King James Version
What Does Judges 3:29 Mean?
“And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man. lusty: Heb. fat”
Context
27
And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them.
28
And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.
29
And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man. lusty: Heb. fat
30
So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years.
31
And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(29) **At that time.**—Apparently in the first surprise of the Moabite forces and garrisons.
**All lusty.**—Literally, *every fat man and every soldier of strength, *the word being the same as that used in Judges 3:17 to describe the fatness of Eglon. The choice of the word seems to be dictated by a certain grim sense of humour. “The narrative ends, as it had begun, with its half-humorous allusion to the well-fed carcases of those who, corpulent like their chief, lay dead along the shore of the river.” (Stanley.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 3:29 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 3:29
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge