King James Version

What Does Judges 8:14 Mean?

Judges 8:14 in the King James Version says “And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men. described: Heb. writ”

Judges 8:14 · KJV

Context

12

And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host. discomfited: Heb. terrified

13

And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up,

14

And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men. described: Heb. writ

15

And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom ye did upbraid me, saying, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men that are weary?

16

And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth. taught: Heb. made to know

Read Judges 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Literacy in Ancient Israel: This verse provides remarkable evidence of widespread literacy in ancient Israel. The Hebrew word וַיִּכְתָּב (vayikhtov, "and he wrote/described") indicates the young man could write down the names of seventy-seven leaders. Cultural Significance: This casual mention of a randomly captured youth being literate suggests education was more common in ancient Israel than often assumed.

The precision of the number—"threescore and seventeen" (77)—demonstrates specific, verifiable information rather than approximation. Gideon's Strategy: By obtaining written documentation of Succoth's leadership, Gideon was preparing for systematic justice. The verb וַיִּשְׁאַל (vayishal, "enquired") suggests interrogation or questioning, indicating this was not voluntary cooperation.

Literary Function: This brief verse sets up the coming judgment on Succoth (verse 16), showing Gideon's methodical approach to dealing with those who refused to help God's army. The written list would prevent any leaders from escaping accountability.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Period of the Judges: This event occurred around 1191-1151 BC during Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna. Succoth was a city east of the Jordan River in Israelite territory that refused to provide food to Gideon's exhausted troops.

Ancient Near Eastern Literacy: Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Zayit abecedary and Gezer calendar, confirm that alphabetic writing was known in ancient Israel. The simplicity of the Hebrew alphabet (22 consonants) made literacy more accessible than in civilizations using complex cuneiform or hieroglyphics. This verse provides biblical evidence supporting archaeological findings about literacy rates in Iron Age Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about the level of education and literacy in ancient Israel during the period of the Judges?
  2. Why was it important for Gideon to obtain written documentation of Succoth's leadership rather than relying on memory?
  3. How does the casual mention of a young man's ability to write challenge modern assumptions about ancient societies?
  4. What does Gideon's methodical approach to justice reveal about biblical concepts of accountability and leadership?
  5. How might the widespread literacy evidenced here have contributed to the preservation and transmission of biblical texts?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיִּלְכָּד1 of 15

“And caught”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

נַ֛עַר2 of 15

“a young man”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

מֵֽאַנְשֵׁ֥י3 of 15

“of the men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

סֻכּוֹת֙4 of 15

“of Succoth”

H5523

succoth, the name of a place in egypt and of three in palestine

וַיִּשְׁאָלֵ֑הוּ5 of 15

“and enquired”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

וַיִּכְתֹּ֨ב6 of 15

“of him and he described”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

אֵלָ֜יו7 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶת8 of 15
H853

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

שָׂרֵ֤י9 of 15

“unto him the princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

סֻכּוֹת֙10 of 15

“of Succoth”

H5523

succoth, the name of a place in egypt and of three in palestine

וְאֶת11 of 15
H853

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

זְקֵנֶ֔יהָ12 of 15

“and the elders”

H2205

old

שִׁבְעִ֥ים13 of 15

“thereof even threescore and seventeen”

H7657

seventy

וְשִׁבְעָ֖ה14 of 15
H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

אִֽישׁ׃15 of 15

“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)

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 8:14 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 8:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 30:11-15Judges 1:24-25

Places in This Verse

Succoth 1Settlement · Modern: Tell Deir Alla · 32.20°N, 35.62°E10 verses across 5 books
View all places in Judges 8 →

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