New International VersionBut Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you.”
New Living TranslationBut Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD will rule over you!
English Standard VersionGideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you.”
Berean Standard BibleBut Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you.”
King James BibleAnd Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.
New King James VersionBut Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”
New American Standard BibleBut Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”
NASB 1995But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”
NASB 1977But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”
Legacy Standard BibleBut Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; Yahweh shall rule over you.”
Amplified BibleBut Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”
Christian Standard BibleBut Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleBut Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you.”
American Standard VersionAnd Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: Jehovah shall rule over you.
Contemporary English Version"No," Gideon replied, "I won't be your king, and my son won't be king either. Only the LORD is your ruler.
English Revised VersionAnd Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationGideon replied, "I will not rule you nor will my son. The LORD will rule you."
Good News TranslationGideon answered, "I will not be your ruler, nor will my son. The LORD will be your ruler."
International Standard VersionBut Gideon told them, "I won't rule over you and my son won't rule over you. The LORD will rule you."
NET BibleGideon said to them, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you."
New Heart English BibleGideon said to them, "I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Gideon said to them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you.”
World English BibleGideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you. Yahweh shall rule over you.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Gideon says to them, “I do not rule over you, nor does my son rule over you; YHWH rules over you.”
Young's Literal Translation And Gideon saith unto them, 'I do not rule over you, nor doth my son rule over you; Jehovah doth rule over you.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Gideon will say to them, I will not rule over you, and my son shall not rule over you: Jehovah shall rule over you. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said to them: I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you, but the Lord shall rule over you.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he said to them: “I will not rule over you. Neither shall my son rule over you. Instead, the Lord shall rule over you.”
New American BibleBut Gideon answered them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you. The LORD must rule over you.”
New Revised Standard VersionGideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Gideon said to them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedGedun said to them: “I am not ruling over you, and my son does not rule over you. LORD JEHOVAH shall rule over you!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Gideon said unto them: 'I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Gedeon said to them, I will not rule, and my son shall not rule among you; the Lord shall rule over you.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Gideon's Ephod22Then the Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you and your son and grandson—for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” 23But Gideonreplied,“Iwill notruleover you,norwillmy son.The LORDshall ruleover you.”24Then he added, “Let me make a request of you, that each of you give me an earring from his plunder.” (For the enemies had gold earrings because they were Ishmaelites.)…
Cross References 1 Samuel 8:7And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.
1 Samuel 12:12But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king.
1 Samuel 10:19But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.”
1 Samuel 8:6-7But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. / And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.
1 Samuel 12:17-19Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on the LORD to send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have committed in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king.” / So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. / They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king.”
1 Samuel 8:19-20Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us. / Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to judge us, to go out before us, and to fight our battles.”
1 Samuel 10:24Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”
1 Samuel 12:13-15Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you. / If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who rules over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well. / But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers.
1 Samuel 12:1-2Then Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to your voice in all that you have said to me, and I have set over you a king. / Now here is the king walking before you, and I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have walked before you from my youth until this day.
1 Samuel 8:22“Listen to their voice,” the LORD said to Samuel. “Appoint a king for them.” Then Samuel told the men of Israel, “Everyone must go back to his city.”
1 Samuel 12:20-25“Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. / Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty. / Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own. ...
1 Samuel 8:5“Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.”
1 Samuel 8:10-18So Samuel spoke all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. / He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. ...
1 Samuel 8:9Now listen to their voice; but you must solemnly warn them and show them the manner of the king who will reign over them.”
1 Samuel 8:11-18He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. ...
Treasury of Scripture And Gideon said to them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you. I will Judges 2:18 And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them. Judges 10:18 And the peopleand princes of Gilead said one to another, What manis he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. Judges 11:9-11 And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If ye bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head? … the Lord 1 Samuel 8:6,7 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD… 1 Samuel 10:19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him,Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands. 1 Samuel 12:12 And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your Godwas your king. Jump to Previous RuleRulerJump to Next RuleRulerJudges 8 1.Gideon pacifies the Ephraimites4.Succoth and Penuel refuse to deliver Gideon's army10.Zebah and Zalmunna are taken13.Succoth and Penuel are destroyed17.Gideon revenges his brothers's death on Zebah and Zalmunna22.He refuses government24.His ephod the cause of idolatry28.Midian subdued29.Gideon's children, and death33.The Israelites' idolatry and ingratitudeBut Gideon repliedGideon's response comes after a significant military victory over the Midianites, which led the Israelites to offer him kingship. This reflects a pivotal moment in Israel's history, where the people sought a human leader to establish a monarchy, a common practice among neighboring nations. Gideon's reply is crucial in understanding his character and the theological themes of the book of Judges. I will not rule over you
Gideon's refusal to become king highlights his recognition of God's sovereignty over Israel. This statement aligns with the theocratic ideal that God is the true King of Israel. It contrasts with the later establishment of the monarchy under Saul, which was a concession to the people's demands for a human king (1 Samuel 8:7). Gideon's decision reflects a commitment to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God alone is the ruler. nor will my son
By including his son in the refusal, Gideon emphasizes the rejection of dynastic rule, which was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This decision underscores the belief that leadership should not be based on hereditary succession but on divine appointment. It also foreshadows the eventual failure of Gideon's son Abimelech, who later attempts to establish himself as king, leading to chaos and destruction (Judges 9). The LORD shall rule over you
This declaration reaffirms the central theme of divine kingship in the book of Judges. It echoes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), which calls for exclusive allegiance to God. The statement serves as a reminder of Israel's unique identity as a nation under God's direct rule, contrasting with the surrounding nations. It also points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingship in the person of Jesus Christ, who is recognized as the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16). Persons / Places / Events 1. GideonA judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Known for his faith and obedience to God, yet also for his later failures. 2. IsraelitesThe people of God, who were often caught in cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance during the time of the Judges. 3. MidianitesA nomadic people who oppressed Israel for seven years until God raised Gideon to deliver His people. 4. OphrahThe hometown of Gideon, where he built an altar to the Lord and where the angel of the Lord appeared to him. 5. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with Israel as their divine ruler. Teaching Points Divine SovereigntyGideon's refusal to become king underscores the belief that God is the ultimate ruler. Believers are reminded to submit to God's authority in all areas of life. Human LeadershipWhile human leaders are necessary, they should always point people back to God, acknowledging His supreme authority. Avoiding IdolatryGideon's response warns against the idolatry of human leadership, where people place their trust in human rulers rather than God. Faithfulness in LeadershipLeaders in the church and community should emulate Gideon's initial humility and recognition of God's rule, ensuring their leadership aligns with God's will. Legacy of FaithGideon's statement reflects a desire for his legacy to be one of faithfulness to God, a challenge for believers to consider the spiritual legacy they are leaving. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Judges 8
What is the definition and meaning of theocracy?
Who was Abimelech in the Bible?
Judges 8:22–23: How do Gideon’s actions after insisting he would not rule Israel align with his refusal of kingship?
Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible?(23) The Lord shall rule over you.-- Numbers 23:21; Deuteronomy 33:5; 1Samuel 6:12. Gideon refused the splendid temptation of an hereditary crown, though, in strict accordance with Divine guidance, he was willing to be their judge ( Shaphat,as in Judges 10:2-3; Judges 12:7, &c.). Cassel compares the remark of Washington when he accepted the Presidency, because he would "obey the voice of the people." saying that "no people could be more bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men than the people of the United States" (Marshall's Life of Washington,2:146). The day anticipated in Deuteronomy 17:14-20 had not yet come. Up to this point "we feel all the goodness of Gideon. There is a sweetness and nobleness mingled with his courage, something of the past greatness of Joshua, something of the future grace of David." He reminds us in some respects of Henry Y. of England, and Henry IV. of France. . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew But Gideonגִּדְע֔וֹן(giḏ·‘ō·wn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1439:Gideon -- a judge of Israelreplied,וַיֹּ֤אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Iאֲנִי֙(’ă·nî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589:Iwill notלֹֽא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, norule over you,אֶמְשֹׁ֤ל(’em·šōl)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 4910:To rule, have dominion, reignnorוְלֹֽא־(wə·lō-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nowillיִמְשֹׁ֥ל(yim·šōl)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4910:To rule, have dominion, reignmy son.בְּנִ֖י(bə·nî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121:A sonThe LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelshall ruleיִמְשֹׁ֥ל(yim·šōl)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4910:To rule, have dominion, reignover you.”בָּכֶֽם׃(bā·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew
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OT History: Judges 8:23 Gideon said to them I will not (Jd Judg. Jdg) |
