Old Testament
Judges 7:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So Gideon brought the men down to the water. The LORD told him, "Separate everyone who laps water with his tongue the way a dog does. Put them in one group. Put everyone who kneels down to drink in another group."
Compare translations
So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink.
What Judges 7:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Gideon is instructed by God to observe how his soldiers drink water. Those who lap water like dogs are to be separated from those who kneel down to drink. This distinction is significant because it reflects the soldiers' readiness and alertness. The ones who lap water are more vigilant, as they can keep their eyes up and be aware of their surroundings, while those who kneel may be more vulnerable. This selection process is part of God's plan to reduce Gideon's army to a smaller, more faithful group that would rely on divine strength rather than their own numbers. It emphasizes the importance of being prepared and attentive, especially in times of challenge or battle. The method of drinking serves as a metaphor for how we approach life’s challenges—whether we are alert and ready or distracted and vulnerable.
How to apply Judges 7:5 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of being alert and prepared in our daily lives. Just as Gideon’s men were chosen based on their drinking style, we should strive to be vigilant and ready for the challenges we face, relying on God’s guidance in our decisions.
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 Three Hundred (Judges 7:1–8)
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 7:5
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 7:5
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 7:5 mean?
Judges 7:5 describes how God instructed Gideon to separate his soldiers based on how they drank water. Those who lapped water like dogs were seen as more vigilant and ready for battle, while those who knelt down were considered less alert.
What is the significance of lapping water in Judges 7:5?
Lapping water in Judges 7:5 signifies a soldier's readiness and alertness. It highlights the importance of being aware of one's surroundings, especially in preparation for challenges or battles.
What lesson can we learn from Judges 7:5?
Judges 7:5 teaches the importance of being alert and prepared in our daily lives. It encourages us to remain vigilant and ready for challenges, trusting in God's guidance.
What does the phrase 'kneels down to drink' imply in Judges 7:5?
The phrase 'kneels down to drink' in Judges 7:5 implies a lack of vigilance. Those who kneel may be more distracted and vulnerable, which is why they were separated from those who lapped water.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.