Old Testament
Judges 3:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The Israelites served Eglon, the king of Moab, for 18 years.
Compare translations
So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.
What Judges 3:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 3:14, we learn that the Israelites were under the oppressive rule of Eglon, the king of Moab, for a long period of 18 years. This verse highlights a significant time of suffering for the Israelites, who had turned away from God and faced the consequences of their actions. Eglon’s reign symbolizes the challenges and hardships that can arise when a community strays from its faith and moral values. The Israelites' servitude serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and the dangers of allowing external influences to dominate their lives. This period of oppression ultimately leads to a cry for help from the Israelites, setting the stage for their deliverance. The verse encapsulates the cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that is a recurring theme in the Book of Judges, illustrating the need for divine intervention in times of distress.
How to apply Judges 3:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the influences we allow to control us. Just as the Israelites faced oppression due to their choices, we must remain vigilant against distractions that lead us away from our values. Seeking God’s guidance can help us avoid similar pitfalls.
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 3:14
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 3:14
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 3:14 mean?
Judges 3:14 indicates that the Israelites were subjected to the rule of Eglon, the king of Moab, for 18 years, highlighting a period of oppression due to their disobedience to God.
What is the significance of Eglon in Judges 3:14?
Eglon represents the external forces that can dominate and oppress a community when they stray from their faith, serving as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.
What does the 18 years of servitude in Judges 3:14 symbolize?
The 18 years of servitude symbolize a long period of suffering and the consequences of sin, illustrating the cycle of oppression that the Israelites faced due to their actions.
How does Judges 3:14 relate to the theme of repentance?
Judges 3:14 sets the stage for the Israelites' eventual cry for help and repentance, emphasizing the need for divine intervention after a prolonged period of suffering.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.