Judges 5:28
New International Version
“Through the window peered Sisera’s mother; behind the lattice she cried out, ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why is the clatter of his chariots delayed?’

New Living Translation
“From the window Sisera’s mother looked out. Through the window she watched for his return, saying, ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why don’t we hear the sound of chariot wheels?’

English Standard Version
“Out of the window she peered, the mother of Sisera wailed through the lattice: ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why tarry the hoofbeats of his chariots?’

Berean Standard Bible
Sisera’s mother looked through the window; she peered through the lattice and lamented: ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? What has delayed the clatter of his chariots?’

King James Bible
The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots?

New King James Version
“The mother of Sisera looked through the window, And cried out through the lattice, ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why tarries the clatter of his chariots?’

New American Standard Bible
“Out of the window she looked and wailed, The mother of Sisera through the lattice, ‘Why does his chariot delay in coming? Why do the hoofbeats of his chariots delay?’

NASB 1995
“Out of the window she looked and lamented, The mother of Sisera through the lattice, ‘Why does his chariot delay in coming? Why do the hoofbeats of his chariots tarry?’

NASB 1977
“Out of the window she looked and lamented, The mother of Sisera through the lattice, ‘Why does his chariot delay in coming? Why do the hoofbeats of his chariots tarry?’

Legacy Standard Bible
“Out of the window she looked and lamented, The mother of Sisera through the lattice, ‘Why does his chariot delay in coming? Why do the hoofbeats of his chariots tarry?’

Amplified Bible
“Out of the window she looked down and lamented (cried out in a shrill voice), The mother of Sisera through the lattice, ‘Why is his chariot delayed in coming? Why have the hoofbeats of his chariots delayed?’

Christian Standard Bible
Sisera’s mother looked through the window; she peered through the lattice, crying out: “Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why don’t I hear the hoofbeats of his horses? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Sisera’s mother looked through the window; she peered through the lattice, crying out:” Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why don’t I hear the hoofbeats of his horses?”

American Standard Version
Through the window she looked forth, and cried, The mother of Sisera cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why tarry the wheels of his chariots?

Contemporary English Version
Sisera's mother looked out through her window. "Why is he taking so long?" she asked. "Why haven't we heard his chariots coming?"

English Revised Version
Through the window she looked forth, and cried, the mother of Sisera cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Sisera's mother looked through her window and cried as she peered through the lattice. "Why is his chariot taking so long? Why don't I hear the clatter of his chariots?"

Good News Translation
Sisera's mother looked out of the window; she gazed from behind the lattice. "Why is his chariot so late in coming?" she asked. "Why are his horses so slow to return?"

International Standard Version
"Back at home, out the window Sisera's mother peered, lamenting through the lattice. 'Why is his chariot delayed in returning? 'Why do the hoof beats of his chariots wait?'

Majority Standard Bible
Sisera’s mother looked through the window; she peered through the lattice and lamented: ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? What has delayed the clatter of his chariots?’

NET Bible
Through the window she looked; Sisera's mother cried out through the lattice: 'Why is his chariot so slow to return? Why are the hoofbeats of his chariot-horses delayed?'

New Heart English Bible
Through the window she looked out. Sisera's mother cried out through the lattice, 'Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why are the hoofbeats of his chariots delayed?'

Webster's Bible Translation
The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots?

World English Bible
“Through the window she looked out, and cried: Sisera’s mother looked through the lattice. ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why do the wheels of his chariots wait?’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
She has looked out through the window—Indeed, she cries out—the mother of Sisera, "" Through the lattice: Why is his chariot delaying to come? Why have the steps of his chariot tarried?

Young's Literal Translation
Through the window she hath looked out -- Yea, she crieth out -- the mother of Sisera, Through the lattice: Wherefore is his chariot delaying to come? Wherefore tarried have the steps of his chariot?

Smith's Literal Translation
Through the window she looked forth and cried out, The mother of Sisera, through the lattice Why did his chariot delay to come? Why lingered the paces of his chariots?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
His mother looked out at a window, and howled: and she spoke from the dining room: Why is his chariot so long in coming back? Why are the feet of his horses so slow?

Catholic Public Domain Version
His mother gazed through a window and wailed. And she spoke from an upper room: ‘Why does his chariot delay in returning? Why are the feet of his team of horses so slow?’

New American Bible
From the window she looked down, the mother of Sisera peered through the lattice: “Why is his chariot so long in coming? why are the hoofbeats of his chariots delayed?”

New Revised Standard Version
“Out of the window she peered, the mother of Sisera gazed through the lattice: ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why tarry the hoofbeats of his chariots?’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The mother of Sisera looked out of the window and cried through the lattice, Why are the chariots of my son so long in coming? Why tarries the clatter of his chariots?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the mother of Sisra looked out from a window and cried out from a balcony and she said: ‘Why is the chariot of my son so long coming and why is the clatter of his chariots delayed?’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Through the window she looked forth, and peered, The mother of Sisera, through the lattice: 'Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why tarry the wheels of his chariots?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The mother of Sisara looked down through the window out of the loophole, saying, Why was his chariot ashamed? why did the wheels of his chariots tarry?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Song of Deborah and Barak
27At her feet he collapsed, he fell, there he lay still; at her feet he collapsed, he fell; where he collapsed, there he fell dead. 28Sisera’s mother looked through the window; she peered through the lattice and lamented: ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? What has delayed the clatter of his chariots?’ 29Her wisest ladies answer; indeed she keeps telling herself,…

Cross References
2 Samuel 18:33
The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

2 Kings 4:26
Please run out now to meet her and ask, ‘Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is your child all right?’” And she answered, “Everything is all right.”

Jeremiah 31:15
This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

Lamentations 1:16
For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears. For there is no one nearby to comfort me, no one to revive my soul. My children are destitute because the enemy has prevailed.

Isaiah 49:15
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!

Luke 7:12-13
As He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. / When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.”

John 19:25-27
Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. / When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” / Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.

Matthew 2:18
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

1 Samuel 1:10-11
In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. / And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.”

2 Samuel 13:37-39
Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day. / After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years. / And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.

Genesis 37:34-35
Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. / All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him.

Ruth 1:20-21
“Do not call me Naomi,” she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me. / I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? After all, the LORD has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me.”

2 Kings 2:12
As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two.

Psalm 35:14
I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother.

Job 14:21
If his sons receive honor, he does not know it; if they are brought low, he is unaware.


Treasury of Scripture

The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots?

through

2 Kings 1:2
And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, inquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.

Song of Solomon 2:9
My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.

why is

Judges 4:15
And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet.

Song of Solomon 8:14
Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.

James 5:7
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Jump to Previous
Carriage Chariot Chariots Clatter Cried Crieth Cry Crying Delay Delayed Delaying Lattice Mother Noise Sisera Sis'era Sisera's Steps Tarried Tarry Wait Wheels Wherefore Window
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Carriage Chariot Chariots Clatter Cried Crieth Cry Crying Delay Delayed Delaying Lattice Mother Noise Sisera Sis'era Sisera's Steps Tarried Tarry Wait Wheels Wherefore Window
Judges 5
1. The Song of Deborah and Barak














Sisera’s mother
The mention of "Sisera’s mother" introduces a personal and human element to the narrative. Sisera was the commander of the Canaanite army, and his mother’s perspective provides a poignant contrast to the victory of Israel. In the Hebrew context, the mother is often a symbol of nurturing and care, yet here she is depicted in a moment of anxiety and anticipation. This highlights the universality of maternal concern, transcending cultural and historical boundaries.

looked through the window
The phrase "looked through the window" suggests a sense of expectation and longing. Windows in ancient times were not just architectural features but also symbolic of insight and revelation. In this context, Sisera’s mother is seeking news of her son, reflecting a deep yearning for his safe return. This imagery evokes a sense of vulnerability, as she is confined to her domestic space, unable to influence the events unfolding on the battlefield.

she peered through the lattice
"Peered through the lattice" adds to the imagery of limited vision and separation. Lattices were common in ancient Near Eastern architecture, providing both privacy and a view of the outside world. This detail emphasizes her anxious state, as she strains to see beyond her immediate surroundings. The lattice serves as a metaphor for the barriers between her hopes and the harsh reality of her son’s fate.

and lamented
The word "lamented" captures the emotional depth of Sisera’s mother’s experience. In Hebrew culture, lamentation was a profound expression of grief and sorrow, often accompanied by ritualistic mourning practices. Her lament is not just for her son’s delay but foreshadows the ultimate tragedy of his death. This moment of lamentation underscores the theme of divine justice, as the oppressor’s family now faces the consequences of their actions.

Why is his chariot so long in coming?
This rhetorical question reveals her growing anxiety and impatience. Chariots were symbols of military power and speed in the ancient world, and their delay suggests an unexpected turn of events. The question reflects her inability to comprehend the defeat of her son, who was once a formidable force. It also serves as a narrative device, heightening the tension and anticipation for the reader.

Why is the clatter of his chariots delayed?
The repetition of the question, "Why is the clatter of his chariots delayed?" emphasizes her desperation and disbelief. The "clatter" of chariots would have been a familiar and reassuring sound, signaling victory and return. Its absence is ominous, indicating a reversal of fortune. This phrase highlights the theme of divine intervention, as God’s hand is seen in the unexpected victory of Israel over Sisera’s forces.

(28) The mother of Sisera.--With a bold poetic impetuosity the scene is changed, and the prophetess, with a few broad touches, sets before us the last scene of the strange eventful history. The mother of Sisera and her attendant princesses had looked for the triumph and return of the host as confidently as the ladies of Spain expected the return of the Armada, or as the ladies of Aberdeen sat, "with their fans into their hand," looking out for the sails of Sir Patrick Spens. We have a similar scene in the Persians of 'schylus, where the great Atossa wails over the miserable flight of her defeated son Xerxes. In that, however, there is more of pity and less of derision, though, no doubt, the spectacle was meant to be pleasing to the victorious Athenians. This exulting description of the cruel but blighted hopes of the women of Sisera's family is an inimitable touch of genuineness; it shows a woman's authorship (Ewald).

Looked out at a window.--Watching for the first glimpse of her son's return. In Eastern courts the queen-mother is a more important person than the wife.

And cried.--Rather, wailed (Vulgate, ululavit, an onomatop?ia, like the Hebrew yabhabh). It is the wail of impatience passing into anxiety.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Sisera’s
סִֽיסְרָ֖א (sî·sə·rā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5516: Sisera -- a general of the king of Hazor, also the father of some returning exiles

mother
אֵ֥ם (’êm)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 517: A mother, )

looked
נִשְׁקְפָ֧ה (niš·qə·p̄āh)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 8259: To overhang, look out or down

through
בְּעַד֩ (bə·‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 1157: In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, for

the window;
הַחַלּ֨וֹן (ha·ḥal·lō·wn)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 2474: A window

she peered through
בְּעַ֣ד (bə·‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 1157: In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, for

the lattice
הָֽאֶשְׁנָ֑ב (hā·’eš·nāḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 822: A latticed window

and lamented:
וַתְּיַבֵּ֛ב (wat·tə·yab·bêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2980: To cry in a shrill voice

‘Why
מַדּ֗וּעַ (mad·dū·a‘)
Interrogative
Strong's 4069: Why? for what reason?

is his chariot
רִכְבּוֹ֙ (riḵ·bōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone

so long
בֹּשֵׁ֤שׁ (bō·šêš)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 954: To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed

in coming?
לָב֔וֹא (lā·ḇō·w)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

What
מַדּ֣וּעַ (mad·dū·a‘)
Interrogative
Strong's 4069: Why? for what reason?

has delayed
אֶֽחֱר֔וּ (’e·ḥĕ·rū)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 309: To loiter, to procrastinate

the clatter
פַּעֲמֵ֖י (pa·‘ă·mê)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence

of his chariots?’
מַרְכְּבוֹתָֽיו׃ (mar·kə·ḇō·w·ṯāw)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4818: A chariot


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OT History: Judges 5:28 Through the window she looked out (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 5:27
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