King James Version

What Does Judges 20:42 Mean?

Judges 20:42 in the King James Version says “Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them;... — study this verse from Judges chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Judges 20:42 · KJV


Context

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.

43

Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising . with ease: or, from Menuchah, etc over: Heb. unto over against

44

And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of valour.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 42 details the aftermath of Benjamin's defeat. Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them;... 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 · 14 words
וַיִּפְנ֞וּ1 of 14

Therefore they turned

H6437

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

לִפְנֵ֨י2 of 14

their backs 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

אִ֤ישׁ3 of 14

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)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙4 of 14

of Israel

H3478

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

אֶל5 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דֶּ֣רֶךְ6 of 14

unto the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַמִּדְבָּ֔ר7 of 14

of the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

וְהַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה8 of 14

but the battle

H4421

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

הִדְבִּיקָ֑תְהוּ9 of 14

overtook

H1692

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

וַֽאֲשֶׁר֙10 of 14
H834

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

מֵהֶ֣עָרִ֔ים11 of 14

them and them which came out of the cities

H5892

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

מַשְׁחִיתִ֥ים12 of 14

they destroyed

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

אוֹת֖וֹ13 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּתוֹכֽוֹ׃14 of 14

in the midst

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center


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 20:42 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 20:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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