Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Ask all the citizens of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you: to have all seventy of Jerub-Baal’s sons rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember, I am your flesh and blood.” New Living Translation “Ask the leading citizens of Shechem whether they want to be ruled by all seventy of Gideon’s sons or by one man. And remember that I am your own flesh and blood!” English Standard Version “Say in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one rule over you?’ Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.” Berean Standard Bible “Please ask all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.” King James Bible Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. New King James Version “Please speak in the hearing of all the men of Shechem: ‘Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal reign over you, or that one reign over you?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and bone.” New American Standard Bible “Speak, now, in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you: for seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, to rule over you, or for one man to rule over you?’ Also, remember that I am your bone and your flesh.” NASB 1995 “Speak, now, in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or that one man rule over you?’ Also, remember that I am your bone and your flesh.” NASB 1977 “Speak, now, in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or that one man rule over you?’ Also, remember that I am your bone and your flesh.” Legacy Standard Bible “Speak, now, in the hearing of all the lords of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or that one man rule over you?’ Also, remember that I am your bone and your flesh.” Amplified Bible “Speak now in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that seventy men, all of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one man rule over you?’ Also, remember that I am your own bone and flesh.” Christian Standard Bible “Please speak in the hearing of all the citizens of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you or that one man rule over you? ’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Please speak in the presence of all the lords of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that 70 men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you or that one man rule over you?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.” American Standard Version Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are threescore and ten persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. Contemporary English Version and told them to say to the leaders of Shechem, "Do you think it would be good to have all 70 of Gideon's sons ruling us? Wouldn't you rather have just one man be king? Abimelech would make a good king, and he's related to us." English Revised Version Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. GOD'S WORD® Translation He said, "Please ask all citizens of Shechem, 'What seems best to you? Do you really want all of Jerubbaal's 70 sons to rule you or just one man? Remember, I'm your own flesh and blood.'" Good News Translation to ask the men of Shechem, "Which would you prefer? To have all seventy of Gideon's sons govern you or to have just one man? Remember that Abimelech is your own flesh and blood." International Standard Version "Ask all the "lords" of Shechem, 'What's better for you? That 70 men, each of them Jerubbaal's sons, rule over you? Or that one man rule over you?' Keep in mind that I'm like your own close relative." NET Bible "Tell all the leaders of Shechem this: 'Why would you want to have seventy men, all Jerub-Baal's sons, ruling over you, when you can have just one ruler? Recall that I am your own flesh and blood.'" New Heart English Bible "Please speak in the ears of all the lords of Shechem, 'Is it better for you that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are seventy persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you?' Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.'" Webster's Bible Translation Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Which is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are seventy persons, should reign over you, or that one should reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Please ask all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.” World English Bible “Please speak in the ears of all the men of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are seventy persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you?’ Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Now speak in the ears of all the masters of Shechem, Which [is] good for you—seventy men ruling over you (all the sons of Jerubba‘al), or one man ruling over you? And you have remembered that I [am] your bone and your flesh.” Young's Literal Translation Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the masters of Shechem, Which is good for you -- the ruling over you of seventy men (all the sons of Jerubbaal), or the ruling over you of one man? -- and ye have remembered that I am your bone and your flesh.' Smith's Literal Translation Speak, now, in the ears of all the lords of Shechem, What good to you for seventy men of all the sons of Jerubbaal to rule over you, or one man to rule over you? and remember that I am your bone and your flesh. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSpeak to all the men of Sichem: whether is better for you that seventy men all the sons of Jerobaal should rule over you, or that one man should rule over you? And withal consider that I am your bone, and your flesh. Catholic Public Domain Version “Speak to all the men of Shechem: Which is better for you: that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, should rule over you, or that one man should rule over you? And consider also that I am your bone and your flesh.” New American Bible “Put this question to all the lords of Shechem: ‘Which is better for you: that seventy men, all Jerubbaal’s sons, rule over you, or that one man rule over you?’ You must remember that I am your own flesh and bone.” New Revised Standard Version “Say in the hearing of all the lords of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one rule over you?’ Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSpeak, before all the lords of Shechem, Which is better for you, that all the seventy men, the sons of Nedo-baal, rule over you, or that one man rule over you? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He said before all the Lords of Shekeem: “What is better to you, that seventy men, the sons of NeduBayl shall rule over you, or that one man will rule over you? And remember that I am your bones and your flesh” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem: Which is better for you, that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are threescore and ten persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Sychem, saying, Which is better for you, that seventy men, even all the sons of Jerobaal, should reign over you, or that one man should reign over you? and remember that I am your bone and your flesh. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Abimelech's Conspiracy1Now Abimelech son of Jerubbaal went to his mother’s brothers at Shechem and said to them and to all the clan of his mother, 2“Please ask all the leaders of Shechem, ‘ Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.” 3And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem, their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”… Cross References 1 Samuel 8:5-7 “Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” / But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. / And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. 1 Samuel 10:19 But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.” 1 Samuel 12:12-13 But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king. / Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you. 2 Samuel 15:10-12 Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” / Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter. / While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing. 2 Samuel 19:9-10 And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?” 1 Kings 12:16-20 When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, / but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah. / Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem. ... 2 Kings 11:14 And she looked out and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!” 2 Kings 14:21 Then all the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. 2 Kings 23:30 From Megiddo his servants carried his body in a chariot, brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own tomb. Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah, anointed him, and made him king in place of his father. 2 Chronicles 10:16-19 When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So all the Israelites went home, / but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah. / Then King Rehoboam sent out Hadoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem. ... 2 Chronicles 23:3 the whole assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. “Behold, the king’s son!” said Jehoiada. “He must reign, just as the LORD promised concerning the descendants of David. Hosea 8:4 They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction. Matthew 20:25-28 But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ... Matthew 27:20-23 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death. / “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied. / “What then should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify Him!” ... Mark 10:42-45 So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. ... Treasury of Scripture Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are three score and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. whether, etc. Judges 8:30 And Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten: for he had many wives. your bone Genesis 29:14 And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month. 2 Samuel 19:13 And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab. 1 Chronicles 11:1 Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. Jump to Previous Better Bone Ears Either Hearing Jerubbaal Leaders Persons Please Reign Remember Rule Seventy Shechem Speak Ten Threescore WhetherJump to Next Better Bone Ears Either Hearing Jerubbaal Leaders Persons Please Reign Remember Rule Seventy Shechem Speak Ten Threescore WhetherJudges 9 1. Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king7. Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin 22. Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him 30. Zebul reveals it 34. Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt 46. He burns the hold of the god Berith 50. At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone 56. Jotham's curse is fulfilled. Please ask all the leaders of Shechem The city of Shechem holds significant historical and geographical importance in biblical narratives. It was a central city in the hill country of Ephraim and had been a site of covenant renewal (Joshua 24:1-25). The leaders of Shechem were influential figures, and their support was crucial for any political maneuver. This request to the leaders indicates a strategic move to gain political power by appealing to local authority. ‘Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbimelechThe son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) and a concubine from Shechem. He seeks to become the sole ruler by eliminating his brothers. 2. Gideon (Jerubbaal) A judge of Israel who had seventy sons. His legacy and influence are central to the events in Judges 9. 3. Shechem An ancient city in Israel, significant for its historical and religious importance. It is the place where Abimelech seeks support for his rule. 4. Leaders of Shechem The local rulers or elders whom Abimelech approaches to gain political support for his claim to leadership. 5. Seventy Sons of Gideon The legitimate sons of Gideon, representing the potential rulers of Israel, whom Abimelech sees as rivals. Teaching Points The Dangers of AmbitionAbimelech's desire for power leads to destructive actions. Ambition, when unchecked by godly principles, can result in harm to oneself and others. The Importance of Godly Leadership The account highlights the need for leaders who are chosen by God and who lead with integrity and humility, rather than through manipulation and self-interest. Family and Community Dynamics Abimelech's appeal to his kinship with the leaders of Shechem underscores the influence of family and community ties. Believers are called to foster unity and peace within their families and communities. The Consequences of Sin Abimelech's actions set off a chain of events that lead to violence and destruction. Sin often has far-reaching consequences that affect more than just the individual. Seeking God's Will The absence of seeking God's guidance in Abimelech's quest for power serves as a cautionary tale. Believers are encouraged to seek God's will in all decisions, especially those involving leadership and authority. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Judges 9Does the account of Abimelech's violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22-24)? How could Abimelech have murdered seventy of Gideon's sons without immediate opposition (Judges 9:5)? Joshua 19:49-50: Why is there no independent historical or archaeological record of Joshua's personal inheritance, Timnath Serah? What is Shechem's significance in the Bible?(2) All the men of Shechem.--Rather, the lords (Baali) of Shechem. These seem to be the same as "the men" (anoshi), or "lords (Baali) of the tower of Shechem," in Judges 9:46; Judges 9:49. It is by no means impossible that the Canaanites may have still held possession of the fortress, though the Israelites were nominally predominant in the town. At any rate, this particular title of "lords," as applied to the chief people of a town, seems to have been Canaanite rather than Hebrew: the "lords" of Jericho (Joshua 24:11), the "lords" of Gibeah (Judges 21:5), of Keilah (1Samuel 23:11). The term is applied also to the Hittite Uriah (2Samuel 11:20). What is clear is that, as in so many other towns of Palestine at this epoch (see Judges 1:32, &c), there was a mixed population living side by side in a sort of armed neutrality, though with a mutual dislike, which might at any time break out in tumults. The Israelites held much the same position in many towns as the Normans among the English during the years after the conquest. The Israelites had the upper hand, but they were fewer in numbers, and might easily be overborne at any particular point. It must be borne in mind also that Abimelech, as a Shechemite, would more easily win the adherence of the proud and jealous Ephraimites, who disliked the hegemony (see on Judges 8:1, and comp. 2Samuel 20:1, 1Kings 12:16) which Manasseh had acquired from the victories of Gideon. The plans of Abimelech were deep-laid. In counsel no less than in courage--though both were so grievously misdirected--he shows himself his father's son. . . . Verse 2. - All the sons,... which are threescore and ten persons. Mark the evils of polygamy - producing family discord, extinguishing natural affection, causing civil strife, multiplying pretenders, and producing an ignoble and contemptible herd of helpless princes. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Pleaseנָ֞א (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' ask דַּבְּרוּ־ (dab·bə·rū-) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue all כָל־ (ḵāl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the leaders בַּעֲלֵ֣י (ba·‘ă·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner of Shechem, שְׁכֶם֮ (šə·ḵem) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7927: Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor ‘Is it better טּ֣וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good for you לָכֶם֒ (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew that seventy שִׁבְעִ֣ים (šiḇ·‘îm) Number - common plural Strong's 7657: Seventy (a cardinal number) men, אִ֗ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person all כֹּ֚ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the sons בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Jerubbaal, יְרֻבַּ֔עַל (yə·rub·ba·‘al) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3378: Jerubbaal -- 'let Baal contend', a name of Gideon rule הַמְשֹׁ֨ל (ham·šōl) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 4910: To rule, have dominion, reign over you, בָּכֶ֜ם (bā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew or אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not just one אֶחָ֑ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first man?’ אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person Remember וּזְכַרְתֶּ֕ם (ū·zə·ḵar·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I אָנִֽי׃ (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I am your own flesh וּבְשַׂרְכֶ֖ם (ū·ḇə·śar·ḵem) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 1320: Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man and blood.? עַצְמֵכֶם (‘aṣ·mê·ḵem) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 6106: A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame Links Judges 9:2 NIVJudges 9:2 NLT Judges 9:2 ESV Judges 9:2 NASB Judges 9:2 KJV Judges 9:2 BibleApps.com Judges 9:2 Biblia Paralela Judges 9:2 Chinese Bible Judges 9:2 French Bible Judges 9:2 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 9:2 Please speak in the ears of all (Jd Judg. 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