Old Testament

Judges 6:31

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Joash, the father of Gideon, confronts the people who are angry about Gideon destroying the altar of Baal.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

But Joash stood up to the crowd and said, "Are you really going to fight Baal's battles for him? Are you going to rescue him? Anyone who defends Baal should be put to death by morning! If Baal is truly a god, let him defend himself — after all, it's his altar that was torn down."

KJVKing James Version

And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Joash, the father of Gideon, confronts the people who are angry about Gideon destroying the altar of Baal. He questions their loyalty to Baal, suggesting that if Baal is a true god, he should be able to defend himself. Joash's challenge highlights the absurdity of worshipping a god that cannot protect its own altar. He argues that anyone who defends Baal should face death, emphasizing that true power belongs to the one who can act on their own behalf. This moment is pivotal as it shows Joash's shift from idol worship to supporting his son Gideon’s actions against false gods. It also sets the stage for the larger conflict between the Israelites and the Midianites, as well as the struggle between worshipping Yahweh and the Canaanite gods.

Key themes

Family Loyalty

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 6:31 to your life

This verse encourages us to evaluate our own loyalties and the things we defend in our lives. Are we standing up for what is true and right, or are we supporting false beliefs? It reminds us to trust in God's power rather than relying on powerless idols.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 6:31 mean?

Judges 6:31 features Joash defending his son Gideon after he destroys Baal's altar. Joash challenges the crowd's loyalty to Baal, suggesting that if Baal is a true god, he should be able to defend himself. This verse highlights the futility of idol worship and emphasizes the need for true faith.

What is the significance of Joash's statement in Judges 6:31?

Joash's statement in Judges 6:31 signifies a turning point where he publicly rejects idol worship and supports Gideon's actions. By questioning the crowd's defense of Baal, he underscores the idea that a true god should be able to protect itself, thus challenging the validity of false gods.

What does Joash mean by 'let him plead for himself' in Judges 6:31?

When Joash says 'let him plead for himself' in Judges 6:31, he is asserting that if Baal is indeed a god, he should be capable of defending his own honor and altar. This rhetorical question emphasizes the absurdity of relying on a powerless idol.

How does Judges 6:31 relate to the theme of faith vs. idolatry?

Judges 6:31 illustrates the theme of faith vs. idolatry by contrasting the power of Yahweh with the impotence of Baal. Joash's challenge to the crowd reflects a call to recognize true faith in God rather than in false idols that cannot protect themselves.

Book Summary

The Book of Judges

Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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