Judges 6 17

Judges 6:17 kjv

And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then show me a sign that thou talkest with me.

Judges 6:17 nkjv

Then he said to Him, "If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who talk with me.

Judges 6:17 niv

Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me.

Judges 6:17 esv

And he said to him, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me.

Judges 6:17 nlt

Gideon replied, "If you are truly going to help me, show me a sign to prove that it is really the LORD speaking to me.

Judges 6 verses

Judges 6 17 Meaning

Judges 6:17 presents Gideon's humble plea for confirmation from the divine messenger who has called him to deliver Israel. Acknowledging his perceived unworthiness and the immense task, Gideon requests a tangible sign to verify the identity and authority of the speaker, and thus, the authenticity of the divine commission itself. This signifies his desperate need for assurance in the face of a daunting and humanly impossible mission.

Judges 6 17 Context

Judges chapter 6 sets the stage with Israel suffering severe oppression under the Midianites, consequence of their disobedience (Judg 6:1). They cry out to the LORD, who sends a prophet to explain their plight. Subsequently, the Angel of the LORD appears to Gideon, a seemingly insignificant farmer, while he is secretly threshing wheat to hide it from the Midianites. The Angel calls Gideon a "mighty warrior" and commissions him to save Israel (Judg 6:11-16). This calling dramatically contrasts with Gideon's humble origins, low self-esteem, and the overwhelming strength of the enemy. Gideon's family is also deeply entrenched in idolatry, evidenced by his father's Asherah pole and Baal altar. Therefore, Gideon's request for a sign in verse 17 is born not necessarily of unbelief, but from genuine humility, deep-seated doubt regarding his own ability and the astonishing nature of the divine command, and a pragmatic need for tangible validation of this extraordinary encounter, especially given the state of his nation and his own desperate circumstances.

Judges 6 17 Word analysis

• And he said unto him,: The immediate identification within the narrative is that "he" is Gideon, and "him" is the Angel of the LORD, who has just commissioned Gideon. This phrase signifies a shift in the dialogue from the divine assertion to human response. Gideon's immediate reply is personal and direct.
• If now: (Hebrew: im-na') This conditional phrase introduces a request and indicates a respectful, often humble, appeal rather than a demand. It suggests Gideon is acknowledging the Angel's authority and not presuming any right to a sign. It also conveys an earnest and immediate plea.
• I have found grace: (Hebrew: matzati chen – found favor or grace). "Grace" (חֵן, chen) in this context signifies unmerited favor or acceptance from the divine. Gideon uses this to express his plea: if he truly has been looked upon favorably by this divine messenger, then he has a basis to ask for something. It is a formulaic expression often used in petitions to superiors (e.g., Ruth to Boaz, Gen 33:10 Jacob to Esau). It shows Gideon's recognition that any further action from the Angel would be a condescension and not an obligation. This humble posture precedes God's subsequent accommodation.
• in thy sight,: Emphasizes the personal nature of the perceived favor. It is not just grace, but grace from this specific, awe-inspiring messenger, confirming Gideon's desire for a direct and verifiable divine interaction. It connects the finding of grace directly to the divine gaze or attention.
• then shew me a sign: (Hebrew: va'asita li 'ot – then you will make for me a sign). A "sign" (אוֹת, ot) is a physical, observable token or wonder that confirms a message, validates an authority, or commemorates an event. In biblical context, it serves as evidence of God's presence, power, or authentication of a messenger's words. Gideon isn't asking for just any wonder, but a specific token tied to this conversation that can dispel his profound doubt and fear regarding the veracity of the commission. This points to a common human desire for empirical proof when facing an incomprehensible divine calling.
• that thou talkest with me.: This phrase defines the specific purpose of the sign: to authenticate the speaker's identity and the reality of the interaction. Gideon needs assurance that the being speaking to him is indeed from God, not an illusion or a trick. He's seeking confirmation that the speaker and the words spoken (his call to deliver Israel) are genuinely divine. This reflects the intense pressure and high stakes of such a divine encounter.

Words-group Analysis:

• "If now I have found grace in thy sight,": This entire phrase sets a humble, petitioning tone. It frames Gideon's subsequent request not as a demand, but as a hopeful appeal based on the messenger's already demonstrated or perceived favor. It acknowledges the asymmetry in their relationship, with the divine messenger holding the authority.
• "then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.": This complete clause expresses the essence of Gideon's plea: verifiable proof that this truly is a divine communication, not just an extraordinary personal experience. The sign is sought to confirm not only the identity of the messenger but, more importantly, the reality and binding nature of the conversation and its world-changing implications. This directly addresses the potential for human delusion or self-deception in a pivotal spiritual experience.

Judges 6 17 Bonus Section

The "Angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: Malakh YHWH) often acts and speaks with divine authority in the Old Testament, frequently appearing to be the LORD Himself in a temporary manifestation (a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ). In Judges 6, this identification becomes clearer in subsequent verses where the "Angel" is directly referred to as "the LORD" (Judg 6:20-23). Gideon's request for a sign is therefore not just to confirm a messenger's identity but, implicitly, the very presence of God with him. The readiness of the "Angel of the LORD" to perform a sign (the fire consuming the offering in verse 21) immediately demonstrates His divine nature and power, thereby addressing Gideon's plea comprehensively and definitively. Gideon's request sets a precedent for the divine authentication of chosen individuals and their messages in the narrative of redemptive history.

Judges 6 17 Commentary

Gideon's request for a sign in Judges 6:17 is a profound expression of human weakness and honest spiritual struggle when confronted by the divine. It's not a demand stemming from defiant unbelief, but a plea born out of overwhelming circumstances and a natural human need for concrete evidence. He finds himself face-to-face with a seemingly divine being, delivering an impossible command—to save Israel from the mighty Midianites, a task Gideon believes is far beyond his capability or standing. His immediate thought is "If this is real, prove it." God, in His graciousness and patience, does not rebuke Gideon for this initial doubt or fear. Instead, He demonstrates divine condescension by providing the exact confirmation Gideon requests. This verse foreshadows God's repeated patience with Gideon's further requests for signs (the fleece tests in Judg 6:36-40), indicating God's willingness to meet His children where they are in their faith journey, to provide assurance and build confidence necessary for His mission. It teaches us that authentic faith, though it grows, often begins with an honest wrestling for confirmation. It contrasts with instances where signs are demanded maliciously or out of stubborn unbelief (e.g., Matt 12:38-39). Here, the sign serves to establish certainty and empower a hesitant servant for a monumental task.

• Example for Practical Usage:
  • Honest doubt: When faced with a calling or conviction that feels too big or impossible, it's okay to humbly ask God for clarification or confirmation, as long as the heart's posture is seeking Him, not testing Him.
  • Divine patience: God often meets our fear with patient provision of assurance, understanding our limitations as human beings.
  • Authenticity: The request for a sign in Judges 6:17 helps to establish the authentic nature of Gideon's divine encounter, differentiating it from a personal delusion.