Old Testament
Judges 7:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
His companion replied, "That can only mean one thing: the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has handed Midian and this entire army over to him."
Compare translations
And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host.
What Judges 7:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 7:14, a Midianite soldier interprets a dream he had, which reveals that Gideon, an Israelite leader, is destined to defeat the Midianite army. The soldier's statement highlights the fear and recognition of God's power among the enemies of Israel. Gideon's victory is not just a military triumph but a demonstration of God's sovereignty and support for His people. This moment emphasizes the importance of faith and divine intervention in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. The acknowledgment of Gideon's leadership and God's role in the battle serves as a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their background, to accomplish His purposes. The passage illustrates how God can instill fear in the hearts of adversaries, paving the way for His chosen leaders to succeed against overwhelming odds.
How to apply Judges 7:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's plans, even when circumstances seem daunting. Just as Gideon was empowered by God, we too can find strength in our faith. Remember that God can use us to achieve great things, regardless of our fears or doubts.
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 Dream of the Barley Loaf (Judges 7:9–15)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Gideon
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. 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.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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 7:14
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 7:14
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 7:14 mean?
Judges 7:14 describes a Midianite soldier interpreting a dream that signifies Gideon's impending victory over the Midianite army, highlighting God's support for Israel.
What is the significance of Gideon in Judges 7:14?
Gideon is portrayed as a leader chosen by God to defeat the Midianites, demonstrating that God empowers individuals to achieve great victories against overwhelming odds.
What does the phrase 'the sword of Gideon' refer to in Judges 7:14?
The phrase 'the sword of Gideon' symbolizes Gideon's leadership and the divine victory that God has granted him over the Midianite forces.
What themes are present in Judges 7:14?
Judges 7:14 encompasses themes of divine intervention, faith, leadership, and the power of God in overcoming enemies, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's plans.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.