Judges 7:11
New International Version
and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.” So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp.

New Living Translation
Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack.” So Gideon took Purah and went down to the edge of the enemy camp.

English Standard Version
And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.” Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outposts of the armed men who were in the camp.

Berean Standard Bible
and listen to what they are saying. Then your hands will be strengthened to attack the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant to the outposts where armed men were guarding the camp.

King James Bible
And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the outside of the armed men that were in the host.

New King James Version
and you shall hear what they say; and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.” Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outpost of the armed men who were in the camp.

New American Standard Bible
so that you will hear what they say; and afterward you will have the courage to go down against the camp.” So he went down with Purah his servant to the outposts of the army that was in the camp.

NASB 1995
and you will hear what they say; and afterward your hands will be strengthened that you may go down against the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant down to the outposts of the army that was in the camp.

NASB 1977
and you will hear what they say; and afterward your hands will be strengthened that you may go down against the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant down to the outposts of the army that was in the camp.

Legacy Standard Bible
and you will hear what they say; and afterward your hands will be strengthened, that you may go down against the camp.” So he went with Purah his young man down to the outskirts of the armed men that were in the camp.

Amplified Bible
and you will hear what they say; and afterward you will have the courage to go down against the camp.” Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outposts of the army that was in the camp.

Christian Standard Bible
Listen to what they say, and then you will be encouraged to attack the camp.” So he went down with Purah his servant to the outpost of the troops who were in the camp.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Listen to what they say, and then you will be strengthened to go to the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant to the outpost of the troops who were in the camp.

American Standard Version
and thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thy hands be strengthened to go down into the camp. Then went he down with Purah his servant unto the outermost part of the armed men that were in the camp.

Contemporary English Version
When you hear what the Midianites are saying, you'll be brave enough to attack." Gideon and Purah worked their way to the edge of the enemy camp, where soldiers were on guard duty.

English Revised Version
and thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down into the camp. Then went he down with Purah his servant unto the outermost part of the armed men that were in the camp.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Listen to what people are saying. After that, you will have the courage to go into the camp and attack it." So Gideon and his servant Purah went to the edge of the camp.

Good News Translation
You will hear what they are saying, and then you will have the courage to attack." So Gideon and his servant Purah went down to the edge of the enemy camp.

International Standard Version
where you will hear what they're talking about. That way, you'll be encouraged to attack the encampment." So he and his servant Purah went down to the perimeter outposts of the encamped army.

Majority Standard Bible
and listen to what they are saying. Then your hands will be strengthened to attack the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant to the outposts where armed men were guarding the camp.

NET Bible
and listen to what they are saying. Then you will be brave and attack the camp." So he went down with Purah his servant to where the sentries were guarding the camp.

New Heart English Bible
and you shall hear what they say; and afterward will your hands be strengthened to go down into the camp." Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outermost part of the armed men who were in the camp.

Webster's Bible Translation
And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thy hands be strengthened to go down to the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant to the outside of the armed men that were in the host.

World English Bible
You will hear what they say; and afterward your hands will be strengthened to go down into the camp.” Then went he down with Purah his servant to the outermost part of the armed men who were in the camp.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and you have heard what they speak, and afterward your hands are strengthened, and you have gone down against the camp.” And he goes down, he and his young man Phurah, to the extremity of the fifties who [are] in the camp;

Young's Literal Translation
and thou hast heard what they speak, and afterwards are thy hands strengthened, and thou hast gone down against the camp.' And he goeth down, he and Phurah his young man, unto the extremity of the fifties who are in the camp;

Smith's Literal Translation
And thou heardest what they shall speak: and afterward thy hands shall be strengthened, and go down to the camp. And he will go down, he and Phurah his boy to the extremity of the brave which in the camp.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when thou shalt hear what they are saying, then shall thy hands be strengthened, and thou shalt go down more secure to the enemies' camp. And he went down with Phara his servant into part of the camp, where was the watch of men in arms.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when you will hear what they are saying, then your hands will be strengthened, and you will descend more confidently to the camp of the enemy.” Therefore, he descended with his servant Purah into a portion of the camp, where there was a watch of armed men.

New American Bible
and listen to what they are saying. After that you will have the courage to descend on the camp. So he went down with his aide Purah to the outposts of the armed men in the camp.

New Revised Standard Version
and you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to attack the camp.” Then he went down with his servant Purah to the outposts of the armed men that were in the camp.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And you shall hear what they say; and afterwards your hands shall be strengthened. So he went down with Pera his servant to a detachment of the armed men that were in the army camp.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And you shall hear the thing that they are saying, and then your hands shall be strengthened.” And he came down to that encampment and Pera his young Manservant to the Chief of Fifty who was in the encampment
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thy hands be strengthened to go down upon the camp.' Then went he down with Purah his servant unto the outermost part of the armed men that were in the camp.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And thou shalt hear what they shall say, and afterwards thy hands shall be strong, and thou shalt go down into the camp: and he went down and Phara his servant to the extremity of the companies of fifty, which were in the camp.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Gideon's Dream
10But if you are afraid to do so, then go down to the camp with your servant Purah 11and listen to what they are saying. Then your hands will be strengthened to attack the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant to the outposts where armed men were guarding the camp. 12Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore.…

Cross References
Exodus 14:13-14
But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

1 Samuel 14:6-7
Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” / His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”

2 Chronicles 20:17
You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.

Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! / When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”

Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalm 118:6
The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Mark 5:36
But Jesus overheard their conversation and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe.”

Luke 12:32
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.


Treasury of Scripture

And you shall hear what they say; and afterward shall your hands be strengthened to go down to the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant to the outside of the armed men that were in the host.

thou shalt

Judges 7:13-15
And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along…

Genesis 24:14
And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

1 Samuel 14:8,12
Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them…

thine hands

1 Samuel 23:16
And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

Ezra 6:22
And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

Nehemiah 6:9
For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

armed men.

Exodus 13:18
But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.

Jump to Previous
Afterward Armed Attack Camp Encouraged Hands Hear Hearing Host Line Outer Outermost Outposts Outside Part Phurah Purah Servant Strength Strengthened Tents
Jump to Next
Afterward Armed Attack Camp Encouraged Hands Hear Hearing Host Line Outer Outermost Outposts Outside Part Phurah Purah Servant Strength Strengthened Tents
Judges 7
1. Gideon's army of thirty-two thousand is brought to three hundred
9. He is encouraged by the dream and interpretation of the burley cake
16. His plan of trumpets and lamps in pitchers
24. The Ephraimites take Oreb and Zeeb














and listen
The Hebrew word for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but understanding and obeying. In the biblical context, listening is often associated with obedience to God's commands. Here, Gideon is instructed to listen to the Midianites, which suggests an active engagement with what God is revealing through the enemy's words. This act of listening is a divine strategy, emphasizing the importance of discernment and attentiveness to God's guidance in overcoming challenges.

to what they are saying
The phrase underscores the importance of paying attention to the words of others, even those of adversaries. In this context, the Midianites' conversation is used by God to strengthen Gideon's resolve. Historically, this reflects the biblical theme that God can use any situation, even the words of enemies, to fulfill His purposes. It highlights the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events for the benefit of His people.

Afterward, you will have the courage
The Hebrew root for "courage" is "חָזַק" (chazaq), meaning to be strong or to strengthen. This promise of courage is significant, as it is not derived from Gideon's own strength but is a divine assurance. The transformation from fear to courage is a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrating how God empowers His servants to accomplish His will. This divine encouragement is a reminder that true courage comes from faith and trust in God's promises.

to go down against the camp
The phrase "go down" indicates a physical movement towards the enemy, symbolizing an act of faith and obedience. In the ancient Near Eastern context, descending into a valley or towards an enemy camp was often a strategic military maneuver. Spiritually, it represents the willingness to confront challenges head-on, trusting in God's provision and protection. This act of going down is a testament to Gideon's growing faith and reliance on God's strength.

So he and Purah his servant
Purah, whose name means "branch" or "foliage," serves as a supportive figure to Gideon. The mention of Purah highlights the importance of companionship and support in fulfilling God's mission. In biblical narratives, servants often play crucial roles in the unfolding of God's plans, reminding us that every role, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is vital in God's kingdom.

went down to the outposts of the camp
The "outposts" refer to the perimeter or the edge of the Midianite camp, a place of vulnerability and potential danger. This movement towards the outposts signifies a step of faith, as Gideon and Purah position themselves to witness God's unfolding plan. Historically, outposts were strategic locations for gathering intelligence, and here, it becomes a place of divine revelation. This action underscores the theme of stepping out in faith, trusting that God has already prepared the way for victory.

(11)And thou shalt hear what they say.--This was the kind of omen known by the Jews as the Bath Kol, or "Daughter of a Voice." For a similar instance see 1Samuel 14:6 (Jonathan and his armour-bearer). The word is used in slightly different senses. Sometimes it means a voice from heaven (Matthew 3:17, &c): such voices from heaven are described in the Talmud; sometimes it means the first chance words which a man hears after being bidden to look out for them as a Divine intimation; sometimes it means an actual echo (see Hamburger's Talmud. Wrterb., s.5).

It was one of the four recognised modes of Divine direction (viz., prophets, dreams, Urim, and the Bath Kol, 1Samuel 28:6-15), but stood lowest of the four. It was also known to the Greeks, among whom the oracle sometimes bade a man to take as his answer the first casual words which he heard spoken on leaving the Temple.

The armed men.--Literally, ranks by, five, the word (chamooshim) rendered "harnessed" in Exodus 13:18, "armed" in Joshua 1:14. Probably here the word means "foreposts," or "sentries"; and the Vulgate renders it "vigiliae." The LXX. curiously render it "to the beginning," (or in other MSS.) "to part of the fifty," following a wrong punctuation. . . .

Verse 11. - The armed men. The exact meaning of the word here rendered armed men (chamushim), and which occurs Exodus 13:18; Joshua 1:14; Joshua 4:12, is a little uncertain, but it is generally thought to be synonymous with another word (calutsim), also rendered armed (Numbers 32:32; Deuteronomy 3:18), and to mean literally girded, i.e. prepared to fight. These fighting men, as distinguished from the numbers of the nomads who were with their camels and cattle scattered all along the plain, were all collected in the camp, to the edge of which Gideon and Phurah crept stealthily in the dark.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and listen
וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֙ (wə·šā·ma‘·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

to what
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

they are saying.
יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ (yə·ḏab·bê·rū)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

Then
וְאַחַר֙ (wə·’a·ḥar)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

your hands
יָדֶ֔יךָ (yā·ḏe·ḵā)
Noun - fdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

will be strengthened
תֶּחֱזַ֣קְנָה (te·ḥĕ·zaq·nāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

to attack
וְיָרַדְתָּ֖ (wə·yā·raḏ·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

the camp.”
בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה (bam·ma·ḥă·neh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army

So he
הוּא֙ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

went
וַיֵּ֤רֶד (way·yê·reḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

with Purah
וּפֻרָ֣ה (ū·p̄u·rāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6513: Purah -- a servant of Gideon

his servant
נַעֲר֔וֹ (na·‘ă·rōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the outposts
קְצֵ֥ה (qə·ṣêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7097: End, extremity

where armed men
הַחֲמֻשִׁ֖ים (ha·ḥă·mu·šîm)
Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 2571: Staunch, able-bodied soldiers

were [guarding]
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the camp.
בַּֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃ (bam·ma·ḥă·neh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army


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OT History: Judges 7:11 And you shall hear what they say (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 7:10
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