King James Version
What Does Judges 5:22 Mean?
“Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones. pransings: or, tramplings, or, plungings”
Context
20
They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera. courses: Heb. paths
21
The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
22
Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones. pransings: or, tramplings, or, plungings
23
Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.
24
Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(22) **By the means of the pransings.**—Rather, *the stampings. *In crossing the Kishon after moderate rains, I had an opportunity of observing by personal experience how easily a horse might be hopelessly disabled in the muddy morass formed by the river. The word is forcibly repeated by the figure known as *anadiplosis.*
**Their mighty ones.**—The great lords in their iron chariots, trying to goad their frightened steeds through the flood. There is a scathing taunt in the words. Their “might” was exhibited in valiantly running away. It may, however, mean the strong steeds themselves (comp. Jeremiah 8:15; Jeremiah 51:11). Vandevelde speaks of the Kishon as being the most dangerous river of the land, from its quicksands.
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 5:22 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 5:22
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge