King James Version

What Does Judges 20:38 Mean?

Judges 20:38 in the King James Version says “Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame wit...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city. sign: or, time and: Heb. with flame: Heb. elevation”

Judges 20:38 · KJV

Context

36

So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah.

37

And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword. drew: or, made a long sound with the trumpet

38

Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city. sign: or, time and: Heb. with flame: Heb. elevation

39

And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle. to smite: Heb. to smite the wounded

40

But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven. the flame of: Heb. the whole consumption of

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 38 details the aftermath of Benjamin's defeat. Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame wit... The systematic destruction of Benjamin's territory represents the tragic outcome when civil war erupts among God's people—victory comes at devastating cost to the covenant community.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse describes the thorough nature of Benjamin's military defeat and the subsequent destruction of their tribal territory following the ambush strategy blessed by God after Israel's proper consultation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do victories that come after proper seeking of God still carry tragic costs?
  2. What does this reveal about the consequences of civil conflict among God's people?
  3. How can righteous judgments escalate beyond their proper scope?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהַמּוֹעֵ֗ד1 of 12

“Now there was an appointed sign”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

הָיָ֛ה2 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְאִ֥ישׁ3 of 12

“between the 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)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל4 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עִם5 of 12

“and”

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הָֽאֹרֵ֑ב6 of 12

“the liers in wait”

H693

to lurk

הֶ֕רֶב7 of 12

“that they should make a great”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

לְהַֽעֲלוֹתָ֛ם8 of 12

“rise up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מַשְׂאַ֥ת9 of 12

“flame”

H4864

properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr

הֶֽעָשָׁ֖ן10 of 12

“with smoke”

H6227

smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)

מִן11 of 12
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָעִֽיר׃12 of 12

“out of the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

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 20:38 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 20:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 4:16Genesis 17:21Joshua 8:20

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