Old Testament
Judges 9:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then all the men of Shechem and all the house of Millo gathered together and made Abimelech king by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.
Compare translations
And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.
What Judges 9:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the people of Shechem, along with the house of Millo, come together to make Abimelech their king. This event takes place at a specific location known as the plain of the pillar in Shechem. The gathering signifies a collective decision by the leaders and citizens of Shechem to support Abimelech, who is the son of Gideon. This moment marks a pivotal point in Israel's history, as it reflects the people's desire for leadership and their choice to establish a monarchy, which contrasts with the previous system of judges. The choice of location, near a pillar, may symbolize authority or a significant landmark in their community. This act of crowning Abimelech sets the stage for the events that follow in the narrative, highlighting themes of power, loyalty, and the consequences of leadership decisions.
How to apply Judges 9:6 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of community involvement in leadership decisions. It encourages us to consider who we support as leaders and the values they represent. Engaging in our communities and making informed choices can lead to better outcomes for all.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Explore more of the Bible
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 Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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 9:6
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 9:6
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 9:6 mean?
Judges 9:6 describes the moment when the people of Shechem and the house of Millo come together to make Abimelech their king. This act signifies a shift from the previous system of judges to a monarchy, highlighting the community's desire for centralized leadership.
What is the significance of the plain of the pillar in Judges 9:6?
The plain of the pillar in Judges 9:6 serves as the location where Abimelech is crowned king. This setting may symbolize authority and community identity, marking an important event in the history of Israel's governance.
Who is Abimelech in Judges 9:6?
Abimelech is the son of Gideon, a notable judge of Israel. In Judges 9:6, he is made king by the people of Shechem, which reflects their choice for leadership and the establishment of a monarchy.
What themes are present in Judges 9:6?
Judges 9:6 encompasses themes of leadership, community decision-making, and the transition to monarchy. It illustrates the dynamics of power and the implications of choosing a leader.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.