Judges 3 16

Judges 3:16 kjv

But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.

Judges 3:16 nkjv

Now Ehud made himself a dagger (it was double-edged and a cubit in length) and fastened it under his clothes on his right thigh.

Judges 3:16 niv

Now Ehud had made a double-edged sword about a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his clothing.

Judges 3:16 esv

And Ehud made for himself a sword with two edges, a cubit in length, and he bound it on his right thigh under his clothes.

Judges 3:16 nlt

So Ehud made a double-edged dagger that was about a foot long, and he strapped it to his right thigh, keeping it hidden under his clothing.

Judges 3 verses

Judges 3 16 Meaning

Judges 3:16 describes Ehud, the divinely appointed deliverer, crafting and concealing a unique weapon, a double-edged dagger, approximately eighteen inches long, by strapping it to his right thigh beneath his clothing. This strategic act of preparation was essential for his clandestine mission to assassinate Eglon, the king of Moab, and free Israel from Moabite oppression.

Judges 3 16 Context

Judges chapter 3 begins by recounting Israel's recurring sin of disobeying the Lord by intermarrying with the Canaanites and serving their gods, leading to divine judgment in the form of oppression. After eight years under Cushan-Rishathaim of Mesopotamia, God raises Othniel to deliver them. Following another period of peace and subsequent idolatry, Israel falls under the harsh forty-year dominion of Eglon, the obese king of Moab, who also conscripted Ammon and Amalek. When Israel cried out, the Lord raised up Ehud, a Benjamite, known as a "left-handed man" (Judges 3:15), to be their deliverer. The immediate context of verse 16 is Ehud's deliberate preparation for his encounter with King Eglon during the presentation of tribute from Israel to Moab. His action sets the stage for the specific method God will use to bring about liberation, highlighting ingenuity and surprise as key elements. Historically, this period reflects the decentralized nature of early Israel and the cycles of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance, illustrating God's faithfulness despite Israel's infidelity.

Judges 3 16 Word analysis

• And Ehud (וַיַּעַשׂ אֵהוּד - vayya'as 'ehud):

  • Ehud: (אֵהוּד - 'Ehud) "united," or possibly linked to a Hebrew root meaning "strength" or "splendor." His name does not directly reveal his unique attribute of being "left-handed" but foreshadows his role in bringing unity or strong deliverance. As a Benjamite, this tribe was known for "left-handed" warriors (Judg 20:16), suggesting special skill.
  • Made him (וַיַּעַשׂ - vayya'as): From the verb עָשָׂה (asah), "to make, to do." Implies intentional creation or crafting specifically for his purpose, rather than just acquiring an existing weapon. This personal touch indicates forethought and meticulous planning, possibly divine inspiration in the detail.

• A dagger (חֶרֶב - cherev):

  • (חֶרֶב - cherev): A general term for "sword" or "dagger." Given the "cubit length," it was a short sword or a long dagger. Its purpose here is for concealment and surprise, suitable for close quarters and swift action, unlike a full battle sword.

• Which had two edges (פִּיפִיּוֹת - piyfiyyot):

  • (פִּיפִיּוֹת - piyfiyyot): Literally "mouths, mouths" (double-mouthed). This signifies double-edged, meaning both sides of the blade were sharpened. This detail emphasizes its lethality and effectiveness. A double edge allows for deeper, more fatal penetration and injury with less specific alignment needed during a rapid thrust, essential for a surprise attack on an unsuspecting target like Eglon.

• Of a cubit length (גֹּמֶד - gomed):

  • (גֹּמֶד - gomed): A cubit. Approximately 18 inches (around 45 centimeters). This specific length is crucial. It was short enough to be concealed, yet long enough to reach Eglon's vital organs through his layers of clothing and considerable girth, a point underscored by subsequent verses.

• And he did gird it (וַיַּחְגֹּר - vayyachgor):

  • (וַיַּחְגֹּר - vayyachgor): From the verb חָגַר (chagar), "to gird, tie, fasten." Implies securely strapping the weapon to his body. This suggests deliberate and secure placement to prevent detection and ensure immediate access when needed.

• Under his raiment (תַּחַת מַדָּיו - tachat maddav):

  • (תַּחַת מַדָּיו - tachat maddav): "Under his garments/attire." The emphasis is on concealment. His mission required secrecy, and a visible weapon would have negated the element of surprise. This shows strategic planning to appear unarmed.

• Upon his right thigh (עַל־יֶרֶךְ יְמִינוֹ - al-yerekh yemino):

  • (עַל־יֶרֶךְ יְמִינוֹ - al-yerekh yemino): This is perhaps the most significant detail for Ehud's plan. Standard sword-carrying convention for a right-handed person placed the sword on the left thigh for an easy draw across the body. As Ehud was "left-handed" (verse 15), placing the dagger on his right thigh made perfect tactical sense. This was the natural drawing position for a left-handed person. More critically, guards checking for weapons would likely focus their pat-downs on the left thigh, expecting the weapon there from a right-handed visitor. Ehud's placement on the right thigh made it completely unexpected and thus, overlooked. This seemingly minor detail highlights divine provision and Ehud's extraordinary cunning.

Judges 3 16 Bonus section

The Hebrew word "gomed" (cubit length) is unique in the Old Testament, appearing only in Judges 3:16. Its singularity highlights the specific, almost custom, nature of Ehud's weapon, perfectly tailored for its fatal purpose against King Eglon. This contrasts with common sword sizes or typical weapons carried, underscoring the ingenuity of the deliverer raised by God. This unusual word choice might also emphasize the distinctive method by which Ehud, a unique deliverer himself, brought about salvation for Israel, rather than through conventional warfare.

Judges 3 16 Commentary

Judges 3:16 presents Ehud not merely as a strong deliverer but as a cunning strategist, demonstrating God's capacity to use varied human strengths—even seemingly unusual ones like being left-handed or being deceptive in war—to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The careful crafting of a "double-edged" weapon, not an everyday sword, indicates forethought, precision, and a custom design for the specific task ahead. The "cubit length" ensures the weapon's deadly efficacy against a king described as "very fat" (v.17).

The most telling detail is the concealment "upon his right thigh." For a left-handed person (Judges 3:15), this was the natural place for a quick draw, as they would draw with their dominant hand. However, guards inspecting someone for weapons would typically assume the person was right-handed and check the left side, the usual position for a right-handed swordsman. This brilliant tactic, enabled by Ehud's unique physical attribute, speaks to the divine hand working through Ehud's preparation, ensuring his success in gaining access and striking the unexpected blow. The verse, though short, reveals Ehud's intentionality and highlights the crucial element of surprise that would ultimately lead to Eglon's demise and Israel's deliverance.