King James Version

What Does Judges 20:43 Mean?

Judges 20:43 in the King James Version says “Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Judges 20:43 · KJV

Context

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.

45

And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.

Read Judges 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 43 details the aftermath of Benjamin's defeat. Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward... 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 · 11 words
כִּתְּר֤וּ1 of 11

“Thus they inclosed”

H3803

to enclose; hence (in a friendly sense) to crown, (in a hostile one) to besiege; also to wait (as restraining oneself)

אֶת2 of 11
H853

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

בִּנְיָמִן֙3 of 11
H1144

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

הִרְדִיפֻ֔הוּ4 of 11

“and chased”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

מְנוּחָ֖ה5 of 11

“with ease”

H4496

repose or (adverbially) peacefully; figuratively, consolation (specifically, matrimony); hence (concretely) an abode

הִדְרִיכֻ֑הוּ6 of 11

“them and trode them down”

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

עַ֛ד7 of 11
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

נֹ֥כַח8 of 11

“over against”

H5227

properly, the front part; used adverbially (especially with preposition), opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of

הַגִּבְעָ֖ה9 of 11

“Gibeah”

H1390

gibah; the name of three places in palestine

מִמִּזְרַח10 of 11

“toward the sunrising”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

שָֽׁמֶשׁ׃11 of 11
H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

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 20:43 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 20:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 8:20-22

Places in This Verse

Gibeah 1Settlement · Modern: Tel el Ful · 31.82°N, 35.23°E45 verses across 6 books
NohahSpecial Place1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Judges 20 →

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