Judges 4 4

Judges 4:4 kjv

And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

Judges 4:4 nkjv

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time.

Judges 4:4 niv

Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.

Judges 4:4 esv

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.

Judges 4:4 nlt

Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time.

Judges 4 verses

Judges 4 4 Meaning

Judges 4:4 introduces Deborah as a key figure in Israel's history. She held the unique and divinely appointed roles of both a prophetess and a judge for the nation of Israel during a period of oppression. This verse establishes her authority, divine connection, and social standing, setting the stage for her pivotal role in delivering Israel from Canaanite bondage. It highlights God's choice to empower an individual, regardless of conventional expectations, to lead His people.

Judges 4 4 Context

Judges chapter 4 immediately follows a period of oppression under the Canaanite King Jabin of Hazor, whose military commander was Sisera. This subjugation, lasting twenty years, came about because "the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord" (Judges 4:1). Prior to this, Israel had experienced forty years of peace under the judge Ehud. The repeated cycle of sin, oppression, cries for help, and God raising up a deliverer is a central theme throughout the book of Judges. Verse 4 marks a divine response to Israel's desperate plea, introducing Deborah not as just another tribal leader, but as God's chosen instrument to bring justice and deliver the nation from its enslavers. Her appearance signifies a pivotal moment where divine intervention is imminent through unconventional means, specifically through a woman acting in unprecedented roles for her time.

Judges 4 4 Word analysis

• Now: Introduces a new development, signaling a shift in the narrative and the beginning of God's response to Israel's plight. It ties this new segment directly to the preceding events of oppression.
• Deborah (דְּבֹורָה - D'vorah): Hebrew for "bee." This name is significant, possibly symbolizing diligence, insight, or perhaps even the ability to "sting" her enemies, or the gathering of a dispersed people (like a beehive). It is a personal name, uniquely marking her identity.
• a prophetess (נְבִיאָה - nevi'ah): A female recipient and conveyer of divine messages. This is her spiritual authority, directly from God. This role sets her apart and gives her words absolute authority for the Israelites, signifying direct revelation from the Almighty. While other prophetesses like Miriam (Exod 15:20) and Huldah (2 Kgs 22:14) are mentioned, Deborah combines this with her judicial role.
• the wife of Lappidoth (אֵשֶׁת לַפִּידֹות - 'eshet Lappidot): Literally "woman of torches" or "woman of flames." While commonly translated "wife of Lappidoth" implying her marital status, "Lappidoth" is a plural noun meaning "flames" or "torches." This could be interpreted as a husband's name, or metaphorically describe Deborah herself – "a woman of fiery spirit" or "a woman of enlightenment," underscoring her illuminating and authoritative prophetic ministry. This designation connects her to her social standing while simultaneously hinting at her exceptional qualities.
• was judging (שֹׁפְטָה - shofetah): A participle indicating an ongoing, established activity. Her role was not merely settling legal disputes (which she did, Judg 4:5), but encompasses the broader function of a judge as a charismatic, divinely empowered deliverer, a military leader, and a governing authority for the nation. It reflects God's continuing faithfulness to raise up leaders (Judg 2:16) despite Israel's failures.
• Israel: Refers to the collective people of God, highlighting the national scope of her influence and divine mandate. Her judgments and prophetic words were for the entire twelve tribes.
• at that time: Establishes the historical setting, linking Deborah's emergence directly to the specific period of Jabin's oppression mentioned in Judges 4:3. It marks the precise moment when God raised her up.

Words-group analysis:

• "Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth": This opening phrase presents a multi-faceted introduction to Deborah. She is not merely "Deborah," but Deborah with distinct, divinely-granted identities. The order suggests her divine role as prophetess takes precedence over her social role as "wife of Lappidoth," yet both are significant. God's call supersedes societal norms.
• "a prophetess... was judging Israel": This unique combination of roles underscores Deborah's extraordinary position. Most judges did not carry the title of prophet, and most prophets did not hold a judicial office encompassing military and political leadership. This highlights the direct nature of God's guidance through her, merging spiritual revelation with civil and military leadership for Israel. This was highly unusual in the patriarchal structure of the time, emphasizing God's sovereignty over gender and conventional societal roles for His purposes.
• "was judging Israel at that time": Emphasizes the crucial need for her leadership due to the state of national apostasy and oppression. Her authority covered the entire nation, not just a specific tribe or region, demonstrating a wide-reaching influence by divine design. Her leadership was divinely mandated to resolve Israel's spiritual and physical bondage.

Judges 4 4 Bonus section

• The Significance of "The Palm of Deborah": Though not in this specific verse, Judges 4:5 notes that Deborah "used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment." This detail reinforces her public role as judge, where people came from all over to receive divine guidance and resolve disputes, solidifying her authority.
• Divine Empowerment vs. Human Conventions: Deborah's rise illustrates God's transcendence over human-made gender distinctions in leadership for specific divine purposes. Her anointing was clearly from God, evidenced by the effective deliverance of Israel, demonstrating that spiritual giftedness and divine calling take precedence over human societal norms or traditional power structures. She did not seek the office, but was chosen and empowered by God when the men of Israel faltered (Judges 5:6-8).
• Context of a Fallen Nation: Deborah's prominence highlights the dire spiritual and social condition of Israel. It was in a time when Israel consistently abandoned God that a woman, imbued with divine authority, stepped forward, possibly because male leaders had failed to rise to the occasion, as hinted by Barak's hesitation.

Judges 4 4 Commentary

Judges 4:4 is a profoundly significant verse, introducing Deborah, a pivotal figure through whom God delivered Israel. Her unique double role as both a prophetess and a judge sets her apart from nearly all other biblical leaders. As a prophetess (nevi'ah), she served as God's mouthpiece, receiving direct revelation and declaring His will. This divine authorization validated her judicial decisions and military strategies. As a judge (shofetah), she not only adjudicated legal disputes but also exercised political and military leadership, functioning as a divinely appointed deliverer and leader for the entire nation. Her existence challenges conventional societal roles of her time, illustrating God's capacity and willingness to use anyone, regardless of gender or social status, to accomplish His redemptive purposes. Her leadership underscores God's sovereignty in raising up individuals based on divine choice rather than human qualification or social expectation.