Judges 6 23

Judges 6:23 kjv

And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.

Judges 6:23 nkjv

Then the LORD said to him, "Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die."

Judges 6:23 niv

But the LORD said to him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die."

Judges 6:23 esv

But the LORD said to him, "Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die."

Judges 6:23 nlt

"It is all right," the LORD replied. "Do not be afraid. You will not die."

Judges 6 verses

Judges 6 23 Meaning

Judges 6:23 is a profound declaration from the LORD to Gideon, reassuring him immediately after Gideon believes he will die because he has seen the "Angel of the LORD" face to face. The verse brings divine comfort, negating Gideon's immediate fear of death, and offering a foundational promise of peace and security necessary for his subsequent calling and mission. It highlights God's protective nature and His intention to preserve His chosen servants for their tasks, contrasting with the common Old Testament fear of perishing upon seeing God.

Judges 6 23 Context

Judges chapter 6 introduces Gideon, a timid man threshing wheat in a winepress to hide from the oppressive Midianites. The "Angel of the LORD" appears to him, saluting him as a "mighty warrior" (v. 12), a designation deeply ironic given Gideon's self-perception and his people's dire state. This initial divine encounter is one of call and commission, leading Gideon to doubt and seek signs from God repeatedly. After God proves His presence and power by consuming Gideon's prepared offering with fire, Gideon realizes he has seen the Angel of the LORD. His immediate response, steeped in Old Testament belief and cultural understanding, is profound fear, anticipating certain death for having directly encountered God (Judg 6:22). Verse 23 is the Lord's immediate, direct, and essential response to Gideon's terror, offering profound reassurance and negating the ancient apprehension regarding divine encounters. This assurance is critical for Gideon to move past his fear and embrace the daunting task of delivering Israel.

Judges 6 23 Word analysis

• But the LORD said to him: This direct statement signifies an immediate divine response to Gideon's terrified cry in verse 22. "LORD" is YHWH (יְהוָה), the covenant God of Israel, indicating a personal and authoritative communication. The use of YHWH emphasizes the absolute authority and trustworthiness of this reassurance, establishing a personal relationship between God and Gideon from this point forward.
• Peace: The Hebrew word is Shalom (שָׁלוֹם). Shalom is far more than merely the absence of conflict; it signifies wholeness, completeness, well-being, health, security, prosperity, and a harmonious state. In this context, it's a profound declaration of spiritual and physical safety from the immediate threat of death and any further anxiety Gideon experiences due to the divine presence. It addresses Gideon's internal state and grants him a sense of calm amidst a frightening revelation.
• be to you: This phrase applies the concept of shalom directly to Gideon. It is not a general wish but a specific, personal bestowal of peace upon him from the ultimate source of peace.
• do not fear: The Hebrew phrase is al tira (אַל תִּירָא), an imperative negative command common in divine pronouncements to chosen individuals. This command directly counters Gideon's paralyzing fear (v. 22) and is a frequent divine encouragement given to those called for a significant task, often accompanied by the assurance "for I am with you." It underscores God's initiative in dispelling human anxiety and fostering courage.
• you shall not die: The Hebrew is lo tamut (לֹא תָמוּת). This is an explicit, definitive negation of Gideon's primary concern—that seeing God means death. It directly contradicts the prevailing understanding and fear found elsewhere in the Old Testament, where mortals generally cannot survive a direct encounter with God's glory (e.g., Exod 33:20). This statement serves as a specific promise of life, unique in its immediate context for Gideon, demonstrating God's sovereign control over life and death and His merciful intention for Gideon to live and fulfill his purpose.

• "But the LORD said to him": Highlights divine initiative and direct communication. It shows God actively intervening to address Gideon's terror and confusion, indicating His deep care and purpose for Gideon.
• "Peace be to you": This phrase functions as a divine anointing of peace. It's an active imparting of God's perfect state of well-being directly to Gideon, countering his internal turmoil and providing the necessary emotional stability for the coming challenges. It is both a blessing and a promise of well-being under divine protection.
• "do not fear, you shall not die": This two-part command and assurance is a definitive rebuttal to Gideon's panic. "Do not fear" addresses the psychological state, while "you shall not die" removes the physical threat he perceives. It's a testament to God's redemptive grace, choosing to reveal Himself not for destruction but for life and mission, breaking with established theological precedent for His specific purpose with Gideon. This assurance paves the way for Gideon to be receptive to his mission without being overwhelmed by his spiritual encounter.

Judges 6 23 Bonus section

This interaction highlights a recurring pattern in biblical calls to service: the human encounter with divine holiness often elicits fear and a sense of unworthiness, which God then assuages with comfort and clear assurance. This reassures us that when God calls, He also equips and protects, removing obstacles of fear and doubt. The specific phrase "you shall not die" in Judges 6:23 forms a striking parallel and contrast with God's earlier declaration in Exodus 33:20 ("no one may see me and live"), revealing God's sovereignty to choose when and how He reveals Himself, overriding general principles for specific redemptive purposes. This divine exception granted to Gideon underlines the extraordinary nature of his call and God's protective grace, essential for preparing him to lead a vulnerable Israel against a formidable enemy.

Judges 6 23 Commentary

Judges 6:23 marks a crucial turning point in Gideon's commissioning. Overwhelmed by fear after witnessing the miraculous consumption of his offering by fire and recognizing the divine presence, Gideon expects death in accordance with the prevalent belief that one cannot see God and live. However, the LORD immediately counters this fear with a tender yet authoritative declaration: "Peace be to you; do not fear, you shall not die." This single verse embodies profound theological truths. It signifies God's personal concern for His servants, directly addressing their deepest fears. The bestowal of shalom upon Gideon is a powerful gift, providing holistic well-being and freedom from dread, vital for a man chosen for such a significant task. This divine assurance is not merely comforting; it is performative, actively securing Gideon's life and dispelling the pervasive notion of fatal divine contact. This mercy from God empowers Gideon to move from terrified dread to receptive obedience, setting the stage for his remarkable leadership and subsequent acts of faith. It's a reminder that God, who holds life and death in His hands, often chooses to grant life and purpose, even in the most awe-inspiring encounters.