King James Version

What Does Judges 7:16 Mean?

Judges 7:16 in the King James Version says “And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers... — study this verse from Judges chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. a trumpet: Heb. trumpets in the hand of all of them lamps: or, firebrands, or, torches

Judges 7:16 · KJV


Context

14

And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host.

15

And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian. interpretation: Heb. breaking

16

And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. a trumpet: Heb. trumpets in the hand of all of them lamps: or, firebrands, or, torches

17

And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.

18

When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gideon divides the 300 into three companies and equips each man with a trumpet and an empty pitcher with torch inside. This unconventional armament—no swords, spears, or shields mentioned—reveals the coming strategy's psychological nature. Three companies allowed coordinated attacks from multiple directions, creating impression of encirclement. The empty pitchers concealing torches enabled simultaneous revelation of light—the breaking pitchers would create startling noise while revealing numerous lights, suggesting a massive attacking force. The trumpets added auditory chaos. This creative strategy demonstrates Spirit-guided wisdom.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Dividing forces into three companies was standard tactics for night attacks (Judges 9:43, 1 Samuel 11:11, Job 1:17), enabling multi-directional assault and confusion. Trumpet signals coordinated actions across separated units. Torches were made of oil-soaked rags on sticks or hollow reeds filled with combustible material. The pottery pitchers (earthenware jars) would shatter loudly when smashed, creating additional noise to complement the trumpet blasts. The strategy maximized psychological impact through coordinated sound and light.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Gideon's unconventional strategy demonstrate the importance of Spirit-guided creativity over conventional methods?
  2. What does the empty pitcher concealing light symbolize about God's power hidden in humble vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7)?
  3. When has God called you to use unexpected methods that seemed foolish by worldly standards?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיַּ֛חַץ1 of 16

And he divided

H2673

to cut or split in two; to halve

אֶת2 of 16
H853

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

שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה3 of 16

into three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מֵא֥וֹת4 of 16

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

הָאִ֖ישׁ5 of 16

men

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)

שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה6 of 16

into three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

רָאשִׁ֑ים7 of 16

companies

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַיִּתֵּ֨ן8 of 16

and he put

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

שֽׁוֹפָר֤וֹת9 of 16

a trumpet

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

בְּיַד10 of 16

in every man's 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

כֻּלָּם֙11 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַכַּדִּֽים׃12 of 16

pitchers

H3537

properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes

רֵיקִ֔ים13 of 16

with empty

H7386

empty; figuratively, worthless

וְלַפִּדִ֖ים14 of 16

and lamps

H3940

a flambeau, lamp or flame

בְּת֥וֹךְ15 of 16

within

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַכַּדִּֽים׃16 of 16

pitchers

H3537

properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes


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 7:16 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 7:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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