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◄ Judges 9:3►

New International Version
When the brothers repeated all this to the citizens of Shechem, they were inclined to follow Abimelek, for they said, “He is related to us.”

New Living Translation
So Abimelech’s uncles gave his message to all the citizens of Shechem on his behalf. And after listening to this proposal, the people of Shechem decided in favor of Abimelech because he was their relative.

English Standard Version
And his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

Berean Standard Bible
And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem, their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

King James Bible
And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, Heis our brother.

New King James Version
And his mother’s brothers spoke all these words concerning him in the hearing of all the men of Shechem; and their heart was inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

New American Standard Bible
So his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem; and they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our relative.”

NASB 1995
And his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem; and they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our relative.”

NASB 1977
And his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem; and they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our relative.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the lords of Shechem; and they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our relative.”

Amplified Bible
So his mother’s relatives spoke all these words concerning him so that all the leaders of Shechem could hear; and their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our relative.”

Christian Standard Bible
His mother’s relatives spoke all these words about him in the hearing of all the citizens of Shechem, and they were favorable to Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
His mother’s relatives spoke all these words about him in the presence of all the lords of Shechem, and they were favorable to Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

American Standard Version
And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.

Contemporary English Version
Abimelech's uncles talked it over with the leaders of Shechem who agreed, "Yes, it would be better for one of our relatives to be king."

English Revised Version
And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
His uncles repeated everything he said to all citizens of Shechem. They were persuaded to follow Abimelech because he was their relative.

Good News Translation
His mother's relatives talked to the men of Shechem about this for him, and the men of Shechem decided to follow Abimelech because he was their relative.

International Standard Version
So his mother's relatives spoke all of this on his behalf in the presence of all the "lords" of Shechem. Since they were inclined to follow Abimelech, they said, "He's our relative!"

NET Bible
His mother's relatives spoke on his behalf to all the leaders of Shechem and reported his proposal. The leaders were drawn to Abimelech; they said, "He is our close relative."

New Heart English Bible
And his mother's brothers spoke of him in the ears of all the lords of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, "He is our brother."

Webster's Bible Translation
And his mother's brethren spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem, their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

World English Bible
His mother’s brothers spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words. Their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, “He is our brother.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And his mother’s brothers speak concerning him, in the ears of all the masters of Shechem, all these words, and their heart inclines after Abimelech, for they said, “He [is] our brother”;

Young's Literal Translation
And his mother's brethren speak concerning him, in the ears of all the masters of Shechem, all these words, and their heart inclineth after Abimelech, for they said, 'He is our brother;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And his mother's brethren will speak concerning him in the ears of all the lords of Shechem all these words: and their heart will incline after Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And his mother's brethren spoke of him to all the men of Sichem, all these words, and they inclined their hearts after Abimelech, saying: He is our brother:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And his maternal brothers spoke about him to all the men of Shechem, all these words, and they inclined their hearts after Abimelech, saying, “He is our brother.”

New American Bible
When his mother’s kin repeated these words on his behalf to all the lords of Shechem, they set their hearts on Abimelech, thinking, “He is our kin.”

New Revised Standard Version
So his mother’s kinsfolk spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the lords of Shechem; and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And his mother's brothers spoke of him before all the lords of Shechem all these words; and their hearts inclined to follow Abimeleck; for they said, He is our brother.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the brothers of his mother spoke all these words about him before all of the Lords of Shekeem, and their heart was inclined after Abimelek, and they were saying: “He is our brother”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And his mother's brethren spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words; and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said: 'He is our brother.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And his mother's brethren spoke concerning him in the ears of all the men of Sychem all these words; and their heart turned after Abimelech, for they said, He is our brother.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Abimelech's Conspiracy
…2“Please ask all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.”3And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem,their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech,for they said,“He is our brother.”4So they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired some worthless and reckless men to follow him.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

2 Samuel 15:12
While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.

1 Kings 12:20
When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David.

2 Samuel 15:6
Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

1 Samuel 8:4-5
So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. / “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 10:24
Samuel 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 16:1
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”

1 Samuel 18:5
So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well.

1 Samuel 22:7
Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds?

2 Samuel 3:36
All the people took note and were pleased. In fact, everything the king did pleased them.

2 Samuel 19:14
So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man, and they sent word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants.”

1 Kings 1:5
At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.

1 Kings 1:39-40
Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!” / All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth was split by the sound.

1 Kings 12:1-3
Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king. / When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he was still in Egypt where he had fled from King Solomon and had been living ever since. / So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam and said,

1 Kings 16:21-22
At that time the people of Israel were divided: Half of the people supported Tibni son of Ginath as king, and half supported Omri. / But the followers of Omri proved stronger than those of Tibni son of Ginath. So Tibni died and Omri became king.

Matthew 27:20
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.

Treasury of Scripture

And his mother's brothers spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.

spake

Psalm 10:3
For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous,whom the LORD abhorreth.

Proverbs 1:11-14
If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: …

to follow.

Genesis 29:15
And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thouart my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, whatshall thy wagesbe?

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Abimelech Abim'elech Behalf Citizens Ears Hearing Heart Hearts Inclined Kinsmen Leaders Masters Mother's Relative Relatives Repeated Shechem Speak Townsmen Words

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Abimelech Abim'elech Behalf Citizens Ears Hearing Heart Hearts Inclined Kinsmen Leaders Masters Mother's Relative Relatives Repeated Shechem Speak Townsmen Words

Judges 9

1.Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king
7.Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin
22.Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him
30.Zebul reveals it
34.Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt
46.He burns the hold of the god Berith
50.At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone
56.Jotham's curse is fulfilled.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him
This phrase highlights the influence of family ties in ancient Israelite society. Abimelech's mother was a concubine from Shechem, and his maternal uncles played a crucial role in his rise to power. The use of family connections to gain political advantage is a recurring theme in the Bible, as seen in the stories of Joseph and his brothers or David and his family. This reflects the importance of kinship and loyalty within tribal communities.

in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem
Shechem was a significant city in the central hill country of Canaan, known for its historical and religious importance. It was a center for covenant renewal, as seen inJoshua 24. The leaders of Shechem, likely elders or influential figures, held considerable sway over the city's decisions. This setting underscores the political maneuvering taking place, as Abimelech's relatives sought to secure his leadership by appealing to these local authorities.

their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech
The phrase indicates a shift in allegiance, suggesting that the leaders were persuaded by the arguments presented. This inclination can be seen as a reflection of human nature's susceptibility to persuasion and familial loyalty. It also foreshadows the eventual consequences of their decision, as Abimelech's rule leads to turmoil and destruction, illustrating the biblical theme of the dangers of ungodly leadership.

for they said, “He is our brother.”
This statement emphasizes the power of kinship and identity in decision-making. The leaders of Shechem were swayed by the fact that Abimelech was one of their own, highlighting the tribal and familial loyalties that often influenced political decisions in ancient Israel. This mirrors other biblical narratives where familial ties play a crucial role, such as the story of Ruth and Boaz. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of prioritizing personal connections over righteous leadership.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Abimelech
The son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) and his concubine from Shechem. He sought to become king by persuading the people of Shechem to support him.

2.Shechem
An ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history. It was a place of covenant renewal and a city of refuge.

3.Gideon's Seventy Sons
The legitimate sons of Gideon, who were potential rivals to Abimelech's claim to leadership.

Teaching Points

The Dangers of Ambition
Abimelech's account warns against unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power for selfish reasons. His desire to rule led to destructive consequences.

Influence and Persuasion
Abimelech's ability to sway the people of Shechem highlights the power of influence. Believers should be discerning about whom they follow and support.

The Consequences of Forgetting God
The people of Shechem forgot the deeds of Gideon and the LORD, leading them to make poor choices. Remembering God's past faithfulness is crucial for wise decision-making.

Family and Leadership
Abimelech's actions against his brothers show the importance of integrity and righteousness in leadership, especially within families.

God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Plans
Despite Abimelech's schemes, God's purposes ultimately prevail. Trust in God's sovereignty should guide believers' actions and decisions.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Judges 9:3?

2.How does Judges 9:3 illustrate the power of persuasive speech in leadership?

3.What role does family loyalty play in the events of Judges 9:3?

4.How can we discern true intentions behind persuasive words, as seen in Judges 9:3?

5.Compare Abimelech's tactics in Judges 9:3 with other biblical leaders' approaches.

6.How should Christians respond to manipulative persuasion in today's world, based on Judges 9:3?

7.How does Judges 9:3 reflect the influence of persuasive speech in leadership decisions?

8.What does Judges 9:3 reveal about the role of family loyalty in biblical narratives?

9.How does Judges 9:3 illustrate the consequences of ambition and power struggles?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 9?

11.Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible?

12.Does the account of Abimelech's violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22-24)?

13.Why would God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:23)?

14.Who was Abimelech in the Bible?

What Does Judges 9:3 Mean

And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him

• Abimelech’s uncles repeat the appeal he voiced inJudges 9:2: “Please ask all the citizens of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that seventy men—all the sons of Jerub-baal—rule over you, or that one man rule over you?’”

• Their family connection grants them instant credibility; kin can sway opinion more quickly than outsiders (cf.2 Samuel 15:1-6 where Absalom persuades Israel,Proverbs 18:21 on the power of words).

• The tactic is deliberate: elevate Abimelech by framing the choice as practical and personal, not spiritual—ignoring the Lord’s pattern of raising judges (Judges 2:16).

in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem

• The discussion is public; nothing is left to private negotiation. By involving “all the leaders,” the uncles secure political endorsement before dissent can form (compareActs 6:12 where public agitation sways a crowd).

• Shechem is a covenant city—Abram built an altar there (Genesis 12:6-7), Joshua renewed the covenant there (Joshua 24:25-26). Yet the elders now entertain self-interest rather than remembering covenant obligations (Deuteronomy 29:10-13).

• The word translated “leaders” (baals) hints at their divided allegiance; Baal worship resurfaces right after Gideon’s death (Judges 8:33-34), setting the stage for compromise.

their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech

• “Inclined” shows an inner shift: emotion precedes action (Proverbs 4:23). Once the elders’ affections move, the decision is virtually sealed (James 1:14-15).

• God often allows people to pursue what they already crave (Psalm 81:11-12;Romans 1:24). Here, ambition and tribal pride eclipse gratitude for Gideon’s deliverance.

• Contrast God’s intent that Israel look to Him for leadership (Numbers 27:16-17); when hearts drift, they settle for the nearest human solution.

for they said, “He is our brother.”

• Blood ties outweigh covenant truth. The elders value proximity over righteousness (Deuteronomy 17:15 required God’s choice, not mere kinship).

• “He is our brother” sounds reasonable yet masks partiality the Lord condemns (1 Timothy 5:21;James 2:1-4).

• Scripture consistently warns against elevating family above obedience to God (Matthew 12:48-50). Abimelech’s ascent is built on nepotism, not divine call.

summary

Judges 9:3 records a calculated campaign: Abimelech’s relatives publicly repeat his offer, leveraging hometown loyalty to sway Shechem’s leaders. The elders’ hearts shift because they prize kinship and expedience over God’s established order. The verse exposes how persuasive words, public pressure, and family ties can redirect a community away from covenant faithfulness toward self-serving leadership.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 3. - His mother's brethren. Presumably the Hivite population of Sheehem.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And when his mother’s
אִמּ֜וֹ(’im·mōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 517:A mother, )

brothers
אֲחֵֽי־(’ă·ḥê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 251:A brother, )

spoke
וַיְדַבְּר֨וּ(way·ḏab·bə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdue

all
כָּל־(kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every

these
הָאֵ֑לֶּה(hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428:These, those

words
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים(had·də·ḇā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a cause

about
עָלָ֗יו(‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against

him in the presence
בְּאָזְנֵי֙(bə·’ā·zə·nê)
Preposition-b | Noun - fdc
Strong's 241:Broadness, the ear

of all
כָּל־(kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every

the leaders
בַּעֲלֵ֣י(ba·‘ă·lê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1167:A master, a husband, owner

of Shechem,
שְׁכֶ֔ם(šə·ḵem)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7927:Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor

their hearts
לִבָּם֙(lib·bām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

were inclined
וַיֵּ֤ט(way·yêṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5186:To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend

to follow
אַחֲרֵ֣י(’a·ḥă·rê)
Preposition
Strong's 310:The hind or following part

Abimelech,
אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ(’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 40:Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name

for
כִּ֥י(kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction

they said,
אָמְר֖וּ(’ā·mə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 559:To utter, say

“He
הֽוּא׃(hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is our brother.”
אָחִ֥ינוּ(’ā·ḥî·nū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 251:A brother, )

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OT History: Judges 9:3 His mother's brothers spoke of him (Jd Judg. Jdg)