Judges 6 16

Judges 6:16 kjv

And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

Judges 6:16 nkjv

And the LORD said to him, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man."

Judges 6:16 niv

The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive."

Judges 6:16 esv

And the LORD said to him, "But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man."

Judges 6:16 nlt

The LORD said to him, "I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man."

Judges 6 verses

Judges 6 16 Meaning

Judges 6:16 declares God's steadfast promise to Gideon, assuring him of His direct and powerful presence, which guarantees victory over the oppressive Midianites. The verse highlights that the outcome depends not on Gideon's meager strength or resources, but entirely on the Lord's unwavering support and divine action. It signifies a complete and decisive defeat of a vast enemy by God working through one individual, emphasizing God's omnipotence over all human obstacles.

Judges 6 16 Context

Judges chapter 6 introduces Gideon amidst Israel's seven-year oppression by the Midianites due to their disobedience. The land is plundered, and the people are impoverished. Gideon, from the weakest clan of Manasseh, is found threshing wheat in secret to hide it from the invaders, reflecting the deep fear and despondency of the Israelites. The Angel of the LORD (pre-incarnate Christ) appears to Gideon, hailing him as a "mighty man of valor," which contradicts Gideon's self-perception. Gideon then expresses his profound doubt, questioning God's presence and power to deliver Israel, highlighting his insignificance. This verse is the Lord's direct and authoritative response to Gideon's deep-seated skepticism and fear, reassuring him that despite his weakness, divine presence guarantees absolute triumph.

Judges 6 16 Word analysis

• And: Connects the divine promise directly to Gideon's prior question and doubt, signaling a direct answer and command.
• the LORD: Hebrew: יְהוָה (YHWH) - The covenantal, personal, and ever-present God of Israel. Emphasizes the supreme authority and faithfulness of the divine speaker, distinguishing Him from human figures or false gods.
• said: Hebrew: וַיֹּאמֶר (vayyōmer) - Denotes an authoritative declaration. It's not a suggestion but a definitive pronouncement from the sovereign God.
• to him: Refers specifically to Gideon, personalizing the divine promise to an individual full of doubt.
• "Surely": Hebrew: כִּי (kî) - A particle indicating emphasis, assurance, or indeed. It introduces a powerful and definite statement, removing all doubt about the certainty of the promise. It underscores God's unwavering intention.
• I will be: Hebrew: אֶהְיֶה (ʾehyeh) - Derived from the verb "to be," also foundational to God's self-revelation "I AM WHO I AM" (Exo 3:14). Signifies God's active and living presence, not a passive observer. It is an echo of the promise to Moses (Exo 3:12).
• with you: Hebrew: עִמָּךְ (ʿimmāḵ) - Implies active divine partnership, support, and protection. It highlights that the success of the mission hinges on God's presence, not Gideon's strength or ability. This phrase is a recurring biblical motif of divine assurance and empowerment for chosen servants.
• and you shall defeat: Hebrew: וְהִכִּיתָה (wəhikkîṯāh) - Future tense, expressing certainty. It is a divine decree. The verb means to strike, smite, or defeat decisively. It emphasizes God granting the victory through Gideon, making Gideon the instrument of God's power.
• the Midianites: The specific oppressive enemy, a vast and terrifying horde. God names them, indicating His clear objective and sovereignty over them. They represent a significant external threat that God promises to overcome.
• as one man: Hebrew: כְּאִישׁ אֶחָד (kəʾîš ʾeḥāḏ) - A powerful idiom. It can mean that Gideon will defeat them as easily as if he were fighting one single man, implying utter and swift destruction despite their numerical superiority. Alternatively, it can suggest a unified and total defeat, as if they are struck down as one body. It minimizes the Midianites' power and maximizes God's power.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And the LORD said to him,": Establishes divine communication and authority. God initiates and guarantees the outcome. It sets the tone for a direct and crucial interaction.
• "Surely I will be with you,": This is the core of the promise, highlighting God's personal and active presence as the sole guarantee of success. It shifts the focus from human capability to divine power. This divine "I will be with you" is a recurring motif signifying divine commission and enablement for seemingly impossible tasks.
• "and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.": This is the certain outcome and scope of victory. The outcome is not based on human strength or numbers but on the divine empowerment through His presence. "As one man" vividly paints a picture of complete and effortless victory, emphasizing God's omnipotence to overcome overwhelming odds.

Judges 6 16 Bonus section

The promise "I will be with you" in Judges 6:16 resonates strongly with God's covenant faithfulness throughout biblical history, particularly linking Gideon's call to Moses' and Joshua's commissioning (Exo 3:12, Josh 1:5). This recurrent motif reinforces that God’s promises are consistently fulfilled not by human ability, but by His accompanying power. Furthermore, the dramatic numerical reduction of Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men (Judg 7) is a direct outworking of the "as one man" principle. It eliminates any human boast, showcasing God’s deliberate design to demonstrate that salvation is by His hand alone, serving as a powerful polemic against any belief in human self-sufficiency or reliance on the numerical strength of armies, a common ancient Near Eastern preoccupation. The Midianites, often associated with spiritual seduction (Num 25), represented not just a physical threat but a spiritual challenge to Israel’s fidelity to YHWH, thus God’s victory was both a physical and spiritual triumph.

Judges 6 16 Commentary

Judges 6:16 stands as a pivotal promise that reverses human despair with divine assurance. Gideon, feeling weak and inadequate, receives an unequivocal declaration from the Lord YHWH. The promise, "Surely I will be with you," echoes through Scripture, affirming that God's presence is the ultimate weapon against any foe, greater than any human strength or military might. It highlights the biblical truth that God empowers the humble and weak to accomplish His purposes, thereby magnifying His glory and ensuring that the victory is undeniably His. The phrase "as one man" transforms an overwhelming enemy into a trivial opponent, illustrating God's absolute power to deliver Israel, making the impossible a certainty. This verse assures believers that reliance on God's active presence ensures victory over seemingly insurmountable challenges.