King James Version

What Does Judges 6:21 Mean?

Judges 6:21 in the King James Version says “Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened... — study this verse from Judges chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.

Judges 6:21 · KJV


Context

19

And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid , and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it. a kid: Heb. a kid of the goats

20

And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.

21

Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.

22

And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.

23

And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Angel extends His staff tip to touch the meat and unleavened cakes, causing fire to rise from the rock and consume the offering. The miraculous fire authenticates divine presence, paralleling fire consuming Elijah's sacrifice (1 Kings 18:38), Aaron's first offerings (Leviticus 9:24), and Solomon's temple dedication (2 Chronicles 7:1). The complete consumption signifies God's acceptance. The Angel's immediate disappearance—'departed out of his sight'—confirms His divine nature. Physical theophanies end when their purpose is accomplished.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Fire from heaven signifying divine acceptance was established in Levitical worship (Leviticus 9:24). The priests maintained this sacred fire continually (Leviticus 6:12-13). Fire symbolized God's holiness, consuming presence, and acceptance of sacrifice. In Gideon's context, this miraculous fire provided undeniable authentication that he had encountered Yahweh Himself, not a human messenger or deceiving spirit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does fire consuming the sacrifice point to God's holy acceptance of Christ's perfect sacrifice on our behalf?
  2. What does the Angel's disappearance after accomplishing His purpose teach about God's sovereignty in revelation?
  3. How should miraculous confirmation affect our confidence in obeying God's calling?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֞ח1 of 24

put forth

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וּמַלְאַ֣ךְ2 of 24

Then the angel

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 24

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת4 of 24
H853

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

קְצֵ֤ה5 of 24

the end

H7097

an extremity

הַמִּשְׁעֶ֙נֶת֙6 of 24

of the staff

H4938

support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 24
H834

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

בְּיָד֔וֹ8 of 24

that was in his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיִּגַּ֥ע9 of 24

and touched

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

הַבָּשָׂר֙10 of 24

the flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

הַמַּצּ֔וֹת11 of 24

and the unleavened cakes

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

וַתַּ֨עַל12 of 24

and there rose up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הָאֵ֜שׁ13 of 24

fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

מִן14 of 24
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַצּ֗וּר15 of 24

out of the rock

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

וַתֹּ֤אכַל16 of 24

and consumed

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת17 of 24
H853

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

הַבָּשָׂר֙18 of 24

the flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וְאֶת19 of 24
H853

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

הַמַּצּ֔וֹת20 of 24

and the unleavened cakes

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

וּמַלְאַ֣ךְ21 of 24

Then the angel

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יְהוָ֔ה22 of 24

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הָלַ֖ךְ23 of 24

departed

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

מֵֽעֵינָֽיו׃24 of 24

out of his sight

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)


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 6:21 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 6:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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