King James Version

What Does Judges 8:27 Mean?

Judges 8:27 in the King James Version says “And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.”

Judges 8:27 · KJV

Context

25

And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey.

26

And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels' necks. collars: or, sweet jewels

27

And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.

28

Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon.

29

And Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and dwelt in his own house.

Read Judges 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gideon made an ephod thereof—the ephod (אֵפוֹד) was normally the high priest's sacred garment (Exodus 28:6-14), associated with seeking divine guidance. Gideon's creation of an ephod in Ophrah, outside the divinely appointed Tabernacle at Shiloh, constituted unauthorized worship—competing with the legitimate priesthood. He placed it in his city, even in Ophrah, establishing a rival worship center.

All Israel went thither a whoring after it (וַיִּזְנוּ כָל־יִשְׂרָאֵל אַחֲרָיו, vayiznu chol-yisra'el acharav)—the verb 'to go whoring' (זָנָה, zanah) is the consistent biblical metaphor for spiritual adultery. What Gideon intended as a memorial became an idol. Which thing became a snare (מוֹקֵשׁ, moqesh, 'trap' or 'bait-stick') unto Gideon, and to his house—the very object he created ensnared him. His son Abimelech's murderous reign (chapter 9) demonstrates this snare's deadly consequences. Good intentions cannot sanctify unauthorized worship; obedience to God's prescribed means is essential.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Tabernacle and legitimate priesthood were at Shiloh during this period (Joshua 18:1; 1 Samuel 1:3). Gideon's establishment of an unauthorized worship site violated the centralization of worship commanded in Deuteronomy 12:5-14. This foreshadows the later division when Jeroboam set up golden calves at Dan and Bethel (1 Kings 12:28-30), using similar logic—convenience over obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do well-intentioned religious innovations become snares when they depart from Scripture?
  2. In what ways do you create 'unauthorized worship'—practices that feel spiritual but lack biblical warrant?
  3. What does this reveal about why God prescribes specific means of worship rather than leaving it to human creativity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיַּעַשׂ֩1 of 17

“made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אוֹת֨וֹ2 of 17
H853

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

לְגִדְע֥וֹן3 of 17

“And Gideon”

H1439

gidon, an israelite

לְאֵפ֗וֹד4 of 17

“an ephod”

H646

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

וַיַּצֵּ֨ג5 of 17

“thereof and put”

H3322

to place permanently

אוֹת֤וֹ6 of 17
H853

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

בְעִירוֹ֙7 of 17

“it in his city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

בְּעָפְרָ֔ה8 of 17

“even in Ophrah”

H6084

ophrah, the name of an israelite and of two places in palestine

וַיִּזְנ֧וּ9 of 17

“went thither a whoring”

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

כָֽל10 of 17
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל11 of 17

“and all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אַֽחֲרָ֖יו12 of 17

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

שָׁ֑ם13 of 17
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וַיְהִ֛י14 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְגִדְע֥וֹן15 of 17

“And Gideon”

H1439

gidon, an israelite

וּלְבֵית֖וֹ16 of 17

“and to his house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לְמוֹקֵֽשׁ׃17 of 17

“it which thing became a snare”

H4170

a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)

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 8:27 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 8:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 106:39Judges 17:5Judges 18:14Deuteronomy 7:16Judges 18:17Judges 6:24

Places in This Verse

Ophrah 2Settlement · Modern: Afula · 32.61°N, 35.29°E5 verses across 1 book
View all places in Judges 8 →

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