Judges 9:3
New International Version
When the brothers repeated all this to the citizens of Shechem, they were inclined to follow Abimelek, for they said, “He is related to us.”

New Living Translation
So Abimelech’s uncles gave his message to all the citizens of Shechem on his behalf. And after listening to this proposal, the people of Shechem decided in favor of Abimelech because he was their relative.

English Standard Version
And his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

Berean Standard Bible
And 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.”

King James Bible
And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.

New King James Version
And his mother’s brothers spoke all these words concerning him in the hearing of all the men of Shechem; and their heart was inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

New American Standard Bible
So his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem; and they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our relative.”

NASB 1995
And his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem; and they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our relative.”

NASB 1977
And his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem; and they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our relative.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the lords of Shechem; and they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our relative.”

Amplified Bible
So his mother’s relatives spoke all these words concerning him so that all the leaders of Shechem could hear; and their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our relative.”

Christian Standard Bible
His mother’s relatives spoke all these words about him in the hearing of all the citizens of Shechem, and they were favorable to Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
His mother’s relatives spoke all these words about him in the presence of all the lords of Shechem, and they were favorable to Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

American Standard Version
And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.

Contemporary English Version
Abimelech's uncles talked it over with the leaders of Shechem who agreed, "Yes, it would be better for one of our relatives to be king."

English Revised Version
And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
His uncles repeated everything he said to all citizens of Shechem. They were persuaded to follow Abimelech because he was their relative.

Good News Translation
His mother's relatives talked to the men of Shechem about this for him, and the men of Shechem decided to follow Abimelech because he was their relative.

International Standard Version
So his mother's relatives spoke all of this on his behalf in the presence of all the "lords" of Shechem. Since they were inclined to follow Abimelech, they said, "He's our relative!"

Majority Standard Bible
And 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.”

NET Bible
His mother's relatives spoke on his behalf to all the leaders of Shechem and reported his proposal. The leaders were drawn to Abimelech; they said, "He is our close relative."

New Heart English Bible
And his mother's brothers spoke of him in the ears of all the lords of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, "He is our brother."

Webster's Bible Translation
And his mother's brethren spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.

World English Bible
His mother’s brothers spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words. Their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, “He is our brother.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And his mother’s brothers speak concerning him, in the ears of all the masters of Shechem, all these words, and their heart inclines after Abimelech, for they said, “He [is] our brother”;

Young's Literal Translation
And his mother's brethren speak concerning him, in the ears of all the masters of Shechem, all these words, and their heart inclineth after Abimelech, for they said, 'He is our brother;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And his mother's brethren will speak concerning him in the ears of all the lords of Shechem all these words: and their heart will incline after Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And his mother's brethren spoke of him to all the men of Sichem, all these words, and they inclined their hearts after Abimelech, saying: He is our brother:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And his maternal brothers spoke about him to all the men of Shechem, all these words, and they inclined their hearts after Abimelech, saying, “He is our brother.”

New American Bible
When his mother’s kin repeated these words on his behalf to all the lords of Shechem, they set their hearts on Abimelech, thinking, “He is our kin.”

New Revised Standard Version
So his mother’s kinsfolk spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the lords of Shechem; and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And his mother's brothers spoke of him before all the lords of Shechem all these words; and their hearts inclined to follow Abimeleck; for they said, He is our brother.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the brothers of his mother spoke all these words about him before all of the Lords of Shekeem, and their heart was inclined after Abimelek, and they were saying: “He is our brother”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And his mother's brethren spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words; and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said: 'He is our brother.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And his mother's brethren spoke concerning him in the ears of all the men of Sychem all these words; and their heart turned after Abimelech, for they said, He is our brother.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Abimelech's Conspiracy
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.” 4So they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired some worthless and reckless men to follow him.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 15:12
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.

1 Kings 12:20
When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David.

2 Samuel 15:6
Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

1 Samuel 8:4-5
So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. / “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.”

1 Samuel 10:24
Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”

1 Samuel 16:1
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”

1 Samuel 18:5
So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well.

1 Samuel 22:7
Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds?

2 Samuel 3:36
All the people took note and were pleased. In fact, everything the king did pleased them.

2 Samuel 19:14
So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man, and they sent word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants.”

1 Kings 1:5
At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.

1 Kings 1:39-40
Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!” / All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth was split by the sound.

1 Kings 12:1-3
Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king. / When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he was still in Egypt where he had fled from King Solomon and had been living ever since. / So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam and said,

1 Kings 16:21-22
At that time the people of Israel were divided: Half of the people supported Tibni son of Ginath as king, and half supported Omri. / But the followers of Omri proved stronger than those of Tibni son of Ginath. So Tibni died and Omri became king.

Matthew 27:20
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.


Treasury of Scripture

And his mother's brothers spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.

spake

Psalm 10:3
For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.

Proverbs 1:11-14
If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: …

to follow.

Genesis 29:15
And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?

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Abimelech Abim'elech Behalf Citizens Ears Hearing Heart Hearts Inclined Kinsmen Leaders Masters Mother's Relative Relatives Repeated Shechem Speak Townsmen Words
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Abimelech Abim'elech Behalf Citizens Ears Hearing Heart Hearts Inclined Kinsmen Leaders Masters Mother's Relative Relatives Repeated Shechem Speak Townsmen Words
Judges 9
1. Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king
7. 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.














And his mother's brothers spoke all these words on his behalf in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem
And his mother's brothers
This phrase highlights the familial connections that Abimelech leveraged to gain influence. In the Hebrew context, family ties were crucial for establishing authority and trust. The term "brothers" here refers to his maternal uncles, indicating a matrilineal support system. This reflects the tribal and clan-based society of ancient Israel, where kinship played a significant role in political maneuvers.

spoke all these words on his behalf
The act of speaking on behalf of someone indicates advocacy and representation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, oral communication was a primary means of persuasion and negotiation. The uncles' advocacy for Abimelech suggests a strategic move to sway public opinion, emphasizing the power of rhetoric and familial loyalty in leadership dynamics.

in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem
Shechem was a significant city in the central hill country of Canaan, with a rich history dating back to the patriarchs. The mention of "leaders" indicates a formal assembly or council, highlighting the structured governance of the city. This setting underscores the political nature of Abimelech's bid for power, as he sought the endorsement of influential figures within the community.

all the leaders of Shechem
The leaders, or "ba'alei Shechem" in Hebrew, were likely the elders or ruling council of the city. Their role was crucial in decision-making processes, reflecting the decentralized tribal governance of Israel during the Judges period. This phrase emphasizes the importance of gaining the support of local authorities to legitimize one's claim to leadership.

Verse 3. - His mother's brethren. Presumably the Hivite population of Sheehem.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And when his mother’s
אִמּ֜וֹ (’im·mōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 517: A mother, )

brothers
אֲחֵֽי־ (’ă·ḥê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 251: A brother, )

spoke
וַיְדַבְּר֨וּ (way·ḏab·bə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

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

these
הָאֵ֑לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

words
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים (had·də·ḇā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

about
עָלָ֗יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

him in the presence
בְּאָזְנֵי֙ (bə·’ā·zə·nê)
Preposition-b | Noun - fdc
Strong's 241: Broadness, the ear

of all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
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,
שְׁכֶ֔ם (šə·ḵem)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7927: Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor

their hearts
לִבָּם֙ (lib·bām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

were inclined
וַיֵּ֤ט (way·yêṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5186: To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend

to follow
אַחֲרֵ֣י (’a·ḥă·rê)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

Abimelech,
אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name

for
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they said,
אָמְר֖וּ (’ā·mə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“He
הֽוּא׃ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is our brother.”
אָחִ֥ינוּ (’ā·ḥî·nū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )


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OT History: Judges 9:3 His mother's brothers spoke of him (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 9:2
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