Old Testament
Judges 20:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The men of Israel, not counting Benjamin, numbered 400,000 swordsmen — all experienced fighters.
Compare translations
And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.
What Judges 20:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 20:17, the focus is on the military strength of the Israelite tribes, excluding the tribe of Benjamin. The verse highlights that there were 400,000 skilled warriors ready for battle. This number indicates a significant military force, showcasing the unity and preparedness of the Israelites in the face of conflict. The context of this passage is crucial, as it follows a grave incident involving the tribe of Benjamin, which had committed a serious crime. The Israelites were gathering to confront this wrongdoing, and the mention of experienced fighters emphasizes their determination and readiness to engage in battle. The verse serves to illustrate the seriousness of the situation and the collective resolve of the Israelite tribes to address the moral and social issues within their community. It reflects themes of justice, unity, and the consequences of sin within the nation of Israel, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict.
How to apply Judges 20:17 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of unity and preparedness in facing challenges. Just as the Israelites gathered to confront wrongdoing, we too should come together to address issues in our communities. Being equipped and ready to act can lead to positive change and justice.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Judges 20:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Judges 20:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 20:17 say about the Israelite warriors?
Judges 20:17 states that the men of Israel, excluding the tribe of Benjamin, numbered 400,000 skilled swordsmen. This highlights the military strength and readiness of the Israelite tribes as they prepared to confront a serious wrongdoing committed by Benjamin.
Why is the number of warriors significant in Judges 20:17?
The number 400,000 signifies a substantial military force, showcasing the unity and preparedness of the Israelite tribes. It reflects their collective resolve to address a grave issue within their community, emphasizing the seriousness of the conflict they were about to engage in.
What context surrounds Judges 20:17?
Judges 20:17 occurs in the context of a conflict involving the tribe of Benjamin, which had committed a serious crime. The Israelites gathered to confront this wrongdoing, and the mention of experienced fighters underscores their determination to seek justice and restore order.
What themes are present in Judges 20:17?
Key themes in Judges 20:17 include military strength, unity, preparedness, justice, and confrontation. The verse illustrates the importance of coming together to address moral and social issues, reflecting the consequences of sin and the need for collective action.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.