Old Testament
Judges 5:28
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Sisera's mother peered through the window and cried out through the lattice, 'Why is his chariot taking so long to come? Why are the wheels of his chariots delayed?'
Compare translations
The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots?
What Judges 5:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 5:28, Sisera's mother is depicted anxiously waiting for her son to return from battle. She looks out of her window, expressing her concern about the delay of his chariot. This moment highlights her worry and the uncertainty of the outcome of the battle. The imagery of her peering through the lattice symbolizes her hope and desperation, as she questions why he has not yet returned. This scene serves to emphasize the emotional toll of war, not just on the soldiers but also on their families. The delay of Sisera's chariot foreshadows his defeat and the ultimate victory of the Israelites. It illustrates the contrast between the expectations of a mother waiting for her son and the harsh reality of his fate. This moment captures the tension between hope and despair, showcasing the personal impact of larger historical events.
How to apply Judges 5:28 to your life
This verse reminds us of the emotional struggles faced by families during times of conflict. It encourages us to be mindful of those who wait for loved ones in dangerous situations, fostering empathy and support for those affected by war and uncertainty.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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 Deborah's story: The Song of Deborah (Judges 5:1–31)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Deborah
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 5:28
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 5:28
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 5:28 mean?
Judges 5:28 depicts Sisera's mother anxiously waiting for her son to return from battle, highlighting her worry and the uncertainty of the outcome. Her questioning reflects the emotional toll of war on families, contrasting hope with the grim reality of defeat.
What themes are present in Judges 5:28?
Judges 5:28 encompasses themes of anxiety, maternal concern, the impact of war and conflict, and the tension between hope and despair. It illustrates the emotional burden on families waiting for loved ones in dangerous situations.
What does the delay of Sisera's chariot foreshadow?
The delay of Sisera's chariot foreshadows his defeat and the victory of the Israelites. It serves as a narrative device to build tension and highlight the contrast between a mother's expectations and the harsh reality of war.
How does Judges 5:28 relate to the experience of families during war?
Judges 5:28 reflects the emotional struggles of families waiting for loved ones in conflict, reminding us of the anxiety and uncertainty they face. It encourages empathy for those affected by war and the personal toll it takes on families.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.