Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The leaders of the people of Gilead said to each other, “Whoever will take the lead in attacking the Ammonites will be head over all who live in Gilead.” New Living Translation The leaders of Gilead said to each other, “Whoever attacks the Ammonites first will become ruler over all the people of Gilead.” English Standard Version And the people, the leaders of Gilead, said one to another, “Who is the man who will begin to fight against the Ammonites? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Berean Standard Bible And the rulers of Gilead said to one another, “Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites will be the head of all who live in Gilead.” Berean Literal Bible And the people—the leaders of Gilead—said one to another, “Who is the man who will begin the fight against the sons of Ammon? He shall be head over all those dwelling in Gilead.” King James Bible And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. New King James Version And the people, the leaders of Gilead, said to one another, “Who is the man who will begin the fight against the people of Ammon? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” New American Standard Bible And the people, the leaders of Gilead, said to one another, “Who is the man who will begin to fight against the sons of Ammon? He shall become head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” NASB 1995 The people, the leaders of Gilead, said to one another, “Who is the man who will begin to fight against the sons of Ammon? He shall become head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” NASB 1977 And the people, the leaders of Gilead, said to one another, “Who is the man who will begin to fight against the sons of Ammon? He shall become head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Legacy Standard Bible And the people, the princes of Gilead, said to one another, “Who is the man who will begin to fight against the sons of Ammon? He shall become head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Amplified Bible The people, the leaders of Gilead (Israel) said to one another, “Who is the man who will begin to fight against the Ammonites? He shall become head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Berean Annotated Bible And the rulers of Gilead (rocky region) said to one another, “Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites (tribal) will be the head of all who live in Gilead. Christian Standard Bible The rulers of Gilead said to one another, “Which man will begin the fight against the Ammonites? He will be the leader of all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Holman Christian Standard Bible The rulers of Gilead said to one another, “Which man will lead the fight against the Ammonites? He will be the leader of all the inhabitants of Gilead.” American Standard Version And the people, the princes of Gilead, said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. Contemporary English Version The leaders of Gilead asked each other, "Who can lead an attack on the Ammonites?" Then they agreed, "If we find someone who can lead the attack, we'll make him the ruler of Gilead." English Revised Version And the people, the princes of Gilead, said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. GOD'S WORD® Translation The leaders of the people of Gilead said to each other, "Whoever starts the fight against Ammon will rule everyone who lives in Gilead." Good News Translation There the people and the leaders of the Israelite tribes asked one another, "Who will lead the fight against the Ammonites? Whoever does will be the leader of everyone in Gilead." International Standard Version The people and Gilead's officials inquired among themselves, "Who will begin our attack against the Ammonites? He'll become head over everyone who lives in Gilead." NET Bible The leaders of Gilead said to one another, "Who is willing to lead the charge against the Ammonites? He will become the leader of all who live in Gilead!" New Heart English Bible And the people, the leaders of Gilead, said to each other, "What man is he who will begin to fight against the people of Ammon? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead." Webster's Bible Translation And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd the rulers of Gilead said to one another, “Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites will be the head of all who live in Gilead.” World English Bible The people, the princes of Gilead, said to one another, “Who is the man who will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the people—heads of Gilead—say to one another, “Who [is] the man that begins to fight against the sons of Ammon? He is for head to all inhabitants of Gilead.” Berean Literal Bible And the people—the leaders of Gilead—said one to another, “Who is the man who will begin the fight against the sons of Ammon? He shall be head over all those dwelling in Gilead.” Young's Literal Translation And the people -- heads of Gilead -- say one unto another, 'Who is the man that doth begin to fight against the Bene-Ammon? he is for head to all inhabitants of Gilead.' Smith's Literal Translation And the people, the chiefs of Gilead, will say, a man to his neighbor, Who the man that will begin to war against the sons of Ammon? he shall be for head to all those dwelling in Gilead. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the princes of Galaad said one to another: Whosoever of us shall first begin to fight against the children of Ammon, he shall be the leader of the people of Galaad. Catholic Public Domain Version And the leaders of Gilead said to one another, “Whoever among us will be the first to begin to contend against the sons of Ammon, he shall be the leader of the people of Gilead.” New American Bible The captains of the army of Gilead said to one another, “The one who begins the war against the Ammonites shall be leader of all the inhabitants of Gilead.” New Revised Standard Version The commanders of the people of Gilead said to one another, “Who will begin the fight against the Ammonites? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, Whosoever shall first start to fight against the children of Ammon, he shall be prince over all the inhabitants of Gilead. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the people, the Princes of Gelad, said, each man to his fellow: “The man who will begin to fight with the sons of Amon shall be Prince to all dwellers of Gelad” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the people, the princes of Gilead, said one to another: 'What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the people the princes of Galaad said every man to his neighbour, Who is he that shall begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall even be head over all that dwell in Galaad. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Philistine and Ammonite Oppression…17Then the Ammonites were called to arms and camped in Gilead, and the Israelites assembled and camped at Mizpah. 18And the rulers of Gilead said to one another, “Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites will be the head of all who live in Gilead.” Cross References And the rulers of Gilead said to one another, Judges 11:5-6 and made war with them, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob. / “Come,” they said, “be our commander, so that we can fight against the Ammonites.” 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 Kings 12:3-4 So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam and said, / “Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” “Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites Judges 11:32-33 So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the LORD delivered them into his hand. / With a great blow he devastated twenty cities from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith, as far as Abel-keramim. So the Ammonites were subdued before the Israelites. 1 Samuel 11:6-11 When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he burned with great anger. / He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, and they came out together as one man. / And when Saul numbered them at Bezek, there were 300,000 Israelites and 30,000 men of Judah. … 2 Samuel 10:6-7 When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zoba, as well as a thousand men from the king of Maacah and twelve thousand men from Tob. / On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men. will be the head of all who live in Gilead.” Judges 11:8-11 They answered Jephthah, “This is why we now turn to you, that you may go with us, fight the Ammonites, and become leader over all of us who live in Gilead.” / But Jephthah asked them, “If you take me back to fight the Ammonites and the LORD gives them to me, will I really be your leader?” / And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “The LORD is our witness if we do not do as you say.” … 1 Samuel 10:1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance? 2 Samuel 5:2 Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” Judges 2:16-18 Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them. / Israel, however, did not listen to their judges. Instead, they prostituted themselves with other gods and bowed down to them. They quickly turned from the way of their fathers, who had walked in obedience to the LORD’s commandments; they did not do as their fathers had done. / Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for the Israelites, He was with that judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies while the judge was still alive; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed them and afflicted them. 1 Samuel 12:11 So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely. Judges 3:9-10 But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them. / The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him. Judges 6:14-16 The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Am I not sending you?” / “Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” / “Surely I will be with you,” the LORD replied, “and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man.” 1 Samuel 9:16 “At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.” 1 Samuel 17:25-27 Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.” / David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” / The people told him about the offer, saying, “That is what will be done for the man who kills him.” 2 Kings 13:5 So the LORD gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped the power of the Arameans. Then the people of Israel lived in their own homes as they had before. Treasury of Scripture And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. what man Judges 1:1 Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them? Judges 11:5-8 And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob: … Isaiah 3:1-8 For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water, … he shall be Judges 11:11 Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh. Judges 12:7 And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead. 1 Samuel 17:25 And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel. Jump to Previous Ammon Ammonites Attack Begin Bene-Ammon Children Head Heads Inhabitants Israel Leaders PrincesJump to Next Ammon Ammonites Attack Begin Bene-Ammon Children Head Heads Inhabitants Israel Leaders PrincesJudges 10 1. Tola judges Israel in Shamir3. Jair, whose thirty sons had thirty cities 6. The Philistines and Ammonites oppress Israel 10. In their misery God sends them to their false gods 15. Upon their repentance he pities them And the rulers of Gilead said to one another This phrase indicates a collective decision-making process among the leaders of Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River. Gilead was known for its balm, a valuable commodity in ancient times. The rulers' discussion reflects the decentralized leadership structure common in Israel during the time of the Judges, where tribal leaders or elders often made decisions. This setting is during a period of oppression by the Ammonites, highlighting the need for a strong leader to deliver Israel, a recurring theme in the Book of Judges. Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites will be the head of all who live in Gilead Persons / Places / Events 1. Leaders of GileadThese were the tribal leaders or elders of the region of Gilead, which was located east of the Jordan River. They were responsible for making decisions and leading the people during times of crisis. 2. Gilead A region in ancient Israel, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was often a site of conflict due to its location and resources. 3. Ammonites A neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel. They were descendants of Lot and frequently opposed Israel throughout the Old Testament. 4. The Call for Leadership The leaders of Gilead were seeking someone to lead them in battle against the Ammonites, promising leadership over Gilead as a reward. Teaching Points The Need for Godly LeadershipThe leaders of Gilead were in search of someone to lead them in battle. This highlights the importance of seeking leaders who are not only capable but also aligned with God's will. Human Solutions vs. Divine Guidance The Gileadites' approach to solving their problem was to find a human leader. This can serve as a reminder to seek God's guidance first in times of trouble. Courage and Initiative The call for someone to lead the attack against the Ammonites required courage and initiative. Believers are encouraged to step up in faith when God calls them to action. The Role of Community in Decision-Making The leaders of Gilead made a collective decision, emphasizing the importance of community and counsel in making significant decisions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 10:18?2. How does Judges 10:18 highlight the importance of godly leadership in crisis? 3. What qualities should we seek in leaders based on Judges 10:18? 4. How can we apply Judges 10:18 when choosing leaders in our communities? 5. How does Judges 10:18 connect to God's deliverance throughout the Bible? 6. In what ways can we prepare to lead when God calls us? 7. Why did the Israelites seek a leader in Judges 10:18 despite God's previous deliverance? 8. How does Judges 10:18 reflect Israel's cycle of sin and repentance? 9. What does Judges 10:18 reveal about Israel's leadership crisis? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 10? 11. Is King Saul considered saved? 12. What key events shaped Saul's life and legacy? 13. Who was Nahash the Ammonite in the Bible? 14. 2 Kings 18:25 - Is the claim that the Assyrian king was acting by God's command consistent with other biblical accounts of divine judgment? What Does Judges 10:18 Mean And the rulers of GileadThe scene opens with the recognized leaders of the eastern tribes gathering. These elders are accountable for protecting their people, much like the “leaders of Israel” who earlier cried to the LORD for help (Judges 10:15-16). • Their presence underlines God’s ordained structure of authority (Deuteronomy 1:13; Romans 13:1). • By naming them “rulers,” Scripture reminds us that responsibility for national faithfulness rests first on those in charge (2 Chronicles 7:14). said to one another The elders consult among themselves, revealing uncertainty and urgency. • Consultation echoes the wisdom principle that “in a multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 15:22). • Yet their dialogue also shows the limits of purely human strategy; they still need the LORD’s chosen deliverer, as every previous judge has demonstrated (Judges 3:9; Judges 4:6-7). Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites Here is the challenge: a call for a volunteer to step forward and lead against a powerful enemy. • The Ammonite oppression (Judges 10:7-9) has pushed Israel to desperation, mirroring earlier cries for deliverance (Judges 6:6). • The offer anticipates Jephthah’s arrival (Judges 11:1-2, 5-6). Like David facing Goliath later (1 Samuel 17:25-26), God often raises an unexpected champion when His people are willing to trust. • The request for someone to “launch the attack” implies courage, initiative, and faith—qualities that God honors (Hebrews 11:32-34). will be the head of all who live in Gilead. The promise is leadership over the whole region. • This mirrors the elders’ eventual pledge to Jephthah: “We will make you head over all of us” (Judges 11:8-11). • Scripture consistently ties faithful service to God-given authority (1 Samuel 18:5; Matthew 25:21). • Granting headship also safeguards unity; a single commander prevents tribal rivalry (Judges 8:1-3). summary Judges 10:18 captures a pivotal moment: Gilead’s leaders, facing Ammonite aggression and their own helplessness, resolve to honor whoever risks leading them into battle by making him their chief. The verse underscores God’s pattern of using willing individuals to deliver His people, highlights the rightful place of godly leadership, and prepares us for Jephthah’s story—reminding us that courageous faith coupled with responsibility is the path God uses to rescue and govern His people. (18) The people and princes.--There is no "and" in the original; but it cannot be a case of apposition, because the term "people" is never applied to "princes."Head.--Comp. Judges 11:11. Verse 18. - Gilead. See note to ver. 8. The people and princes. There is no and in the Hebrew. It is perhaps better, therefore, to take the words in apposition, as meaning, And the assembly of the chiefs of Gilead. The first step was to find a competent leader, and they agreed to appoint such an one, if he could be found, as their permanent head and captain.
Hebrew The rulersשָׂרֵ֤י (śā·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of Gilead גִלְעָד֙ (ḡil·‘āḏ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1568: Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites said וַיֹּאמְר֨וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to one אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person another, רֵעֵ֔הוּ (rê·‘ê·hū) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow “Whoever מִ֣י (mî) Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix will launch יָחֵ֔ל (yā·ḥêl) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2490: To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play the attack לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם (lə·hil·lā·ḥêm) Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle against the Ammonites בִּבְנֵ֣י (biḇ·nê) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son will be יִֽהְיֶ֣ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be the head לְרֹ֔אשׁ (lə·rōš) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7218: The head of all לְכֹ֖ל (lə·ḵōl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every who live יֹשְׁבֵ֥י (yō·šə·ḇê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in Gilead.” גִלְעָֽד׃ (ḡil·‘āḏ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1568: Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites Links Judges 10:18 NIVJudges 10:18 NLT Judges 10:18 ESV Judges 10:18 NASB Judges 10:18 KJV Judges 10:18 BibleApps.com Judges 10:18 Biblia Paralela Judges 10:18 Chinese Bible Judges 10:18 French Bible Judges 10:18 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 10:18 The people the princes of Gilead said (Jd Judg. Jdg) |
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