King James Version

What Does Judges 6:32 Mean?

Judges 6:32 in the King James Version says “Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Judges 6:32 · KJV

Context

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

33

Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.

34

But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him. came: Heb. clothed gathered: Heb. called

Read Judges 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gideon receives a new name: Jerubbaal (yerubba'al, יְרֻבַּעַל), meaning 'let Baal plead' or 'Baal contends.' The name commemorates Joash's challenge: 'let him plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.' Like Abram becoming Abraham, Jacob becoming Israel, and Simon becoming Peter, this name change marks transformation. Jerubbaal declares Gideon's victory over Baal and mocks the impotent deity. That this name persists throughout the narrative (chapters 7-8) shows it became his primary designation. However, the name's retention contains tragic irony—Gideon later makes an ephod that becomes a snare (8:27), showing incomplete reformation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Theophoric names incorporating deity names were common in the ancient Near East. That Gideon bore a name containing 'Baal' throughout his career shows either the people's continued syncretism or the name's transformation into a monument of Baal's defeat. Later biblical writers sometimes changed 'Baal' in names to 'Bosheth' (shame)—compare Jerubbaal/Jerubbesheth (2 Samuel 11:21), showing later sensitivity to any association with Baal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do names and designations in Scripture mark significant spiritual transformations?
  2. What does Gideon's new name teach about God's power to transform the fearful into bold witnesses?
  3. How does the retention of 'Baal' in Gideon's name ironically proclaim the false god's impotence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּקְרָא1 of 13

“he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

ל֥וֹ2 of 13
H0
בַיּוֹם3 of 13

“Therefore on that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֖וּא4 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יְרֻבַּ֣עַל5 of 13

“him Jerubbaal”

H3378

jerubbaal, a symbolic name of gideon

לֵאמֹ֑ר6 of 13

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יָ֤רֶב7 of 13

“plead”

H7378

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

בּוֹ֙8 of 13
H0
הַבַּ֔עַל9 of 13

“Let Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

כִּ֥י10 of 13
H3588

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

נָתַ֖ץ11 of 13

“against him because he hath thrown down”

H5422

to tear down

אֶֽת12 of 13
H853

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

מִזְבְּחֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“his altar”

H4196

an altar

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 6:32 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 6:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 12:11Judges 7:12 Samuel 11:21Hosea 9:10Jeremiah 11:13

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