Judges 8 4

Judges 8:4 kjv

And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.

Judges 8:4 nkjv

When Gideon came to the Jordan, he and the three hundred men who were with him crossed over, exhausted but still in pursuit.

Judges 8:4 niv

Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit, came to the Jordan and crossed it.

Judges 8:4 esv

And Gideon came to the Jordan and crossed over, he and the 300 men who were with him, exhausted yet pursuing.

Judges 8:4 nlt

Gideon then crossed the Jordan River with his 300 men, and though exhausted, they continued to chase the enemy.

Judges 8 verses

Judges 8 4 Meaning

Judges 8:4 describes the unwavering determination of Gideon and his 300 men, who, despite being physically exhausted from their relentless campaign against the Midianites, pressed on in pursuit of the enemy kings. This verse highlights their profound commitment and perseverance, driven by a divine mandate to complete the liberation of Israel from oppression.

Judges 8 4 Context

Judges chapter 8 verse 4 is set immediately after Gideon's stunning night attack (Judges 7) that routed the vast Midianite army. Though the main body of the Midianite forces was defeated and two of their princes (Oreb and Zeeb) were captured and killed, the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, along with a remnant of their army (about 15,000), had fled eastward across the Jordan River. Gideon, having diminished his army from 32,000 to 300 men, continued the relentless pursuit. This verse precedes Gideon's interactions with the cities of Succoth and Penuel, who refused to provide food and aid to his weary men, displaying a lack of commitment to Israel's cause and trust in Gideon's mission. The narrative underscores Gideon's leadership and the extraordinary dedication of his small, core force.

Judges 8 4 Word analysis

• And Gideon: The verse identifies the key leader, Gideon (Hebrew: גִּדְעוֹן, Gidʿōn), chosen by God despite his initial hesitations, highlighting his transformation from fear to faithful leadership. His leadership extends beyond the initial miraculous victory to the demanding work of consolidation and completing God's will.
• came to the Jordan: The Jordan River (Hebrew: הַיַּרְדֵּן, hayYardēn) serves as a significant geographical landmark. Historically, it was crossed by Israel under Joshua into the Promised Land (Jos 3:1-17), symbolizing new beginnings and the entry into promised land. Here, crossing it eastward signifies venturing beyond what might be considered 'safe' Israelite territory, further into the desert or plains where the Midianites were fleeing, indicating the extensive nature of the pursuit and their commitment.
• and passed over: (Hebrew: וַיַּעֲבֹר, wayyaʿăvōr - "and he crossed over"). This denotes a deliberate and active crossing, not merely arriving at the bank. It shows a decisive step in continuing the chase, indicating the relentless momentum of their pursuit.
• he, and the three hundred men with him: This highlights the exclusive nature of the continuing pursuit. Of the initial tens of thousands, and even the 300 chosen, only this core group remained fully committed to finishing the task. The small number emphasizes their reliance not on their own strength, but on the divine power that enabled their initial victory and sustained their resolve. This underscores the extraordinary unity and singular focus of this chosen group.
• faint, (Hebrew: עֲיֵפִים, ʿǎyēp̄îm - "weary," "exhausted," "faint"). This word precisely describes their physical state: utterly worn out, not just tired but debilitated from prolonged exertion, lack of rest, and likely hunger. Its inclusion is crucial; it does not portray super-human strength, but raw human limitation, making their continued action all the more remarkable. This physical exhaustion contrasts sharply with their spiritual determination.
• yet pursuing them. (Hebrew: וְרֹדְפִים אֹתָם, wǝrōdəp̄îm ʾōtām - "and pursuing them"). The conjunction 'yet' (implied from the conjunction 'and' connecting 'faint' with 'pursuing', indicating an adversative relationship) creates a powerful paradox. Despite their extreme fatigue (faint), they continued their aggressive chase (pursuing). This reveals an inner drive, a tenacious spirit that transcended physical limitations. The act of "pursuing" (from the root רדף, radaf, "to chase, persecute") denotes an active and unyielding hunt for the fleeing enemy. It signifies a refusal to give up until the task of defeating God's enemies was completed, a demonstration of relentless will empowered by divine purpose. This combination of "faint, yet pursuing" forms the spiritual and psychological heart of the verse, showing a commitment that went beyond physical endurance, reflecting God's strength in human weakness.

Judges 8 4 Bonus section

The concept of "faint, yet pursuing" is a powerful emblem of true discipleship, where internal spiritual resolve triumphs over external physical exhaustion or daunting odds. It differentiates those who are merely interested in an initial victory from those who are committed to seeing God's work fully accomplished, even when the initial euphoria has worn off and only grinding determination remains. This perseverance in Judges 8:4 stands in stark contrast to the initial hesitation of the rest of the Israelite army and highlights the core faith of the 300, a principle echoing through all of scripture: faithfulness is often demonstrated not in the glorious onset, but in the difficult, ongoing "pursuit."

Judges 8 4 Commentary

Judges 8:4 succinctly encapsulates a profound spiritual principle: divine strength made manifest through human weakness and unwavering commitment. Gideon and his 300 men were physically spent from a night of battle, strategic deception, and subsequent pursuit. Crossing the Jordan River, a significant effort in itself, underscores their deep commitment. Their state of being "faint" is not minimized but highlighted, demonstrating that their continuation was not due to surplus strength, but to a resolute will enabled by God. This "faint, yet pursuing" posture showcases true faithfulness: completing a divine assignment regardless of the overwhelming cost to one's personal comfort or physical capacity. It speaks to a pursuit driven by conviction rather than fleeting emotion, a commitment to finish what God had started through them. It teaches that even when depleted, believers are called to press on in their spiritual battles and tasks, trusting that God will provide the necessary strength and endurance. It also stands as a testament to Gideon’s leadership in inspiring such tenacity, and the 300’s loyalty and obedience to God’s calling. This resolve to pursue until victory underscores the complete and utter triumph God intended for His people over Midianite oppression.