King James Version

What Does Judges 6:30 Mean?

Judges 6:30 in the King James Version says “Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baa...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.”

Judges 6:30 · KJV

Context

28

And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.

29

And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.

30

Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.

31

And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar.

32

Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar. Jerubbaal: that is, Let Baal plead Jerubbesheth: that is, Let the shameful thing plead

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The townspeople demand Gideon's execution: 'Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.' Their capital charge—desecrating Baal's sacred sites—shows how thoroughly Israel had abandoned Yahweh. No one appeals to Mosaic law forbidding idolatry; instead, destroying idolatry is treated as criminal. This inversion of values typifies the judges period: 'every man did that which was right in his own eyes' (Judges 17:6, 21:25). The mob's demand for death parallels later Jewish leaders demanding Christ's crucifixion—both cases involve the righteous threatened by those defending religious error.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Capital punishment for religious offenses was standard in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Attacking a deity's altar was viewed as attacking the deity itself, meriting death to appease divine wrath and deter others. That the community mobilized so quickly shows Baal worship's entrenchment. The demand directed at Joash makes him responsible for his son's actions under ancient Near Eastern household accountability—the patriarch must deliver the offender or face collective punishment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the mob's demand for Gideon's death illustrate spiritual warfare's reality when confronting entrenched idolatry?
  2. What does their prioritizing Baal over family loyalty reveal about idolatry's power to corrupt natural affections?
  3. How should Christians respond when obedience to God provokes hostility from family, community, or culture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ1 of 19

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַנְשֵׁ֤י2 of 19
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָעִיר֙3 of 19

“of the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֶל4 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֔שׁ5 of 19

“unto Joash”

H3101

joash, the name of six israelites

הוֹצֵ֥א6 of 19

“Bring out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת7 of 19
H853

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

בִּנְךָ֖8 of 19

“thy son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְיָמֹ֑ת9 of 19

“that he may die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

כִּ֤י10 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נָתַץ֙11 of 19

“because he hath cast down”

H5422

to tear down

אֶת12 of 19
H853

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

מִזְבַּ֣ח13 of 19

“the altar”

H4196

an altar

הַבַּ֔עַל14 of 19

“of Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

וְכִ֥י15 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָרַ֖ת16 of 19

“and because he hath cut down”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

הָֽאֲשֵׁרָ֥ה17 of 19

“the grove”

H842

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

אֲשֶׁר18 of 19
H834

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

עָלָֽיו׃19 of 19
H5921

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

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 6:30 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 6:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 26:9Philippians 3:6John 16:2Jeremiah 50:38Jeremiah 26:11

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