Old Testament
Judges 6:39
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then Gideon said to God, "Please don't be angry with me — let me ask just one more time. Let me test the fleece once more. This time, let the fleece be dry and let the ground all around it be covered with dew."
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And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.
What Judges 6:39 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Gideon is seeking reassurance from God about his mission to lead Israel against the Midianites. He expresses his fear of God's anger and asks for one more sign to confirm God's will. Gideon requests that the fleece, a piece of wool, be dry while the ground around it is wet with dew. This request shows his desire for certainty and his struggle with doubt. Gideon's actions reflect a common human tendency to seek tangible signs from God when faced with significant decisions. His request for a specific sign demonstrates both his faith and his need for reassurance, highlighting the balance between trust in God and the desire for confirmation. This moment is pivotal as it illustrates Gideon's character and his relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of faith even amidst uncertainty.
How to apply Judges 6:39 to your life
When facing uncertainty, it's natural to seek confirmation of our decisions. Like Gideon, we can ask God for guidance and clarity. However, we should also strive to trust in God's plan and timing, recognizing that faith often requires stepping forward without complete certainty.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Gideon's story: The Fleece (Judges 6:33–40)
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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 6:39
Related Bible verses
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 6:39 mean?
Judges 6:39 shows Gideon asking God for a sign to confirm his mission. He requests that a fleece be dry while the surrounding ground is wet with dew, reflecting his need for reassurance and his struggle with doubt.
What is the significance of the fleece in Judges 6:39?
The fleece in Judges 6:39 symbolizes Gideon's request for a tangible sign from God. It represents his desire for certainty in his leadership role and highlights the human tendency to seek confirmation when faced with important decisions.
Why did Gideon ask for a sign in Judges 6:39?
Gideon asked for a sign in Judges 6:39 because he was uncertain about his mission to lead Israel against the Midianites. His request demonstrates his fear of God's anger and his need for reassurance before taking action.
How does Judges 6:39 relate to faith and doubt?
Judges 6:39 illustrates the balance between faith and doubt, as Gideon seeks confirmation from God while also showing his willingness to trust in God's plan. It highlights the struggle many face when making significant decisions.
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