Judges 9 9

Judges 9:9 kjv

But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honor God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

Judges 9:9 nkjv

But the olive tree said to them, 'Should I cease giving my oil, With which they honor God and men, And go to sway over trees?'

Judges 9:9 niv

"But the olive tree answered, 'Should I give up my oil, by which both gods and humans are honored, to hold sway over the trees?'

Judges 9:9 esv

But the olive tree said to them, 'Shall I leave my abundance, by which gods and men are honored, and go hold sway over the trees?'

Judges 9:9 nlt

But the olive tree refused, saying,
'Should I quit producing the olive oil
that blesses both God and people,
just to wave back and forth over the trees?'

Judges 9 verses

Judges 9 9 Meaning

Judges 9:9 presents the olive tree's rhetorical question in Jotham's Fable. It questions the wisdom of relinquishing its inherent, beneficial function of producing oil, which honors both the divine and humanity, to pursue a superficial, ceremonial leadership role over other trees. The verse highlights the value of quiet, fruitful service over vain, pompous ambition.

Judges 9 9 Context

Judges chapter 9 recounts the brief, chaotic, and ungodly kingship of Abimelech, the son of Gideon's concubine, in Shechem. Following Gideon's rejection of kingship, Abimelech ruthlessly slaughters his 70 brothers (Judges 9:5) to secure power for himself. Jotham, the youngest and sole surviving son of Gideon, ascends Mount Gerizim and delivers a profound fable, known as Jotham's Fable, directly addressing the men of Shechem for their foolish decision to make Abimelech king (Judges 9:7-21).

The fable itself involves trees seeking a king. The olive tree, fig tree, and vine—all producers of valuable, life-giving commodities—refuse the offer of kingship, stating that they cannot abandon their beneficial work. The thorn bush, by contrast, readily accepts the invitation to rule, threatening to consume those who do not shelter under its weak authority. This verse (Judges 9:9) is the olive tree's direct response, embodying its rejection of superficial status for meaningful contribution. Historically, this fable critiques the Israelite desire for a human king akin to pagan nations, rather than trusting in God's direct rule or divinely appointed, humble leadership. It directly polemicizes Abimelech's ascent, painting him as the worthless thorn bush, threatening destruction instead of providing true benefit.

Judges 9 9 Word analysis

• But: The Hebrew conjunction "וַיֹּאמֶר" (wa-yyo’mer) connects this to the previous verse and signifies the olive tree's direct, contrasting response to the trees' request. It marks a shift to the primary refusal in the fable.
• the olive tree: Hebrew "הַזַּיִת" (haz-zayiṯ). The olive tree was one of the most significant agricultural staples in ancient Israel, revered for its longevity and consistent production. It provided not just food but sacred anointing oil, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and divine favor. Its very essence represented enduring provision and value, contrasting with ephemeral political power.
• said to them: This refers to the collective of "trees" who approached it, representing the elders and leaders of Shechem appealing to Abimelech.
• Should I give up: Hebrew "הַאֶחְדַּל" (ha-’eḥdal). This is a rhetorical question, intensely emphatic. It implies, "Why would I stop doing what is truly valuable and meaningful?" The root word conveys ceasing or abstaining from something, highlighting a perceived downgrade.
• my oil: Hebrew "אֶת־שַׁמְנִי" (’eṯ-šamniy). Oil from olives was indispensable. It was used in holy rituals for anointing priests and kings (symbolizing divine consecration and equipping), lighting the Tabernacle/Temple lamps, offerings, cooking, medicine, and cosmetics. This "oil" represents its tangible, life-sustaining, and spiritual output.
• by which gods: Hebrew "אֲשֶׁר־בּוֹ יְכַבְּדוּ אֱלֹהִים" (’ăšer-bô yəḵabbədū ’ĕlōhîm). "Elohim" can refer to God (the singular, true God, especially in cultic contexts) or generally to divine beings or even great ones like judges/rulers. In the context of Israel, oil was central to offerings and anointing that "honored" God, particularly through burnt offerings (Exod 29:2; Lev 2:4-7) and the consecration of holy things (Exod 30:26-29). It signifies oil's sacred utility.
• and mortals are honored: Hebrew "וַאֲנָשִׁים" (wa-’ănāšîm). Oil made the face shine (Psa 104:15), indicating well-being, honor, and prosperity. It was used to anoint guests (Luke 7:46) as a sign of respect and blessing. This part emphasizes the oil's universal benefit to humanity, both in daily life and in elevating certain individuals (kings, priests) to positions of respect.
• and go to wave over the trees?: Hebrew "וְהָלַכְתִּי לָנוּעַ עַל־הָעֵצִים" (wəhālḵî lānūaʿ ʿal-hāʿēṣîm). The word "לָנוּעַ" (lānūaʿ) implies swaying, shaking, or moving back and forth, conveying a sense of instability, emptiness, or a merely symbolic and unproductive leadership. It suggests an aimless, vain display of power or pomp, contrasting sharply with the concrete output of oil. The olive tree sees little value in merely being a figurehead, swaying over others, when it could be actively producing a substance of profound benefit.
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "Should I give up my oil": This phrase highlights the reluctance to abandon a purpose of inherent value and true substance. The olive tree's identity is intrinsically linked to its production.
  • "by which gods and mortals are honored": This emphasizes the dual significance of the olive's produce: sacred service (honoring God in worship) and human welfare/status (honoring people through anointing, well-being). It defines the olive tree's impactful role.
  • "and go to wave over the trees?": This concluding phrase portrays the alternative as empty, ceremonial, and without the tangible output that distinguishes its true worth. It’s a comparison between essential productivity and mere position.

Judges 9 9 Bonus section

• Jotham's fable is a prime example of an animal/plant fable in biblical literature, using common and recognizable characters (trees) to deliver a potent political and theological critique, making its message accessible and memorable. This method, rooted in ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions, allows for sharp, indirect commentary.
• The progression of trees refusing kingship (olive, fig, vine) reflects a descending order of valuable contribution in ancient Israel, ultimately contrasting them with the unproductive and dangerous thornbush (Abimelech). Each beneficial plant has its own unique, indispensable purpose that it cannot forsake for the vanity of ruling.
• The irony is profound: The "worthwhile" trees refuse kingship because it would diminish their true calling to produce, while the worthless "thornbush" eagerly embraces it, only to threaten others. This subtly argues against the very idea of earthly kingship (as practiced by Abimelech) being a blessing, especially when contrasted with the intrinsic worth found in fruitful service to YHWH.

Judges 9 9 Commentary

The olive tree, with its slow growth yet abundant, vital fruit, represents those who are truly valuable to a community, consecrated by divine purpose, and dedicated to profound, albeit perhaps less visible, service. Its rejection of kingship is a refusal to exchange a life of deep, meaningful contribution (producing oil that serves both God and humanity) for one of superficial political power and mere show (waving over other trees). The "oil" is symbolic of divine blessing, practical sustenance, and honorable recognition, pointing to a ministry or life of substance. The olive tree knows its worth is in what it gives and produces, not in the hierarchical position it occupies. This implicitly contrasts with Abimelech's character – one who only seeks to "wave over" others without genuine contribution, leading to destructive consequences. It underscores a key biblical principle: true honor and leadership stem from serving and bringing tangible good, rather than from seeking status for its own sake.