Judges 8 18

Judges 8:18 kjv

Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king.

Judges 8:18 nkjv

And he said to Zebah and Zalmunna, "What kind of men were they whom you killed at Tabor?" So they answered, "As you are, so were they; each one resembled the son of a king."

Judges 8:18 niv

Then he asked Zebah and Zalmunna, "What kind of men did you kill at Tabor?" "Men like you," they answered, "each one with the bearing of a prince."

Judges 8:18 esv

Then he said to Zebah and Zalmunna, "Where are the men whom you killed at Tabor?" They answered, "As you are, so were they. Every one of them resembled the son of a king."

Judges 8:18 nlt

Then Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, "The men you killed at Tabor ? what were they like?" "Like you," they replied. "They all had the look of a king's son."

Judges 8 verses

Judges 8 18 Meaning

Judges 8:18 describes Gideon's direct confrontation with the captured Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, about the men they killed at Mount Tabor. The kings respond by confirming that Gideon's slain brothers were exceptionally noble in their appearance, resembling the very qualities of royal offspring, similar in stature and dignity to Gideon himself. This exchange validates Gideon's deeply personal motivation for executing the kings, adding the righteous avenging of kinsmen to his broader mission of delivering Israel.

Judges 8 18 Context

Judges chapter 8 chronicles Gideon's final stages of defeating the Midianites, including the exhaustive pursuit and capture of their two kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. This verse takes place at a critical juncture where Gideon brings the captured kings to account, not only for their oppressive rule over Israel but also for a very specific, personal offense: the slaying of his brothers. Prior to this, Gideon had disciplined the uncooperative men of Succoth and Penuel. The conversation in Judges 8:18-21 highlights the gravity of the kings' crime against Gideon's family, legitimizing Gideon's decision to personally execute them, which follows immediately after. This act brings the narrative of Midianite oppression to a definitive close, blending national deliverance with personal retribution for injustice.

Judges 8 18 Word analysis

• Then said he: Refers to Gideon. His posture is one of authority and direct accusation, having already captured and humiliated the kings.
• unto Zebah and Zalmunna: The names of the two Midianite kings. 'Zebah' (זֶבַח) means "sacrifice" and 'Zalmunna' (צַלְמֻנָּע) possibly means "shade withheld" or "shelter denied." These names ironically foreshadow their own ultimate demise as sacrifices or their denied protection.
• What manner of men were they: The Hebrew phrase אֵיפֹה אֲנָשִׁים (eifoh anashim) literally means "where were the men?" or "of what kind were the men?" Gideon is not asking about their identity (which he already knows) but about their distinctive qualities and appearance. This implies an emotional connection and an intention to understand the gravity of the kings' actions. Scholars suggest this usage emphasizes a rhetorical or qualitative query rather than a simple location query, probing the nature of the victims.
• whom ye slew: A direct accusation. Gideon holds them personally accountable for the specific act of killing, underscoring their guilt.
• at Tabor: Refers to Mount Tabor, a significant landmark in Israel's history and geography (e.g., Deborah and Barak's victory in Jdg 4). It personalizes the location of the tragedy for Gideon and anchors the event to a known place.
• And they answered: The kings' reply acknowledges Gideon's power and the inescapable reality of their capture. It suggests a lack of defiance, perhaps a resignation to their fate or an attempt to placate Gideon.
• As thou art, so were they: This is a direct, emphatic comparison between Gideon and his slain brothers. The Hebrew is כְּתוֹאַר אֶחָד כְּתוֹאַר אֹתְךָ ('ketho'ar echad ketho'ar otkha') meaning "like the appearance of one, like your appearance." It signifies that Gideon's brothers possessed a remarkable appearance—perhaps tall stature, noble bearing, and an imposing presence—similar to Gideon himself, who was a mighty warrior chosen by God.
• each one resembled: This reiterates the striking similarity among Gideon's brothers, indicating a familial resemblance that spoke of an elite status. The word 'resembled' (כְּתוֹאַר, ketho'ar) refers to outward form, appearance, or figure.
• the children of a king: (בְּנֵי מֶלֶךְ, benei melech) This is a metaphorical expression, indicating noble birth, kingly bearing, or royal demeanor rather than literal royalty. It implies extraordinary quality, dignity, strength, and perhaps physical beauty associated with royal offspring. It elevates the perceived status of Gideon's slain brothers, highlighting the magnitude of the Midianite kings' offense against such significant individuals. For Gideon, this confirmed that the Midianites had murdered men of great worth, amplifying his justified vengeance. This also indirectly acknowledges Gideon's own remarkable king-like stature, further justifying his actions as a God-appointed deliverer.

Judges 8 18 Bonus section

The seemingly innocent question from Gideon serves multiple purposes:

• Verification: It verifies the identity of the slain men and solidifies the kings' direct responsibility.
• Justification: The kings' answer effectively justifies Gideon's imminent act of personal retribution (avenging his family) which would have been recognized within ancient Near Eastern customs of lex talionis.
• Acknowledgement of Gideon's Status: The kings' reply inadvertently acknowledges Gideon's own king-like appearance and authority, granting him a peculiar form of legitimacy even from his enemies. It subtly elevates his position before his own men.
• Psychological Impact: Their humble and accurate answer might have been a final desperate attempt to gain favor, but it sealed their fate. It signifies their total defeat and subjugation. The honor of Gideon's brothers being like "children of a king" further emphasizes the severity of the injustice, making the execution that follows more impactful.

Judges 8 18 Commentary

Judges 8:18 captures a pivotal moment of reckoning following a prolonged and intense pursuit. Gideon, driven by a deep sense of personal and national wrong, confronts Zebah and Zalmunna. His question isn't born of ignorance but rather serves to extract an acknowledgment of their guilt and perhaps to clarify the circumstances surrounding his brothers' deaths. The kings' response is surprisingly frank, almost complimentary: "As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king." This powerful affirmation speaks volumes. Firstly, it indicates Gideon's own impressive appearance and regal demeanor, confirming his stature as a formidable leader, even though he previously downplayed his lineage. Secondly, it elevates the status of his slain brothers, portraying them not as common folk, but as men of exceptional bearing, akin to royalty. This magnifies the Midianite kings' crime, solidifying Gideon's legitimate claim to exact justice not just for Israel's liberation, but for the profound personal loss of noble kinsmen. This personal vengeance (often termed 'blood revenge' in ancient cultures) intertwined with the larger war of liberation illustrates the justice system and values prevalent in early Israel. The kings' admission seals their fate, leading directly to their execution by Gideon, an act fulfilling a divine mandate and a personal vow. This highlights that God works through both national and individual motivations to bring about His righteous judgment.