Old Testament
Judges 5:30
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Have they not hurried? Have they not divided the plunder; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a plunder of various colors, a plunder of various colors of needlework, of various colors of needlework on both sides, suitable for the necks of those who take the spoil?
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Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil?
What Judges 5:30 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 5:30, the speaker reflects on the aftermath of a battle, questioning whether the victors have rushed to claim their rewards. The verse describes how the spoils of war were divided among the soldiers, with each man receiving a young woman or two as part of the bounty. Sisera, the enemy commander, is specifically mentioned as receiving a lavish share, adorned with beautiful, colorful garments suitable for display. This highlights the practice of taking plunder after a victory, emphasizing both the material gain and the treatment of captives. The repetition of 'various colors' suggests the richness and value of the spoils, indicating a celebration of victory but also a grim reality of war where captives are treated as prizes. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of conflict and the human cost involved in such victories.
How to apply Judges 5:30 to your life
This verse encourages reflection on the consequences of our actions, especially in times of conflict. It reminds us to consider the human cost of our victories and to seek justice and compassion in our dealings with others, rather than merely focusing on material gain.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Deborah's story: The Song of Deborah (Judges 5:1–31)
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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.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Related Bible verses
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 5:30 mean?
Judges 5:30 reflects on the aftermath of a battle, questioning if the victors hurried to claim their rewards. It describes how the spoils were divided, with soldiers receiving young women and Sisera, the enemy commander, receiving lavish plunder, highlighting the material gains and the grim reality of war.
What is the meaning of 'plunder' in Judges 5:30?
In Judges 5:30, 'plunder' refers to the goods and captives taken by the victors after a battle. It emphasizes the spoils of war, which included both material wealth and individuals, often treated as prizes.
What does 'various colors' signify in Judges 5:30?
The phrase 'various colors' in Judges 5:30 signifies the richness and value of the spoils taken after the battle. It highlights the beauty and adornment of the plunder, particularly the garments given to Sisera.
How does Judges 5:30 relate to the consequences of conflict?
Judges 5:30 serves as a reminder of the human cost of war, illustrating how victories often come with the taking of captives and material gain. It encourages reflection on the ethical implications of such actions.
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