Old Testament
Judges 6:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The LORD said to him, "I will be with you, and you will strike down the Midianites as if they were one man."
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And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
What Judges 6:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God reassures Gideon, who is hesitant and fearful about facing the Midianites, a powerful enemy. God promises His presence, which is crucial for Gideon’s confidence. The phrase 'as if they were one man' emphasizes that with God's help, Gideon will defeat the Midianites easily, as if they were a single opponent rather than a vast army. This highlights the idea that divine support can make a seemingly impossible task achievable. Gideon’s doubts are met with God’s assurance, showing that God equips and empowers those He calls, regardless of their initial feelings of inadequacy. This moment marks a turning point for Gideon, as he begins to understand that victory comes not from his own strength but from reliance on God. It serves as a reminder that faith in God can lead to triumph over challenges that seem overwhelming.
How to apply Judges 6:16 to your life
When facing daunting challenges, remember that you are not alone. Trust in God's presence and guidance, just as Gideon did. Embrace your fears and doubts, and allow faith to empower you to confront obstacles with confidence, knowing that God is with you.
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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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying Judges 6:16
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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 6:16 mean?
Judges 6:16 means that God assures Gideon of His presence and support as he prepares to face the Midianites. This promise emphasizes that with God's help, Gideon can overcome a powerful enemy as if they were just one person.
What is the meaning of 'I will be with you' in Judges 6:16?
The phrase 'I will be with you' in Judges 6:16 signifies God's commitment to support and guide Gideon in his mission. It reassures Gideon that he is not alone in his struggle against the Midianites.
How does Judges 6:16 relate to overcoming fear?
Judges 6:16 relates to overcoming fear by illustrating how God's presence can provide courage and confidence. Gideon's initial doubts are met with God's promise, encouraging believers to trust in divine support when facing fears.
What does 'smite the Midianites as one man' mean?
The phrase 'smite the Midianites as one man' means that with God's help, Gideon will defeat the Midianites easily, as if they were a single opponent. This emphasizes the power of divine assistance in achieving victory.
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