King James Version

What Does Judges 18:10 Mean?

Judges 18:10 in the King James Version says “When ye go, ye shall come unto a people secure, and to a large land: for God hath given it into your hands; a place wher... — study this verse from Judges chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

When ye go, ye shall come unto a people secure, and to a large land: for God hath given it into your hands; a place where there is no want of any thing that is in the earth.

Judges 18:10 · KJV


Context

8

And they came unto their brethren to Zorah and Eshtaol: and their brethren said unto them, What say ye?

9

And they said, Arise, that we may go up against them: for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land.

10

When ye go, ye shall come unto a people secure, and to a large land: for God hath given it into your hands; a place where there is no want of any thing that is in the earth.

11

And there went from thence of the family of the Danites, out of Zorah and out of Eshtaol, six hundred men appointed with weapons of war. appointed: Heb. girded

12

And they went up, and pitched in Kirjathjearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahanehdan unto this day: behold, it is behind Kirjathjearim.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When ye go, ye shall come unto a people secure, and to a large land: for God hath given it into your hands; a place where there is no want of any thing that is in the earth. The spies' assurance "God hath given it into your hands" (Elohim netanah beyedkhem, אֱלֹהִים נְתָנָהּ בְיֶדְכֶם) appropriates divine-promise language without actual divine authorization. They use Elohim (אֱלֹהִים, generic "God") rather than Yahweh (יְהוָה, covenant name), and the perfect tense "hath given" (natan, נָתַן) mimics how God spoke about the promised land. Yet God had already given Dan specific territory (Joshua 19:40-48); this unauthorized conquest contradicted His revealed will.

The description—"a people secure" (am botei'ach, עַם בֹּטֵחַ), "a large land" (eretz rachabat yadayim, אֶרֶץ רַחֲבַת יָדַיִם, literally "broad of hands"), "no want of any thing" (ein sham machsor kol-davar, אֵין־שָׁם מַחְסוֹר כָּל־דָּבָר)—emphasizes material abundance, not covenant faithfulness. This pragmatic focus reveals their values: they sought prosperity and ease, not God's glory or obedient possession of His promises. From a Reformed perspective, claiming God's blessing on self-chosen paths while ignoring His revealed will is presumption, not faith. True faith submits to God's Word even when it seems difficult, trusting His wisdom over human assessment of circumstances (Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 55:8-9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The spies' assurance proved technically accurate—Dan did conquer Laish successfully. But worldly success doesn't validate disobedience. The conquest established Dan's northern settlement, which became synonymous with idolatry (1 Kings 12:28-30) and eventually suffered judgment. God sometimes permits disobedient paths to 'succeed' in temporal terms while bringing spiritual disaster. The spies' promise of material abundance was fulfilled, but at the cost of spiritual health and eventual exile.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we sometimes claim God's blessing on plans He never authorized, using spiritual language to justify self-will?
  2. What's the difference between circumstances confirming God's will and circumstances merely presenting opportunities for disobedience?
  3. In what ways might material success or apparent ease actually indicate you're outside God's best purposes for your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
תָּבֹ֣אוּ׀1 of 21

When ye go

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

תָּבֹ֣אוּ׀2 of 21

When ye go

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל3 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַ֣ם4 of 21

unto a people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בֹּטֵ֗חַ5 of 21

secure

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃6 of 21

land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

רַֽחֲבַ֣ת7 of 21

and to a large

H7342

roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively

בְּיֶדְכֶ֑ם8 of 21

it into your hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

כִּֽי9 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נְתָנָ֥הּ10 of 21

hath given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֱלֹהִ֖ים11 of 21

for God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּיֶדְכֶ֑ם12 of 21

it into your hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מָקוֹם֙13 of 21

a place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר14 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֵֽין15 of 21
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

שָׁ֣ם16 of 21
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מַחְס֔וֹר17 of 21

where there is no want

H4270

deficiency; hence, impoverishment

כָּל18 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דָּבָ֖ר19 of 21

of any thing

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֥ר20 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃21 of 21

land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 18:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Judges 18:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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