King James Version

What Does Judges 8:15 Mean?

Judges 8:15 in the King James Version says “And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom ye did upbraid me, saying, Are the h...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

Judges 8:15 · KJV

Context

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

17

And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.

Read Judges 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom ye did upbraid me—Gideon's confrontation with Succoth recalls their earlier mockery when he requested bread for his exhausted troops (8:5-6). The verb charaph (חָרַף, "upbraid/reproach") indicates scornful contempt—the elders of Succoth had demanded tangible proof of victory before offering support, asking sarcastically, "Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand?" (8:6). Their refusal to aid fellow Israelites fighting God's battles constituted covenant faithlessness.

Now Gideon displays the captured kings as vindication—"Behold" (hineh, הִנֵּה) dramatically presents the evidence they demanded. The phrase "with whom ye did upbraid me" emphasizes personal affront rather than covenant violation. While the men of Succoth sinned against Israel and Yahweh by refusing aid (Deuteronomy 23:3-4 commands Israel to help brethren in need), Gideon's response centers on wounded pride rather than covenant justice. This subtle shift from righteous indignation to personal vendetta marks the deterioration visible throughout Judges—leaders begin well but finish poorly, mixing godly zeal with carnal motives.

The theological tension here involves legitimate versus illegitimate justice. Succoth's sin was real—they prioritized self-preservation over covenant loyalty, fearing Midianite retaliation if they aided Gideon's seemingly doomed campaign. Yet Gideon's subsequent punishment (verse 16) appears disproportionate and personally motivated rather than judicially administered according to Mosaic law. This contrasts with Christ's teaching that disciples must forgive personal offenses (Matthew 18:21-35) while leaving judgment to God and proper authorities (Romans 12:19, 13:1-4).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Succoth was an Israelite city in the territory of Gad, east of the Jordan River in the lush valley region. Its name means 'booths' or 'temporary shelters,' possibly related to Jacob's earlier encampment there (Genesis 33:17). The city's strategic location along trade routes made it vulnerable to raids from desert peoples like the Midianites. Their refusal to aid Gideon likely stemmed from fear—if Gideon failed, Midianite reprisal would be swift and brutal. Ancient Near Eastern warfare frequently involved collective punishment of cities supporting failed rebellions, making Succoth's caution understandable though inexcusable given their covenant obligations to fellow Israelites.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you demanded that others prove themselves before offering support, and how does this reflect a lack of faith in God's ability to work through unlikely circumstances?
  2. How do you distinguish between righteous confrontation of sin and personal vindictiveness when addressing wrongs done to you?
  3. What does Succoth's fear of Midian despite God's clear calling on Gideon teach about choosing pragmatic security over covenant faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיָּבֹא֙1 of 22

“And he came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל2 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַנְשֵׁ֣י3 of 22
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)

סֻכּ֔וֹת4 of 22

“of Succoth”

H5523

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

לֵאמֹ֗ר5 of 22

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֖ה6 of 22
H2009

lo!

זֶ֣בַח7 of 22

“Behold Zebah”

H2078

zebach, a midianitish prince

וְצַלְמֻנָּ֤ע8 of 22

“and Zalmunna”

H6759

tsalmunna, a midianite

אֲשֶׁר֩9 of 22
H834

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

חֵֽרַפְתֶּ֨ם10 of 22

“with whom ye did upbraid”

H2778

to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;

אוֹתִ֜י11 of 22
H853

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

לֵאמֹ֗ר12 of 22

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲ֠כַף13 of 22

“Are the hands”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

זֶ֣בַח14 of 22

“Behold Zebah”

H2078

zebach, a midianitish prince

וְצַלְמֻנָּ֤ע15 of 22

“and Zalmunna”

H6759

tsalmunna, a midianite

עַתָּה֙16 of 22
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

בְּיָדֶ֔ךָ17 of 22

“now in thine 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

כִּ֥י18 of 22
H3588

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

נִתֵּ֛ן19 of 22

“that we should give”

H5414

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

לַֽאֲנָשֶׁ֥יךָ20 of 22
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)

הַיְּעֵפִ֖ים21 of 22

“that are weary”

H3287

fatigued; figuratively, exhausted

לָֽחֶם׃22 of 22

“bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

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 8:15 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 8:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 8:6-7

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 →

Test Your Knowledge

Judges 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJudges Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Judges 8 with CommentaryAll Judges ChaptersComplete Judges QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes