Old Testament
Judges 8:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
From there he went to Penuel and made the same request. The men of Penuel gave him the same answer the men of Succoth had.
Compare translations
And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him.
What Judges 8:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 8:8, Gideon travels to Penuel after facing rejection in Succoth. He seeks support from the people of Penuel, asking for food and assistance for his weary troops. However, the response he receives is identical to that of the men of Succoth, indicating a lack of faith and support for Gideon’s mission. This moment highlights the challenges leaders face when seeking help, especially when their authority is questioned. The refusal of both towns reflects a broader theme of distrust and fear among the Israelites during this tumultuous period. Gideon’s journey illustrates the struggle for unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel, as they grapple with their identity and purpose in the face of external threats. Ultimately, this passage serves as a reminder of the importance of standing together in times of crisis and the consequences of division and lack of support within a community.
How to apply Judges 8:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to support our leaders and those in need, especially during challenging times. It reminds us that unity and cooperation are essential for overcoming difficulties. We should strive to be a source of encouragement and assistance to others, fostering a spirit of collaboration.
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: Faint, Yet Pursuing (Judges 8:4–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Gideon
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. 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.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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 8:8
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 8:8
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 8:8 mean?
Judges 8:8 describes Gideon's visit to Penuel after being rejected by Succoth. He seeks help for his troops but receives the same refusal, highlighting the lack of support and faith among the Israelites during this time.
What is the significance of Penuel in Judges 8:8?
Penuel is significant in Judges 8:8 as it represents another community that Gideon turns to for support. Their refusal, like that of Succoth, emphasizes the challenges Gideon faced in uniting the Israelites against their enemies.
What does the response of Penuel reveal in Judges 8:8?
The response of Penuel in Judges 8:8 reveals a broader theme of distrust and fear among the Israelites. It shows how the people were hesitant to support Gideon, reflecting their struggles with leadership and unity during a crisis.
What themes are present in Judges 8:8?
Judges 8:8 presents themes of leadership, rejection, unity, and community support. It illustrates the difficulties leaders encounter when seeking assistance and the importance of standing together in challenging times.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.