King James Version

What Does Judges 20:39 Mean?

Judges 20:39 in the King James Version says “And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty per...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Judges 20:39 · King James Version


Context

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

41

And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them. was come: Heb. touched them


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Verse 39 details the aftermath of Benjamin's defeat. And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty per... 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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיַּֽהֲפֹ֥ךְ1 of 21

“retired”

H2015

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

אִ֔ישׁ2 of 21

“And when 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)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙3 of 21

“of Israel”

H3478

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

כַּמִּלְחָמָ֖ה4 of 21

“battle”

H4421

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

וּבִנְיָמִ֡ן5 of 21

“Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

הֵחֵל֩6 of 21

“began”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

לְהַכּ֨וֹת7 of 21

“to smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

חֲלָלִ֤ים8 of 21

“and kill”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

אִ֔ישׁ9 of 21

“And when 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)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙10 of 21

“of Israel”

H3478

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

כִּשְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים11 of 21

“about thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

אִ֔ישׁ12 of 21

“And when 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)

כִּ֣י13 of 21
H3588

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

אָֽמְר֔וּ14 of 21

“for they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַךְ֩15 of 21
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

נִגָּ֥ף16 of 21

“Surely”

H5062

to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)

נִגָּ֥ף17 of 21

“Surely”

H5062

to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)

הוּא֙18 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְפָנֵ֔ינוּ19 of 21

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כַּמִּלְחָמָ֖ה20 of 21

“battle”

H4421

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

הָרִֽאשֹׁנָֽה׃21 of 21

“us as in the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)


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 20:39 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 20:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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