Judges 3:19
New International Version
But on reaching the stone images near Gilgal he himself went back to Eglon and said, “Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you.” The king said to his attendants, “Leave us!” And they all left.

New Living Translation
But when Ehud reached the stone idols near Gilgal, he turned back. He came to Eglon and said, “I have a secret message for you.” So the king commanded his servants, “Be quiet!” and he sent them all out of the room.

English Standard Version
But he himself turned back at the idols near Gilgal and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And he commanded, “Silence.” And all his attendants went out from his presence.

Berean Standard Bible
But upon reaching the idols near Gilgal, he himself turned back and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” “Silence,” said the king, and all his attendants left him.

King James Bible
But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.

New King James Version
But he himself turned back from the stone images that were at Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” He said, “Keep silence!” And all who attended him went out from him.

New American Standard Bible
But he himself turned back from the idols which were at Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And the king said, “Silence!” And all who were attending him left him.

NASB 1995
But he himself turned back from the idols which were at Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And he said, “Keep silence.” And all who attended him left him.

NASB 1977
But he himself turned back from the idols which were at Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And he said, “Keep silence.” And all who attended him left him.

Legacy Standard Bible
But he himself turned back from the graven images which were at Gilgal and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And he said, “Keep silence.” And all who stood by him left him.

Amplified Bible
But Ehud himself turned back from the sculptured stones at Gilgal, [and he returned to Eglon] and said [to him], “I have a secret message for you, O king.” Eglon said “Keep silence.” And all who attended him left him.

Christian Standard Bible
At the carved images near Gilgal he returned and said, “King Eglon, I have a secret message for you.” The king said, “Silence! ” and all his attendants left him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
At the carved images near Gilgal he returned and said, “King Eglon, I have a secret message for you.” The king called for silence, and all his attendants left him.

American Standard Version
But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king. And he said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.

English Revised Version
But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king. And he said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
However, Ehud turned around at the stone idols near Gilgal [and returned to Eglon]. He said, "Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you." The king replied, "Keep quiet!" Then all his advisers left the room.

Good News Translation
But Ehud himself turned back at the carved stones near Gilgal, went back to Eglon, and said, "Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you." So the king ordered his servants, "Leave us alone!" And they all went out.

International Standard Version
He had turned away from the idols that were at Gilgal. So he told Eglon, "I have a secret message for you, king." King Eglon responded "Silence!" and all of his attendants left him.

Majority Standard Bible
But upon reaching the idols near Gilgal, he himself turned back and said, ?I have a secret message for you, O king.? ?Silence,? said the king, and all his attendants left him.

NET Bible
But he went back once he reached the carved images at Gilgal. He said to Eglon, "I have a secret message for you, O king." Eglon said, "Be quiet!" All his attendants left.

New Heart English Bible
But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret message for you, O king." The king said, "Keep silence." All who stood by him went out from him.

Webster's Bible Translation
But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand to thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.

World English Bible
But he himself turned back from the stone idols that were by Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” The king said, “Keep silence!” All who stood by him left him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he himself has turned back from the carved images which [are] at Gilgal and says, “I have a secret word for you, O king”; and he says, “Hush!” And all those standing by him go out from him.

Young's Literal Translation
and he himself hath turned back from the graven images which are at Gilgal, and saith, 'A secret word I have unto thee, O king;' and he saith, 'Hush!' and go out from him do all those standing by him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he turned back from the carved images which were at Gilgal, and he will say, A hidden word to me for thee, O king: and he will say, Silence! And all standing by him will go forth from him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then returning from Galgal, where the idols were, be said to the king: I have a secret message to thee, O king. And he commanded silence: and all being gone out that were about him,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And then, returning from Gilgal where the idols were, he said to the king, “I have a secret word for you, O king.” And he ordered silence. And when all those who were around him had departed,

New American Bible
But he himself turned back at the sculptured stones near Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And the king said, “Silence!” Then when all his attendants had left his presence,

New Revised Standard Version
But he himself turned back at the sculptured stones near Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” So the king said, “Silence!” and all his attendants went out from his presence.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret message to impart to you, O king; and the king said to those who were present, Get away from here. And all that stood by him went out.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he returned from the sculptures that were upon the side of Galgala and said to him: “I have a secret that I will say to you, oh King, between me and you”, and the King said: “Go out from there”, and all who were standing with him departed
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said: 'I have a secret errand unto thee, O king.' And he said: 'Keep silence.' And all that stood by him went out from him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he himself returned from the quarries that are by Galgal; and Aod said, I have a secret errand to thee, O king! and Eglom said to him, Be silent: and he sent away from his presence all who waited upon him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ehud
18After Ehud had finished presenting the tribute, he ushered out those who had carried it. 19But upon reaching the idols near Gilgal, he himself turned back and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” “Silence,” said the king, and all his attendants left him. 20Then Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in the coolness of his upper room. “I have a word from God for you,” Ehud said, and the king rose from his seat.…

Cross References
Judges 4:18-21
Jael went out to greet Sisera and said to him, “Come in, my lord. Come in with me. Do not be afraid.” So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. / Sisera said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she opened a container of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him again. / “Stand at the entrance to the tent,” he said, “and if anyone comes and asks you, ‘Is there a man here?’ say, ‘No.’” ...

1 Samuel 15:16-23
“Stop!” exclaimed Samuel. “Let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night.” “Tell me,” Saul replied. / And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel / and sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and devote to destruction the sinful Amalekites. Fight against them until you have wiped them out.’ ...

1 Kings 22:15-28
When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up and triumph,” Micaiah replied, “for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king.” / But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD?” / So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’” ...

2 Samuel 12:1-7
Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. / The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, / but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. ...

2 Kings 9:30-37
Now when Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. So she painted her eyes, adorned her head, and looked down from a window. / And as Jehu entered the gate, she asked, “Have you come in peace, O Zimri, murderer of your master?” / He looked up at the window and called out, “Who is on my side? Who?” And two or three eunuchs looked down at him. ...

1 Kings 13:18-24
Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” The old prophet was lying to him, / but the man of God went back with him, ate bread in his house, and drank water. / While they were sitting at the table, the word of the LORD came to the prophet who had brought him back, ...

2 Samuel 20:9-10
“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. / Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.

1 Samuel 24:4-7
So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. / Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. / So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” ...

1 Samuel 26:8-11
Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!” / But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. ...

2 Samuel 3:27
When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.

1 Kings 2:5-6
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

1 Kings 2:28-34
When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Luke 20:20-26
So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. / “Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. / Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” ...

Matthew 26:48-50
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. / “Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him.


Treasury of Scripture

But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand to you, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.

quarries.

Joshua 4:20
And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.

a secret

Judges 3:20
And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.

2 Kings 9:5,6
And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto which of all us? And he said, To thee, O captain…

Acts 23:18,19
So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee…

and all that

Genesis 45:1
Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.

Jump to Previous
Attendants Attended Commanded Errand Idols Images Message Presence Quarries Quiet Sculptured Secret Silence Something Stone Stones Stood Turned Turning Waiting
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Attendants Attended Commanded Errand Idols Images Message Presence Quarries Quiet Sculptured Secret Silence Something Stone Stones Stood Turned Turning Waiting
Judges 3
1. The nations which were left to prove Israel
5. By communion with them they commit idolatry
8. Othniel delivered them from Chushan-Rishathaim
12. Ehud from Eglon
31. and Shamgar from the Philistines














But he himself turned back
This phrase indicates a deliberate and intentional action by Ehud, the judge of Israel. The Hebrew root for "turned back" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which often implies repentance or a change of direction. In this context, it signifies Ehud's strategic decision to return to the king after initially leaving, highlighting his cunning and bravery. This action sets the stage for the deliverance of Israel from Moabite oppression, demonstrating God's providence and the importance of obedience and courage in fulfilling divine missions.

from the idols near Gilgal
The mention of "idols" near Gilgal is significant. Gilgal was a place of historical and spiritual importance for Israel, being the first campsite of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 4:19-20). The presence of idols here suggests a spiritual decline and the infiltration of pagan practices among the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "idols" is "פְּסִילִים" (pesilim), which refers to carved images or statues. This highlights the constant struggle of Israel to remain faithful to Yahweh amidst surrounding pagan influences. Ehud's turning back from this place symbolizes a rejection of idolatry and a return to God's purposes.

and said, 'I have a secret message for you, O king.'
Ehud's declaration of a "secret message" is a clever ruse. The Hebrew word for "secret" is "סֵתֶר" (seter), which can mean hidden or concealed. This phrase underscores the theme of divine wisdom and strategy in the narrative. Ehud's approach is not just a physical act of deliverance but also a spiritual message that God can use unexpected means and people to accomplish His will. The use of secrecy here is a reminder of the wisdom and discernment needed in spiritual warfare.

The king said, 'Silence!'
The king's command for silence, "הַס" (has), indicates his curiosity and desire to hear the message without interruption. This moment of silence is pregnant with anticipation and tension. It reflects the king's vulnerability and the impending judgment upon him. In a broader sense, it symbolizes the silencing of evil and the triumph of God's justice. The king's authority is momentarily unquestioned, yet it is about to be subverted by God's chosen deliverer.

And all his attendants left him
The departure of the attendants signifies a moment of isolation for the king, making him susceptible to Ehud's plan. This detail emphasizes the theme of divine orchestration, where God arranges circumstances to fulfill His purposes. The Hebrew word for "attendants" is "מְשָׁרְתִים" (mesharetim), meaning servants or ministers. Their absence highlights the vulnerability of human power when it stands against God's sovereign will. This scene serves as a reminder that earthly power is fleeting and that true security is found in obedience to God.

(19) But he himself turned again.--The plan of Ehud was deeply laid. He wished (1) to secure his end, which would be more difficult amid the soldiers and attendants who would guard the king during the presentation of the tribute; (2) to avoid endangering his comrades; (3) to provide, if possible, for his own escape. By going away with the deputation of serfs

which he had introduced, he would still more lull suspicion asleep.

From the quarries.--The Hebrew word is pesilim. The LXX., followed by our margin, render it "graven images;" and the Vulgate, "from Gilgal, where were idols." (Luther, G?tzen.) Such is the meaning of pesilim in Deuteronomy 7:5; 2Kings 17:41; Psalm 97:7, &c. The rendering, "stone quarries," is derived from the Chaldee and Rabbi Jarchi; but it probably means idols of some kind--probably those of Moab. Some explain it of the twelve stones which were taken out of Jordan, and pitched at Gilgal (Joshua 4:2). The LXX. (in some MSS.) make it mean that Eglon returned, but this is clearly a mistake. Gilgal was near Jericho, and when Ehud had accompanied his comrades to some well-known landmark at Gilgal, he returned to Jericho. Josephus says he had "two attendants" with him; but the word "people" in Judges 3:18 implies that many more had accompanied him. . . .

Verse 19. - The quarries. It is uncertain whether this is the meaning of the Hebrew word. Its common meaning is images, as Deuteronomy 7:25, and elsewhere.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But upon reaching
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the idols
הַפְּסִילִים֙ (hap·pə·sî·lîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6456: An idol, image

near
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

Gilgal,
הַגִּלְגָּ֔ל (hag·gil·gāl)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1537: Gilgal -- 'circle (of stones)', the name of several places in Palestine

he himself
וְה֣וּא (wə·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

turned back
שָׁ֗ב (šāḇ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

and said,
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I have a secret
סֵ֥תֶר (sê·ṯer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5643: A covering, hiding place, secrecy

message
דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

for you,
אֵלֶ֖יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

O king.”
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

“Silence,”
הָ֔ס (hās)
Interjection
Strong's 2013: Hush! keep silence!

said the king,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

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

his attendants
הָעֹמְדִ֖ים (hā·‘ō·mə·ḏîm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

left him.
וַיֵּֽצְאוּ֙ (way·yê·ṣə·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim


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OT History: Judges 3:19 But he himself turned back (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 3:18
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