Judges 9:46
Judges 9:46 in Multiple Translations
On hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.
¶ And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith.
And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard thereof, they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith.
Then all the townsmen of the tower of Shechem, hearing of it, went into the inner room of the house of El-berith.
When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem realized what had happened, they took refuge in the strongroom of the temple of El-berith.
And when all the men of the towre of Shechem heard it, they entred into an holde of the house of the god Berith.
And all the masters of the tower of Shechem hear, and go in unto the high place of the house of the god Berith,
When all the men of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith.
And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that , they entered into a hold of the house of the god Berith.
And when they who dwelt in the tower of Sichem had heard this, they went into the temple of their god Berith where they had made a covenant with him, and from thence the place had taken its name, and it was exceeding strong.
When the leaders who lived in the tower/fortress outside of Shechem heard what had happened, they ran and hid inside the fortress, which was also a temple of their god El-Berith.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:46
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 9:46 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְע֔וּ
כָּֽל
בַּעֲלֵ֖י
מִֽגְדַּל
שְׁכֶ֑ם
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
אֶל
צְרִ֔יחַ
בֵּ֖ית
אֵ֥ל
בְּרִֽית
וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְע֔וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בַּעֲלֵ֖י
baʻal
H1167
master
N-mp
מִֽגְדַּל
migdâl
H4026
tower
N-cs
שְׁכֶ֑ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
Shechem
N-proper
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
צְרִ֔יחַ
tsᵉrîyach
H6877
stronghold
N-ms
בֵּ֖ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אֵ֥ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-proper
בְּרִֽית
Bᵉrîyth
H1286
-berith
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:46
וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְע֔וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בַּעֲלֵ֖י
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-mp
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
מִֽגְדַּל
migdâl
H4026
"tower"
N-cs
Migdal means tower, referring to a tall structure or elevated stage. It can also symbolize a bed of flowers in the Bible.
Definition: 1) tower 1a) tower 1b) elevated stage, pulpit 1c) raised bed
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: castle, flower, tower. Compare the names following. See also: Genesis 11:4; Nehemiah 3:26; Psalms 48:13.
שְׁכֶ֑ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
"Shechem"
N-proper
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.
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
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.
צְרִ֔יחַ
tsᵉrîyach
H6877
"stronghold"
N-ms
A stronghold was a secure fortress or underground room, often used for defense or storage. Its exact meaning is uncertain, but it refers to a place of safety and protection.
Definition: 1) excavation, underground chamber, cellar, underground room 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: high place, hold. See also: Judges 9:46; Judges 9:49; 1 Samuel 13:6.
בֵּ֖ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אֵ֥ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-proper
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
בְּרִֽית
Bᵉrîyth
H1286
"-berith"
N-proper
Baal-berith was a foreign deity worshipped in Shechem, and its name means covenant. The Israelites were warned against worshipping this idol in the Bible, as it was a violation of their covenant with God.
Definition: Berith = "covenant" in the name of Baal-berith, a foreign deity worshipped in Shechem Combined with el (אֵל "El" H0410H)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Berith. See also: Judges 9:46.
Study Notes — Judges 9:46
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 9:46 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:46
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:46
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:46
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:46
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:46
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:46
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:46
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 9:46
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:46
- Sermons on Judges 9:46
Context — The Fall of Shechem
44Then Abimelech and the companies with him rushed forward and took their stand at the entrance of the city gate. The other two companies rushed against all who were in the fields and struck them down.
45And all that day Abimelech fought against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he demolished the city and sowed it with salt.
46On hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.
47And when Abimelech was told that all the leaders in the tower of Shechem were gathered there, 48he and all his men went up to Mount Zalmon. Abimelech took his axe in his hand and cut a branch from the trees, which he lifted to his shoulder, saying to his men, “Hurry and do what you have seen me do.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 8:33 | And as soon as Gideon was dead, the Israelites turned and prostituted themselves with the Baals, and they set up Baal-berith as their god. |
| 2 | Judges 9:4 | So they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired some worthless and reckless men to follow him. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 8:26 | And now, O God of Israel, please confirm what You promised to Your servant, my father David. |
| 4 | Psalms 115:8 | Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. |
| 5 | Judges 9:27 | And after they had gone out into the fields, gathered grapes from their vineyards, and trodden them, they held a festival and went into the house of their god; and as they ate and drank, they cursed Abimelech. |
| 6 | Isaiah 37:38 | One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place. |
| 7 | Isaiah 28:15–18 | For you said, “We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.” So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place. Your covenant with death will be dissolved, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge passes through, you will be trampled by it. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 1:2–4 | Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers and instructed them: “Go inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this injury.” But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are on your way to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’ Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’” So Elijah departed. |
Judges 9:46 Summary
Judges 9:46 tells us that when the leaders of Shechem heard about Abimelech's conquest of their city, they went to the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith, likely seeking safety or guidance. This action shows how people often turn to their own strength or false gods in times of trouble, rather than trusting in the one true God, as seen in Psalm 20:7-8. In simple terms, this verse reminds us that our response to adversity reveals where our true trust lies, and we should strive to trust in God's power and wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By reflecting on this verse, we can examine our own hearts and learn to seek refuge in God alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tower of Shechem and why is it significant in this verse?
The tower of Shechem was likely a strong fortress or a place of safety for the leaders of Shechem, as seen in Judges 9:46, and it held importance as a gathering place for these leaders to respond to the actions of Abimelech, much like the people of God gathered in the temple in 1 Kings 8:1-5 to dedicate it to the Lord.
Who is El-berith and what is the temple of El-berith?
El-berith, meaning 'God of the covenant', was a deity worshipped by the people of Shechem, and the temple of El-berith was a place of worship for this false god, as mentioned in Judges 9:4, contrasting with the true worship of the God of Israel seen in Deuteronomy 12:2-3.
Why did the leaders of Shechem go to the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith upon hearing the news of Abimelech's conquest?
The leaders likely went to the inner chamber to seek safety, to consult with each other, or to seek the counsel of their god El-berith, similar to how the Israelites would seek the Lord's guidance in times of distress, as seen in Psalm 121:1-2.
How does this event relate to the broader story of Israel's history?
This event in Judges 9:46 is part of the cycle of sin, judgment, and redemption seen throughout the book of Judges, reflecting the ongoing struggle of the Israelites to remain faithful to their covenant with God, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 30:19-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are the ways in which I seek refuge or safety in times of trouble, and how do these compare to seeking refuge in God?
- How can I, like the leaders of Shechem, be aware of my own tendencies to turn to false sources of comfort or security instead of trusting in the Lord?
- In what ways can I apply the lessons from the story of Abimelech and the tower of Shechem to my own life and relationships, especially in terms of seeking wisdom and guidance?
- What does this verse reveal about the human heart's tendency to respond to fear and uncertainty, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty in such situations?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:46
And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that,.... That the city of Shechem was taken, the inhabitants of it slain, the city beaten down, and sowed with salt; by which it appears that this
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:46
And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:46
The tower of Shechem; a strong place belonging to the city of Shechem, and made for its defence or security, but without the city. It is thought this was that Milo which was confederate with Shechem in their design for Abimelech, , which also Jotham cursed with Shechem, , and that curse is noted to have its effect, . And this place may be called the tower of Shechem, either because those who possessed and defended it were sent from Shechem, or because it was built and kept for the safeguard of Shechem. The house of the god Berith; or, Baal-berith, . Hither they fled out of the town belonging to it, fearing the same event with Shechem; and here they thought to be secure; partly by the strength of the place, as the temples of idols were ofttimes built in the highest and strongest places, as the capitol at Rome, and the temple at Jerusalem; and such this place seems to have been, because they laid their treasure here, , partly by the religion of it, thinking that either their god would protect them there, or that Abimelech would spare them there, if not out of piety to that god, yet out of thankfulness for the benefit which he received thence, .
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:46
Judges 9:46 And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard [that], they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith.Ver. 46. Into an hold of the house of the god Berith.] This was as if a man should run into a stack of straw or barrel of gunpowder, to secure himself from a raging fire. Their covenant with Baal, that image of jealousy, was the cause of their ruin. They looked upon this hold as both a fort and a sanctuary; but it saved them not.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:46
(46) The men of the tower of Shechem.—Evidently the garrison of the house of Millo (Judges 9:6). Entered into an hold.—The word for “hold” occurs in 1 Samuel 13:6 (“high place”). The LXX. render it “a fortress” (ochuroma); Luther, “Festung.” In the Æthiopic Version of Mar 16:15 a similar word is used for “upper room.” The Vulg. has, “They entered the fane of their god Berith, where they had made their league with him, and from this the place had received its name, and it was strongly fortified.” Of the house of the god Berith.—Similarly. Arcesilas burnt the Cyrenæns in a tower (Herod. iv. 164), and in 1Ma 5:43 the defeated enemy fly for refuge to the temple of Ashtaroth in Karnaim, which Judas takes and burns.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:46
Verse 46. A hold of the house of the god Berith.] This must mean the precincts of the temple, as we find there were a thousand men and women together in that place.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:46
46. the tower of Shechem] Migdal-Shechem or Tower of Shechem, not the citadel of S., but an unwalled village in the neighbourhood, marked by a tower, cf. Judges 8:9; Judges 8:17. the hold of the house of El-berith) The rendering hold Judges 9:49, i.e. an underground excavation, suits the only other place where the word (ṣ ?erîaḥ ?) occurs, 1 Samuel 13:6; in Nabataean Aramaic the word is used for the vault of a grave (NSI., pp. 237, 241); it is frequently found in Arabic epitaphs from Egypt with the sense of tomb (Clermont Ganneau, Recueil d’Arch. Or., vii. p. 200). So in Judges 9:49; they laid the faggots upon the vault, set the vault on fire over the heads of the people within. For El-bĕ ?rîth cf. Judges 9:4, Judges 8:33 Baal-bĕ ?rîth.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 9:46
An hold of the house of the god Berith - As combining the advantages of a “sanctuary” (compare 1 Kings 2:28) and a fortress.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:46
46. Men of the tower — These were the same as the house of Millo. Judges 9:6; Judges 9:20.
Sermons on Judges 9:46
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(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 |
|
The Lost Sheep Restored by J.C. Philpot | Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'kenos,' which signifies emptiness, futility, and lack of effectiveness, whether in material, intellectual, moral, or spiritual aspect |
|
Things That Destroy Godly Character by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of idolatry and the importance of recognizing how it can distort our character and relationship with God. He explains that trials and tribulat |
|
Letter 2 by St. Athanasius | St. Athanasius emphasizes the joy of Easter and the importance of living according to the teachings of Christ and the saints. He encourages believers to not only hear the Gospel bu |
|
Psalms 115:8 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes that every person has an inherent capacity for God and is bound to an authority, which often leads to idolatry. He identifies three primary forms of idolatry |
|
|
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 28:16 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the dream of Nebuchadnezzar as recorded in the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream about a great image with different materials |
|
The Mystery of Iniquity by Reggie Kelly | Reggie Kelly delves into the profound mysteries of Genesis 3:15, connecting it to the comprehensive plan of God revealed in the Bible, particularly focusing on the two seeds repres |