Old Testament

Judges 8:21

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, Zebah and Zalmunna, the Midianite kings, challenge Gideon to kill them himself, implying that a man's strength is reflected in his actions.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

Zebah and Zalmunna said to Gideon, "Rise up and kill us yourself, for a man's strength is as he is." So Gideon stood up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, then took the ornaments from their camels' necks.

KJVKing James Version

Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels’ necks.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Zebah and Zalmunna, the Midianite kings, challenge Gideon to kill them himself, implying that a man's strength is reflected in his actions. Gideon accepts their challenge and kills them, demonstrating his authority and the victory of Israel over Midian. Afterward, he takes the ornaments from their camels, which symbolizes the spoils of war and the defeat of their enemies. This act also serves as a reminder of the power dynamics in leadership and the consequences of opposing God's chosen leaders. Gideon's actions reflect both his role as a warrior and a judge, fulfilling his duty to protect Israel from oppression. The phrase about a man's strength suggests that true strength is not just physical but also moral and spiritual, as Gideon acts in accordance with God's will.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 8:21 to your life

This verse teaches us about the importance of standing firm in our convictions and taking decisive action when necessary. It reminds us that true strength comes from our character and our alignment with God's purpose. We should strive to act with integrity and courage in our own lives.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 8:21 mean?

Judges 8:21 describes Gideon killing the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna after they challenge him, illustrating his authority and the victory of Israel. It highlights the idea that a man's strength is shown through his actions, and Gideon's decisive act symbolizes the defeat of their enemies.

What does the phrase 'a man's strength is as he is' mean in Judges 8:21?

The phrase suggests that a person's true strength is reflected in their character and actions. In this context, it implies that Gideon's willingness to confront and kill his enemies showcases his strength as a leader.

What can we learn from Judges 8:21 about leadership?

Judges 8:21 teaches that effective leadership involves taking decisive action and standing firm in one's convictions. It emphasizes that true strength in leadership comes from moral integrity and alignment with a greater purpose.

What themes are present in Judges 8:21?

Key themes in Judges 8:21 include leadership, strength, victory, justice, divine authority, and courage. These themes highlight the dynamics of power and the responsibilities of those chosen to lead.

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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