Old Testament
Judges 6:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Gideon replied, "Please, my lord — if the LORD is really with us, then why has all this happened to us? Where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? They said, 'Didn't the LORD bring us out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and handed us over to Midian."
Compare translations
And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
What Judges 6:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Gideon expresses his deep frustration and confusion about the situation facing the Israelites. He questions why, if God is truly with them, they are suffering under the oppression of the Midianites. Gideon recalls the stories of miraculous events from their past, such as the Exodus from Egypt, and wonders why they are not experiencing similar divine intervention now. His words reflect a common struggle of faith, where believers grapple with the apparent absence of God in times of trouble. Gideon's plea highlights the tension between faith in God's promises and the harsh realities of life. This moment sets the stage for God's response and the calling of Gideon as a leader to deliver Israel from their enemies, emphasizing that God is still present and active, even when it seems otherwise.
How to apply Judges 6:13 to your life
When facing difficult times, it's natural to question God's presence and purpose. Like Gideon, we can express our doubts and seek understanding. This encourages honest communication with God, reminding us that He is still at work, even when we cannot see it.
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 Gideon's story: The Angel at the Winepress (Judges 6:1–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 6:13
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 6:13
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 6:13 mean?
Judges 6:13 captures Gideon's frustration as he questions why the Israelites are suffering if God is truly with them. He recalls past miracles, like the Exodus, and feels abandoned by God in their current oppression.
What is the significance of Gideon's question in Judges 6:13?
Gideon's question highlights a common struggle of faith, where believers grapple with feelings of abandonment during tough times. It sets the stage for God's response and the calling of Gideon to lead Israel.
What does Gideon recall in Judges 6:13?
In Judges 6:13, Gideon recalls the miraculous events from Israel's history, particularly the Exodus from Egypt, expressing his confusion about why they are not experiencing similar divine help now.
How does Judges 6:13 relate to faith and doubt?
Judges 6:13 illustrates the tension between faith and doubt, as Gideon openly questions God's presence during Israel's suffering. This moment reflects the struggle many face when they feel God is absent in their hardships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.