King James Version

What Does Judges 18:11 Mean?

Judges 18:11 in the King James Version says “And there went from thence of the family of the Danites, out of Zorah and out of Eshtaol, six hundred men appointed with...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Judges 18:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

And they passed thence unto mount Ephraim, and came unto the house of Micah.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The phrase "six hundred men appointed with weapons of war" (shesh-me'ot ish chagur keli milchamah, שֵׁשׁ־מֵאוֹת אִישׁ חָגוּר כְּלֵי מִלְחָמָה) describes a military expedition, not a peaceful migration. The number 600 appears elsewhere in military contexts (Judges 3:31, 1 Samuel 13:15, 14:2), possibly representing a standard military unit. These were warriors ready for conquest, demonstrating Dan's commitment to the unauthorized mission.

The departure from "Zorah and Eshtaol" emphasizes they left established settlements—they weren't refugees fleeing disaster but settlers abandoning God's assigned territory for perceived better options. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates how disobedience often involves not merely passive failure but active rejection of God's provision. Dan had land, had towns, had established presence; their problem wasn't absence of blessing but unwillingness to fight for complete possession of what God had given. This warns against the temptation to abandon God's assignments when they require sustained effort and faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The mobilization of 600 warriors from just two towns suggests either these were major settlements or that Dan's population in their allotted territory was modest. The number may represent a select contingent rather than Dan's entire military force. Historical context: this migration likely occurred during the early judges period (c. 1200-1150 BC) when tribal organization was still fluid and centralized authority weak. The ease with which 600 men departed on an unauthorized conquest mission demonstrates the political fragmentation characterizing this era—there was no king or judge to prevent or authorize such tribal decisions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we sometimes abandon God's provision not because it's insufficient but because possessing it fully requires sustained faith and effort?
  2. What does Dan's organized military expedition teach about how disobedience can be systematic and deliberate, not merely passive failure?
  3. In what areas of your life might you be actively pursuing alternatives to God's assignments rather than persevering where He has placed you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּסְע֤וּ1 of 12

“And there went”

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

מִשָּׁם֙2 of 12
H8033

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

מִמִּשְׁפַּ֣חַת3 of 12

“from thence of the family”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הַדָּנִ֔י4 of 12

“of the Danites”

H1839

a danite (often collectively) or descendants (or inhabitants) of dan

מִצָּרְעָ֖ה5 of 12

“out of Zorah”

H6881

tsorah, a place in palestine

וּמֵֽאֶשְׁתָּאֹ֑ל6 of 12

“and out of Eshtaol”

H847

eshtaol, a place in palestine

שֵֽׁשׁ7 of 12

“six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵא֣וֹת8 of 12

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אִ֔ישׁ9 of 12

“men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

חָג֖וּר10 of 12

“appointed”

H2296

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

כְּלֵ֥י11 of 12

“with weapons”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

מִלְחָמָֽה׃12 of 12

“of war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

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 18:11 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 18:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 18:16

Places in This Verse

EshtaolSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Deir Shubeib · 31.80°N, 34.99°E8 verses across 3 books
ZorahSettlement · Modern: Tel Tzora · 31.77°N, 34.99°E11 verses across 5 books
View all places in Judges 18 →

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