King James Version

What Does Judges 7:5 Mean?

Judges 7:5 in the King James Version says “So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with hi... — study this verse from Judges chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink.

Judges 7:5 · KJV


Context

3

Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.

4

And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.

5

So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink.

6

And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.

7

And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God instructs Gideon to observe how soldiers drink from the water: 'every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink.' The test distinguishes drinking methods—lapping water quickly with hands to mouth while standing alert versus kneeling to drink directly from the water. The dog comparison emphasizes the first group's alertness—maintaining surveillance while refreshing themselves. This test identifies warriors combining necessary rest with continuous vigilance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Armies on campaign required regular water access, especially in Palestine's heat. How soldiers drank revealed their tactical awareness and discipline. Those who knelt to drink directly placed themselves in vulnerable positions—difficult to rise quickly if attacked, obscured vision, incapable of immediate defense. Those who scooped water to their mouths while standing maintained readiness to fight instantly. Ancient military leaders valued such tactical awareness in selecting elite troops.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the drinking test illustrate the importance of spiritual alertness even during necessary refreshment and rest?
  2. What practices help Christians remain spiritually vigilant during legitimate recreation and relaxation?
  3. Why does effective spiritual warfare require combining needful rest with sustained watchfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וַיּ֥וֹרֶד1 of 27

So he brought down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אֶת2 of 27
H853

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

הָעָ֖ם3 of 27

the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֶל4 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמַּ֜יִם5 of 27

of the water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר6 of 27

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה7 of 27

and the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל8 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גִּדְע֗וֹן9 of 27

unto Gideon

H1439

gidon, an israelite

כֹּ֣ל10 of 27
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר11 of 27
H834

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

יָלֹ֣ק12 of 27

Every one that lappeth

H3952

to lick or lap

בִּלְשׁוֹנ֨וֹ13 of 27

with his tongue

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

מִן14 of 27
H4480

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

הַמַּ֜יִם15 of 27

of the water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֧ר16 of 27
H834

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

יָלֹ֣ק17 of 27

Every one that lappeth

H3952

to lick or lap

הַכֶּ֗לֶב18 of 27

as a dog

H3611

a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute

תַּצִּ֤יג19 of 27

him shalt thou set

H3322

to place permanently

אוֹתוֹ֙20 of 27
H853

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

לְבָ֔ד21 of 27
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

וְכֹ֛ל22 of 27
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר23 of 27
H834

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

יִכְרַ֥ע24 of 27

by himself likewise every one that boweth down

H3766

to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate

עַל25 of 27
H5921

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

בִּרְכָּ֖יו26 of 27

upon his knees

H1290

a knee

לִשְׁתּֽוֹת׃27 of 27

to drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)


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 7:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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