Old Testament
Judges 6:31
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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."
Compare translations
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.
What Judges 6:31 means
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.
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
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Illustrated scene from Gideon's story: Gideon Tears Down the Altar of Baal (Judges 6:25–32)
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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 6:31
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 6:31 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.
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