Judges 2:18 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.

◄ Judges 2:18 ►

New International Version
Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the LORD relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them.

New Living Translation
Whenever the LORD raised up a judge over Israel, he was with that judge and rescued the people from their enemies throughout the judge’s lifetime. For the LORD took pity on his people, who were burdened by oppression and suffering.

English Standard Version
Whenever the LORD raised up judges for them, the LORD was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And when the LORD raised up judges for them, the LORD was with the judge and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed them and harassed them.

New American Standard Bible
And when the LORD raised up judges for them, the LORD was with the judge and saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who tormented and oppressed them.

NASB 1995
When the LORD raised up judges for them, the LORD was with the judge and delivered them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed and afflicted them.

NASB 1977
And when the LORD raised up judges for them, the LORD was with the judge and delivered them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed and afflicted them.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now when Yahweh raised up judges for them, Yahweh was with the judge and saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for Yahweh was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed and suppressed them.

Amplified Bible
When the LORD raised up judges for them, He was with the judge and He rescued them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed and afflicted them.

Christian Standard Bible
Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for the Israelites, the LORD was with him and saved the people from the power of their enemies while the judge was still alive. The LORD was moved to pity whenever they groaned because of those who were oppressing and afflicting them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for the Israelites, the LORD was with him and saved the people from the power of their enemies while the judge was still alive. The LORD was moved to pity whenever they groaned because of those who were oppressing and afflicting them.

American Standard Version
And when Jehovah raised them up judges, then Jehovah was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented Jehovah because of their groaning by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.

Contemporary English Version
When enemies made life miserable for the Israelites, the LORD felt sorry for them. He would choose a judge and help that judge rescue Israel from its enemies. The LORD was kind to Israel as long as that judge lived.

English Revised Version
And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groaning by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But when the LORD appointed judges for the Israelites, he was with each judge. The LORD rescued them from their enemies as long as that judge was alive. The LORD was moved by the groaning of those who were tormented and oppressed.

Good News Translation
Whenever the LORD gave Israel a leader, the LORD would help that leader and would save the people from their enemies as long as that leader lived. The LORD would have mercy on them because they groaned under their suffering and oppression.

International Standard Version
As a result, whenever the LORD raised up leaders for them, the LORD remained present with their leader, delivering Israel from the control of their enemies during the lifetime of that leader. The LORD was moved with compassion by their groaning that had been caused by those who were oppressing and persecuting them.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
When the LORD raised up leaders for them, the LORD was with each leader and delivered the people from their enemies while the leader remained alive. The LORD felt sorry for them when they cried out in agony because of what their harsh oppressors did to them.

New Heart English Bible
When the LORD raised up judges for them, then the LORD was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it grieved the LORD because of their groaning by reason of those who oppressed them and troubled them.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when the LORD raised up judges for them, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: (for the LORD repented because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and burdened them.)

World English Bible
When Yahweh raised up judges for them, then Yahweh was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for it grieved Yahweh because of their groaning by reason of those who oppressed them and troubled them.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And when YHWH raised up judges for them—then YHWH was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all [the] days of the judge; for YHWH sighs, because of their groaning from the presence of their oppressors, and of those thrusting them away.

Young's Literal Translation
And when Jehovah raised up to them judges -- then was Jehovah with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for it repenteth Jehovah, because of their groaning from the presence of their oppressors, and of those thrusting them away.

Smith's Literal Translation
And when Jehovah raised up to them judges, and Jehovah was with the judge, and saved them from the hand of their enemies all of the days of the judge: for Jehovah will grieve from their groaning from the face of those pressing them and thrusting them.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And when the Lord raised them up judges, in their days he was moved to mercy, and heard the groanings of the afflicted, and delivered them from the slaughter of the oppressors.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And while the Lord was raising up the judges, in their days, he was moved to mercy, and he listened to the groaning of the afflicted, and he freed them from the slaughter of their oppressors.

New American Bible
When the LORD raised up judges for them, he would be with the judge and save them from the power of their enemies as long as the judge lived. The LORD would change his mind when they groaned in their affliction under their oppressors.

New Revised Standard Version
Whenever the LORD raised up judges for them, the LORD was with the judge, and he delivered them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the LORD would be moved to pity by their groaning because of those who persecuted and oppressed them.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And when the LORD raised up judges for them, then the LORD was with the judges, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judges; the LORD would hear their groaning because of their oppressors and those that drove them away.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when LORD JEHOVAH raised up Judges, LORD JEHOVAH was with the Judges and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the Judges. LORD JEHOVAH was listening to their groans from before their oppressors and their persecutors

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for it repented the LORD because of their groaning by reason of them that oppressed them and crushed them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And because the Lord raised them up judges, so the Lord was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the Lord was moved at their groaning by reason of them that besieged them and afflicted them.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Judges Raised Up
…17Israel, 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. 18Whenever 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. 19But when the judge died, the Israelites became even more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods to serve them and bow down to them. They would not give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Nehemiah 9:27
So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies.

Psalm 106:43-45
Many times He rescued them, but they were bent on rebellion and sank down in their iniquity. / Nevertheless He heard their cry; He took note of their distress. / And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion.

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.

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.

Isaiah 63:9
In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Acts 13:20
All this took about 450 years. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.

Hebrews 11:32-34
And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

2 Chronicles 15:4
But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them.

2 Chronicles 36:15
Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place.

2 Peter 2:9
if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!

Luke 1:68-75
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people. / He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, / as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past, ...

Acts 7:34
I have indeed seen the oppression of My people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’

Treasury of Scripture

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.

then the Lord

Exodus 3:12
And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

Joshua 1:5
There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Acts 18:9,10
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: …

it repented

Judges 10:16
And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

Genesis 6:6
And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

Deuteronomy 32:36
For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.

their groanings.

Exodus 2:24
And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

2 Kings 13:4,22,23
And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them…

Psalm 12:5
For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

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Judges 2

1. An angel rebukes the people at Bochim
6. The wickedness of the new generation after Joshua
14. God's anger and pity toward them
20. The Canaanites left to prove Israel

Berean Study Bible

Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for them
This phrase indicates the divine initiative in the leadership of Israel. The Hebrew word for "raised up" is "קוּם" (qum), which means to establish or set up. This suggests that the judges were not self-appointed but divinely appointed leaders. Historically, this period was marked by a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The judges were God's chosen instruments to deliver Israel from their oppressors, highlighting God's sovereignty and mercy.

He was with the judge
The presence of the LORD with the judge underscores the source of the judge's authority and success. The Hebrew word for "with" is "עִם" (im), indicating companionship and support. This divine accompaniment ensured that the judge could lead effectively. Scripturally, this reflects the promise of God's presence with His chosen leaders, reminiscent of His assurance to Moses and Joshua. It serves as a reminder that true leadership in Israel was dependent on God's presence and guidance.

and delivered them from the hand of their enemies
The term "delivered" comes from the Hebrew "יָשַׁע" (yasha), meaning to save or rescue. This deliverance was not merely a military victory but a divine intervention. The "hand" symbolizes power and control, indicating that Israel's enemies had a strong hold over them. Historically, this reflects the various oppressors Israel faced, such as the Moabites, Canaanites, and Philistines. Theologically, it points to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises despite Israel's recurring unfaithfulness.

throughout the days of the judge
This phrase indicates the temporal nature of the judges' leadership. The Hebrew word for "days" is "יָמִים" (yamim), which can refer to a period or era. The judges' influence and the peace they brought were limited to their lifetimes. This highlights the transient nature of human leadership and the need for continual reliance on God. It also foreshadows the eventual establishment of a more permanent monarchy in Israel.

for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning
The phrase "moved to pity" is derived from the Hebrew "נָחַם" (nacham), which means to be sorry or to have compassion. This reflects God's compassionate nature and His responsiveness to the suffering of His people. The "groaning" of the Israelites, "נְאָקָה" (ne'aqah), indicates deep distress and suffering under oppression. This mirrors the cries of the Israelites in Egypt, showing a consistent pattern of God responding to the cries of His people throughout history.

because of those who oppressed and afflicted them
The words "oppressed" and "afflicted" come from the Hebrew "לָחַץ" (lachats) and "צָרַר" (tsarar), respectively. These terms convey the severity of the Israelites' suffering under foreign domination. Historically, this oppression was a consequence of Israel's disobedience and idolatry, as they turned away from God. Yet, God's response to their affliction demonstrates His enduring mercy and willingness to deliver His people when they turn back to Him in repentance. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's grace and the hope of redemption even in the midst of judgment.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(18) It repented the Lord--i.e., Jehovah was grieved. (Comp. Jonah 3:10, "God repented of the evil that He had said He would do unto them; and He did it not"--Genesis 6:6; Exodus 32:14; 1Samuel 15:35; Amos 7:3; Joel 2:13, &c.) The simple anthropomorphism of early ages never hesitates to describe the ways and thoughts of Jehovah by the analogy of human lives; nor is it easy to see how the sacred writers could have otherwise expressed their meaning. Yet they were, even in using this language, perfectly aware that it was only an imperfect and approximate method of explaining God's dealings with man; and when they are using the language of calm and unmetaphorical instruction they say, "God is not a man . . .that he should repent" (Numbers 23:19); "He is in one mind, and who can turn Him?" (Job 23:13); "I am the Lord, I change not" (Malachi 3:6). . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Whenever
וְכִֽי־ (wə·ḵî-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה ׀ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

raised up
הֵקִ֨ים (hê·qîm)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

a judge
שֹֽׁפְטִים֒ (šō·p̄ə·ṭîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

for the Israelites,
לָהֶם֮ (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

[He]
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

was
וְהָיָ֤ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

that judge
הַשֹּׁפֵ֔ט (haš·šō·p̄êṭ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

and delivered them
וְהֽוֹשִׁיעָם֙ (wə·hō·wō·šî·‘ām)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor

from the hands
מִיַּ֣ד (mî·yaḏ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

of their enemies
אֹֽיְבֵיהֶ֔ם (’ō·yə·ḇê·hem)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

while the judge
הַשּׁוֹפֵ֑ט (haš·šō·w·p̄êṭ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

was still alive;
כֹּ֖ל (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

for the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

was moved to pity
יִנָּחֵ֤ם (yin·nā·ḥêm)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge

by their groaning
מִנַּֽאֲקָתָ֔ם (min·na·’ă·qā·ṯām)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5009: A groan, groaning

under those
מִפְּנֵ֥י (mip·pə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

who oppressed
לֹחֲצֵיהֶ֖ם (lō·ḥă·ṣê·hem)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3905: To squeeze, press, oppress

and afflicted them.
וְדֹחֲקֵיהֶֽם׃ (wə·ḏō·ḥă·qê·hem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1766: To thrust, crowd, oppress

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OT History: Judges 2:18 When Yahweh raised them up judges then (Jd Judg. Jdg)