stability with the need to speak out against injustice, as seen in the conflict between Zebul and Gaal?
  3. What are some potential consequences of allowing rebellion and discord to go unchecked, and how can I work to prevent this in my own community?
  4. In what ways can I prioritize wisdom and courage in my own decision-making, especially when faced with difficult or challenging situations like Zebul faced in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:31

And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily,.... In a secret manner, unknown to Gaal and the men of Shechem; or "craftily", as Jarchi and Kimchi interpret it, still dissembling, notwithstanding his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:31

And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:31

Privily, so as Gaal and his confederates might not know it. Or, in Tormah; or, who was in Tormah; for some make it the name of the place where Abimelech was, which is called with some variation Arumah, . They fortify the city against thee; they besiege or guard the city of Shechem, so as none may go out to thee, nor come in from thee.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:31

Judges 9:31 And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against thee. Ver. 31. Behold, Gaal … and, behold, they fortify.] Abimelech was but a usurper, yet Gaal, his prefect or lieutenant, sticketh to him. So did John, Duke of Norfolk, to Richard III, though the night before Bosworth-field he had this distich fastened to his tent-door - “ Jocky of Norfolk, be not too bold: For Dicky, thy master, is bought and sold.” - Hollinsh. So Sir Ralph Percy, slain upon Hegely moor, in Northumberland, by the Lord Mountacute, General for Edward IV, would in nowise depart the field, though defeated; but in dying said, "I have saved the bird in my breast," meaning his oath to King Henry VI. Speed, 869.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:31

(31) Privily.—The Hebrew is betormah, which may mean “to Tormah,” or Arumah, where Abimelech was living (Judges 9:41). The word occurs nowhere else, and the versions differ (LXX., in secret; Cod. B, with gifts; Cod. A reading batherumah). Whether “craftily” be the right rendering or not, it is clear that the message was a secret one, for Zebul dissembled his anger until he was strong enough to throw off the mask. They fortify.—Rather, perhaps, they tyrannise over the city because of thee.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:31

Verse 31. They fortify the city against thee.] Under pretence of repairing the walls and towers, they were actually putting the place in a state of defence, intending to seize on the government as soon as they should find Abimelech coming against them. Fortifying the city may mean seducing the inhabitants from their loyalty to Abimelech.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:31

31. craftily] The form of the Hebr. word is suspicious and the meaning unsuitable; read in Arumah, mentioned as Abimelech’s dwelling-place in Judges 9:41. they constrain the city] An attempt to translate the unusual construction of the Hebr. verb, which means besiege (so Verss.). But the text is at fault; perhaps we should read they are stirring up.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 9:31

Privily - See the margin. The word is probably the name of a place in “Tormah”, some think the same as “Arumah” Judges 9:41.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:31

31. Sent messengers unto Abimelech — Who was dwelling at Arumah. Judges 9:41.

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