King James Version

What Does Judges 3:16 Mean?

Judges 3:16 in the King James Version says “But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right t...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.”

Judges 3:16 · KJV

Context

14

So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.

15

But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded : and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab. a Benjamite: or, the son of Jemini lefthanded: Heb. shut of his right hand

16

But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.

17

And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man.

18

And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present.

Read Judges 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.

This passage relates to early judges: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar, demonstrating God's sovereign choice and empowerment of deliverers. The judges themselves display varying degrees of faith and character flaws, yet God works through these imperfect human instruments to accomplish His purposes. This illustrates the biblical pattern that God's power is made perfect in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Theologically, these early judges establish the pattern of divine deliverance through unlikely means. God chooses the weak, marginalized, and flawed to demonstrate that victory comes from His power, not human strength. This anticipates Paul's teaching that "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty" (1 Corinthians 1:27).

The military victories recorded here serve spiritual purposes—they deliver Israel from physical oppression but more importantly provide opportunity for spiritual renewal. Each deliverance creates space for Israel to return to covenant faithfulness. However, the repeated cycles show these deliverances provided only temporary relief, pointing to the need for the ultimate Deliverer who would provide permanent victory over sin and spiritual oppression through His death and resurrection.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: The Book of Judges spans approximately 350-400 years (c. 1375-1050 BCE) during the Late Bronze Age collapse and early Iron Age. This period saw the disintegration of major empires (Hittites, Mycenaeans) and weakening of Egyptian control over Canaan, creating a power vacuum filled by emerging peoples including Philistines (Sea Peoples), Aramaeans, and regional kingdoms. The decentralized tribal structure left Israel vulnerable to external oppression and internal chaos.

Cultural Context: This passage relates to early judges: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. Canaanite religion dominated the region, centered on Baal (storm/fertility god), Asherah (mother goddess), and Anat (war goddess). Archaeological discoveries at Ugarit (Ras Shamra) have provided extensive information about Canaanite mythology and religious practices. Baal worship involved ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and fertility rites tied to agricultural seasons. Israel's persistent attraction to these gods demonstrates the strong cultural pressure to conform to surrounding nations' religious practices.

The material culture of this period shows gradual Israelite settlement in the Canaanite hill country, with simpler pottery and architecture than coastal Canaanite cities. Iron technology was beginning to spread, giving military advantage to peoples who mastered it (note the Philistines' iron monopoly, 1 Samuel 13:19-22). The absence of centralized government during the judges period stands in stark contrast to the bureaucratic city-states of Canaan and the imperial administration of Egypt and Mesopotamia. This political structure reflected Israel's theocratic ideal—God as king—yet the repeated cycles of apostasy showed this ideal required more than political structures; it demanded heart transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage about early judges: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar reveal God's character in dealing with persistent human rebellion and incomplete obedience?
  2. What patterns of spiritual compromise or incomplete obedience in your own life mirror Israel's failures during the judges period?
  3. How does understanding the cyclical nature of sin and deliverance in Judges help you appreciate Christ's perfect and final deliverance from sin's power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיַּעַשׂ֩1 of 16

“made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

ל֨וֹ2 of 16
H0
אֵה֜וּד3 of 16

“But Ehud”

H164

ehud, the name of two or three israelites

חֶ֗רֶב4 of 16

“him a dagger”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וְלָ֛הּ5 of 16
H0
שְׁנֵ֥י6 of 16

“which had two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

פֵי֖וֹת7 of 16

“edges”

H6366

an edge

גֹּ֣מֶד8 of 16

“of a cubit”

H1574

cubit

אָרְכָּ֑הּ9 of 16

“length”

H753

length

וַיַּחְגֹּ֤ר10 of 16

“and he did gird”

H2296

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

אוֹתָהּ֙11 of 16
H853

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

מִתַּ֣חַת12 of 16
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

לְמַדָּ֔יו13 of 16

“it under his raiment”

H4055

properly, extent, i.e., height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet

עַ֖ל14 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יֶ֥רֶךְ15 of 16

“thigh”

H3409

the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side

יְמִינֽוֹ׃16 of 16

“upon his right”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

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 3:16 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 3:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 45:3Hebrews 4:12Revelation 2:12Judges 3:21Psalms 149:6Song of Solomon 3:8

Test Your Knowledge

Judges 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJudges Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Judges 3 with CommentaryAll Judges ChaptersComplete Judges QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes