Old Testament
Judges 6:11
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One day the angel of the LORD came and sat under an oak tree in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite. His son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress, trying to keep it hidden from the Midianites.
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And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
What Judges 6:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a significant moment in the life of Gideon, who is introduced as a reluctant hero. The angel of the LORD appears to him while he is secretly threshing wheat in a winepress, a place typically used for crushing grapes. This setting highlights Gideon's fear of the Midianites, who were oppressing the Israelites at the time. Threshing wheat in a winepress was not the usual practice; it was done to avoid detection by the enemy. The oak tree under which the angel sits symbolizes strength and stability, contrasting with Gideon's fear and the oppression faced by his people. This encounter marks the beginning of Gideon's journey from a fearful farmer to a leader chosen by God to deliver Israel from its enemies. The angel's presence signifies God's awareness of Gideon's plight and His plan to use him despite his current circumstances.
How to apply Judges 6:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that God can call us in our moments of fear and uncertainty. Even when we feel inadequate or hidden away, God sees our potential and can use us for His purposes. Trust in His plan.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Gideon's story: The Angel at the Winepress (Judges 6:1–24)
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Gideon
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying Judges 6:11
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Key themes
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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 6:11 mean?
Judges 6:11 describes the moment when the angel of the LORD appears to Gideon while he is secretly threshing wheat in a winepress. This scene illustrates Gideon's fear of the Midianites and marks the beginning of his journey from a fearful farmer to a leader chosen by God.
What is the significance of the oak tree in Judges 6:11?
The oak tree in Judges 6:11 symbolizes strength and stability, contrasting with Gideon's fear and the oppression faced by the Israelites. It serves as a backdrop for the divine encounter between Gideon and the angel of the LORD.
What does this verse reveal about God's calling?
Judges 6:11 reveals that God can call individuals even in their moments of fear and uncertainty. Despite Gideon's hidden circumstances, God sees his potential and chooses him for a significant purpose.
What themes are present in Judges 6:11?
Judges 6:11 encompasses themes such as divine encounter, fear and oppression, courage, God's calling, leadership, and faith. These themes illustrate the transformative journey of Gideon and God's plan for Israel.
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