Judges 5:11
New International Version
the voice of the singers at the watering places. They recite the victories of the LORD, the victories of his villagers in Israel. “Then the people of the LORD went down to the city gates.

New Living Translation
Listen to the village musicians gathered at the watering holes. They recount the righteous victories of the LORD and the victories of his villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD marched down to the city gates.

English Standard Version
To the sound of musicians at the watering places, there they repeat the righteous triumphs of the LORD, the righteous triumphs of his villagers in Israel. “Then down to the gates marched the people of the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
the voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates:

King James Bible
They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.

New King James Version
Far from the noise of the archers, among the watering places, There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, The righteous acts for His villagers in Israel; Then the people of the LORD shall go down to the gates.

New American Standard Bible
“At the sound of those who distribute water among the watering places, There they will recount the righteous deeds of the LORD, The righteous deeds for His peasantry in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates.

NASB 1995
“At the sound of those who divide flocks among the watering places, There they shall recount the righteous deeds of the LORD, The righteous deeds for His peasantry in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates.

NASB 1977
“At the sound of those who divide flocks among the watering places, There they shall recount the righteous deeds of the LORD, The righteous deeds for His peasantry in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates.

Legacy Standard Bible
At the sound of those who divide flocks among the watering places, There they shall commemorate the righteous deeds of Yahweh, The righteous deeds for His peasantry in Israel. Then the people of Yahweh went down to the gates.

Amplified Bible
“At the sound of those who divide flocks among the watering places, There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, The righteous acts toward His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates.

Christian Standard Bible
Let them tell the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of his villagers in Israel, with the voices of the singers at the watering places. Then the LORD’s people went down to the city gates.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Let them tell the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His warriors in Israel, with the voices of the singers at the watering places. Then the LORD’s people went down to the gates.”

American Standard Version
Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water, There shall they rehearse the righteous acts of Jehovah, Even the righteous acts of his rule in Israel. Then the people of Jehovah went down to the gates.

Contemporary English Version
Even those who carry water to the animals will tell you, "The LORD has won victories, and so has Israel." Then the LORD's people marched down to the town gates

English Revised Version
Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts of his rule in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Listen to the voices of those singing at the wells. Over and over again they repeat the victories of the LORD, the victories for his villages in Israel. Then the LORD's people went down to the city gates.

Good News Translation
Listen! The noisy crowds around the wells are telling of the LORD's victories, the victories of Israel's people! Then the LORD's people marched down from their cities.

International Standard Version
From the sound of those who divide their work loads at the watering troughs, there they will retell the righteous deeds of the LORD, the righteous victories for his rural people in Israel." Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates.

Majority Standard Bible
the voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates:

NET Bible
Hear the sound of those who divide the sheep among the watering places; there they tell of the Lord's victorious deeds, the victorious deeds of his warriors in Israel. Then the LORD's people went down to the city gates--

New Heart English Bible
Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water, there they will rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous acts of his rule in Israel. "Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates.

Webster's Bible Translation
They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts towards the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.

World English Bible
Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water, there they will rehearse Yahweh’s righteous acts, the righteous acts of his rule in Israel. “Then Yahweh’s people went down to the gates.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
By the voice of shouters "" Between the places of drawing water, "" There they give out righteous acts of YHWH, "" Righteous acts of His villages in Israel, "" Then the people of YHWH have gone down to the gates.

Young's Literal Translation
By the voice of shouters Between the places of drawing water, There they give out righteous acts of Jehovah, Righteous acts of His villages in Israel, Then ruled in the gates have the people of Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
From the voice of arrows between the watering-troughs, There will they give the justices of Jehovah, The justices of his rule in Israel: Then will the people of Jehovah go down to the gates.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Where the chariots were dashed together, and the army of the enemies was choked, there let the justices of the Lord be rehearsed, and his clemency towards the brave men of Israel: then the people of the Lord went down to the gates, and obtained the sovereignty.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Where the chariots were struck together, and the army of the enemies was choked, in that place, let the justices of the Lord be described, and let his clemency be for the brave of Israel. Then did the people of the Lord descend to the gates, and obtain leadership.

New American Bible
to the sounds of musicians at the wells. There they recount the just deeds of the LORD, his just deeds bringing freedom to Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
To the sound of musicians at the watering places, there they repeat the triumphs of the LORD, the triumphs of his peasantry in Israel. “Then down to the gates marched the people of the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Meditate on the words of the inquirers, who are among the teachers; they shall execute the righteousness of the LORD, even his righteousness which he has multiplied in Israel; then shall the people of the LORD march to the gates.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Meditate on the words of inquirers who are among the Teachers; there they shall give the righteousness of LORD JEHOVAH, his righteousness that he multiplied in Israel; then the people shall go down to the gate of LORD JEHOVAH
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Louder than the voice of archers, by the watering-troughs! There shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, Even the righteous acts of His rulers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
ye that are delivered from the noise of disturbers among the drawers of water; there shall they relate righteous acts: O Lord, increase righteous acts in Israel: then the people of the Lord went down to the cities.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Song of Deborah and Barak
10You who ride white donkeys, who sit on saddle blankets, and you who travel the road, ponder 11the voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates: 12‘Awake, awake, O Deborah! Awake, awake, sing a song! Arise, O Barak, and take hold of your captives, O son of Abinoam!’…

Cross References
Exodus 15:1-21
Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted. The horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. / The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. / The LORD is a warrior, the LORD is His name. ...

Psalm 66:1-4
For the choirmaster. A song. A Psalm. Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! / Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious. / Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You. ...

Psalm 81:1-3
For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. Of Asaph. Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob. / Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre. / Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and at the full moon on the day of our Feast.

Psalm 105:2-5
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders. / Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. / Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. ...

Isaiah 12:4-6
and on that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD; proclaim His name! Make His works known among the peoples; declare that His name is exalted. / Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things. Let this be known in all the earth. / Cry out and sing, O citizen of Zion, for great among you is the Holy One of Israel.”

Isaiah 42:10-12
Sing to the LORD a new song—His praise from the ends of the earth—you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who dwell in them. / Let the desert and its cities raise their voices; let the villages of Kedar cry aloud. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them cry out from the mountaintops. / Let them give glory to the LORD and declare His praise in the islands.

Revelation 15:3-4
and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! / Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.”

Psalm 98:1-3
A Psalm. Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done wonders; His right hand and holy arm have gained Him the victory. / The LORD has proclaimed His salvation and revealed His righteousness to the nations. / He has remembered His love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Psalm 149:1-3
Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song—His praise in the assembly of the godly. / Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. / Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.

1 Samuel 18:6-7
As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

2 Chronicles 20:21-22
Then Jehoshaphat consulted with the people and appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.” / The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated.

Psalm 68:11-13
The Lord gives the command; a great company of women proclaim it: / “Kings and their armies flee in haste; she who waits at home divides the plunder. / Though you lie down among the sheepfolds, the wings of the dove are covered with silver, and her feathers with shimmering gold.”

Psalm 96:1-3
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. / Sing to the LORD, bless His name; proclaim His salvation day after day. / Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.

Isaiah 51:11
So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.

Jeremiah 31:7
For this is what the LORD says: “Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations! Make your praises heard, and say, ‘O LORD, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!’


Treasury of Scripture

They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.

the noise

Lamentations 5:4,9
We have drunken our water for money; our wood is sold unto us…

in the places.

Genesis 26:20-22
And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him…

Exodus 2:17-19
And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock…

Isaiah 12:3
Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

righteous acts.

1 Samuel 12:7
Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.

Psalm 145:7
They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

Micah 6:5
O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.

villages

Judges 5:7
The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.

go down

Deuteronomy 22:24
Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

Job 29:7
When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!

Isaiah 28:6
And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.

Jump to Previous
Acts Archers Deeds Delivered Divide Drawing Inhabitants Israel Louder Musicians Noise Peasantry Places Recite Recount Rehearse Repeat Righteous Rule Rulers Singers Sound Towards Triumphs Villages Voice Water Watering-Troughs
Jump to Next
Acts Archers Deeds Delivered Divide Drawing Inhabitants Israel Louder Musicians Noise Peasantry Places Recite Recount Rehearse Repeat Righteous Rule Rulers Singers Sound Towards Triumphs Villages Voice Water Watering-Troughs
Judges 5
1. The Song of Deborah and Barak














the voices of the singers
In ancient Israel, music and song were integral to worship and celebration. The Hebrew word for "singers" here is "שָׁרִים" (sharim), which denotes those who sing or chant. This phrase suggests a communal and joyful expression of praise, likely involving both men and women. The singers' voices serve as a powerful reminder of God's deliverance and the communal memory of His faithfulness. Historically, singing at significant events was a way to pass down accounts and maintain cultural identity.

at the watering places
Watering places were central to community life in ancient times, serving as gathering spots for people and livestock. The Hebrew term "בְּמַשְׁאַבֵּי" (b'mashabei) indicates these were places of sustenance and social interaction. In this context, the watering places become venues for recounting God's deeds, transforming everyday locations into sites of spiritual reflection and testimony. This highlights the integration of faith into daily life, where even mundane activities become opportunities for worship.

There they recount the righteous acts of the LORD
The act of recounting, from the Hebrew "יְסַפְּרוּ" (yesapperu), implies a deliberate and detailed narration. The "righteous acts" (צִדְקוֹת, tsidkot) of the LORD refer to His just and faithful interventions on behalf of Israel. This phrase underscores the importance of remembering and proclaiming God's past deliverances, which serve to strengthen faith and encourage future trust in His providence. It reflects a culture deeply rooted in oral tradition, where accounts of divine intervention are passed down through generations.

the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel
The phrase "righteous deeds" (צִדְקוֹת, tsidkot) is repeated, emphasizing the moral and covenantal actions of the people. The term "villagers" (פְּרָזוֹן, perazon) refers to the rural inhabitants of Israel, who played a crucial role in the nation's defense and survival. This highlights the partnership between God and His people, where divine acts inspire human response. The villagers' deeds are seen as extensions of God's righteousness, illustrating the call for God's people to live out His justice and mercy in their communities.

Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates
The "gates" (שְׁעָרִים, she'arim) were not only entry points to cities but also places of judgment, commerce, and public discourse. The phrase "went down" (יֵרְדוּ, yerdu) suggests movement towards a place of action and decision-making. This signifies a transition from recounting past victories to engaging in present responsibilities. The people of the LORD, identified as His covenant community, are called to bring the memory of God's righteous acts into the public sphere, influencing society with His justice and truth. This movement from reflection to action is a call for believers to be active participants in God's ongoing work in the world.

(11) They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water.--This is usually explained to mean that in the time of oppression the shepherds and the women could not go to the wells to draw water without being disturbed by the enemy's archers; and the construction in that case is changed in the middle of the verse, to remind them that they can now sing God's praises by the safe well-sides. The meaning is highly uncertain. The "they that are delivered" is a conjectural addition of our version. The Hebrew only has "from the noise." The Vulgate renders it, "where the chariots clashed together, and the army of the enemy was strangled." The LXX. (some MSS.) connect the clause with the last verse: "Sing;" or "tell it from (i.e. by) the voice of those who strike up their tunes in the midst of the water-drawers." The Chaldee is here utterly vague. Ewald renders it, "from the shoutings of the spoil-dividers between the water-troughs." Amid these uncertainties we have nothing better to offer than the conjecture of our translators.

Righteous acts.--Where these words first occur, the Hebrew is Tsidkoth; but in the second recurrence of the English words, "even the righteous acts towards the inhabitants of the villages"--in which they are guided by the Chaldee Targum--we have only the Hebrew words, Tsidkoth pirzono. Here, as in Judges 5:7, the versions were perplexed by the word perazon; but it is now generally agreed that the meaning is either "the righteous acts of his governance in Israel" (Ewald), or "towards the leaders in Israel" (Rosenmller, &c.).

Then shall the people of the Lord go down to the gates.--After singing the just deeds of God, they resumed their usual pursuits, unabashed and un-terrified.

Verse 11. - A very difficult verse, and very variously rendered. For archers some give the interpretation dividers, i.e. MEN SHARING THE BOOTY THEY HAVE TAKEN; or, SINGING IN ALTERNATE VERSES. For They that are delivered from, some render far away from. Others again take the preposition from in the not uncommon sense of more than, meaning here louder than. The chief different senses which emerge are -

(1) that of the A.V.: "Those that can now draw water from the wells without being molested by the hostile archers shall sing praises to God in the very spots where they were wont to be attacked."

(2) "Far from the noise and tumult of those that divide the spoil among the water-troughs, there shall they sing, - etc.

(3) "With a louder voice than that of the shepherds who sing among the water-troughs (while they are watering their flocks), there shall they rehearse," etc. Or, . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
the voices
מִקּ֣וֹל (miq·qō·wl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

of the singers
מְחַֽצְצִ֗ים (mə·ḥaṣ·ṣîm)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 2686: To chop into, pierce, sever, to curtail, to distribute, to shoot an arrow

at
בֵּ֚ין (bên)
Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

the watering places.
מַשְׁאַבִּ֔ים (maš·’ab·bîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4857: A trough for, cattle to drink from

There
שָׁ֤ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

they shall recount
יְתַנּוּ֙ (yə·ṯan·nū)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8567: To ascribe, celebrate, commemorate

the righteous acts
צִדְק֣וֹת (ṣiḏ·qō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively

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

the righteous deeds
צִדְקֹ֥ת (ṣiḏ·qōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively

of His warriors
פִּרְזֹנ֖וֹ (pir·zō·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6520: Perhaps rural population

in Israel.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (bə·yiś·rā·’êl)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

Then
אָ֛ז (’āz)
Adverb
Strong's 227: At that time, place, therefore

the people
עַם־ (‘am-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

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

went down
יָרְד֥וּ (yā·rə·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

to the gates:
לַשְּׁעָרִ֖ים (laš·šə·‘ā·rîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate


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OT History: Judges 5:11 Far from the noise of archers (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 5:10
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