King James Version

What Does Judges 20:40 Mean?

Judges 20:40 in the King James Version says “But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, beh... — study this verse from Judges chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Judges 20:40 · KJV


Context

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

42

Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which came out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 40 details the aftermath of Benjamin's defeat. But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, beh... 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 · 15 words
וְהַמַּשְׂאֵ֗ת1 of 15

But when the 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

הֵחֵ֛לָּה2 of 15

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

עָלָ֥ה3 of 15

ascended up

H5927

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

מִן4 of 15
H4480

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

הָעִ֖יר5 of 15

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)

עַמּ֣וּד6 of 15

with a pillar

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

עָשָׁ֑ן7 of 15

of smoke

H6227

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

וַיִּ֤פֶן8 of 15

looked

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

בִּנְיָמִן֙9 of 15
H1144

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

אַֽחֲרָ֔יו10 of 15

behind

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְהִנֵּ֛ה11 of 15
H2009

lo!

עָלָ֥ה12 of 15

ascended up

H5927

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

כְלִיל13 of 15

them and behold the flame

H3632

complete; as noun, the whole (specifically, a sacrifice entirely consumed); as adverb, fully

הָעִ֖יר14 of 15

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)

הַשָּׁמָֽיְמָה׃15 of 15

to heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r


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 20:40 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 20:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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