Verse (Click for Chapter) 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.” Berean Literal Bible And the brothers of his mother spoke concerning him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words, and their heart was 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.” Berean Annotated Bible And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem (shoulder), their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech (my father is king), for they said, “He is our brother. 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!" 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd 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.” 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 VersionAnd 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”; Berean Literal Bible And the brothers of his mother spoke concerning him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words, and their heart was inclined to follow 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 BibleAnd 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 BibleAnd 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 1917And 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 And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him Ruth 4:1-4 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. / Then Boaz took ten of the elders of the city and said, “Sit here,” and they did so. / And he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech. … 2 Samuel 14:4-11 When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” / “What troubles you?” the king asked her. “Indeed,” she said, “I am a widow, for my husband is dead. / And your maidservant had two sons who were fighting in the field with no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him. … 1 Samuel 19:4-5 Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you. / He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem, Joshua 24:1-2 Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officers of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. / And Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your fathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates and worshiped other gods. Genesis 34:20-24 So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city and addressed the men of their city: / “These men are at peace with us. Let them live and trade in our land; indeed, it is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters in marriage and give our daughters to them. / But only on this condition will the men agree to dwell with us and be one people: if all our men are circumcised as they are. … 1 Kings 12:1 Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king. their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech, 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 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. 1 Chronicles 12:38 All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king. for they said, “He is our brother.” Genesis 37:27 Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed. 2 Samuel 19:12-13 You are my brothers, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to restore the king?’ / And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’” Genesis 13:8 So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are kinsmen. 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 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.” 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? Jump to Previous Abimelech Abim'elech Behalf Citizens Ears Hearing Heart Hearts Inclined Kinsmen Leaders Masters Mother's Relative Relatives Repeated Shechem Speak Townsmen WordsJump to Next Abimelech Abim'elech Behalf Citizens Ears Hearing Heart Hearts Inclined Kinsmen Leaders Masters Mother's Relative Relatives Repeated Shechem Speak Townsmen WordsJudges 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. And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him This phrase highlights the influence of family ties in ancient Israelite society. Abimelech's mother was a concubine from Shechem, and his maternal uncles played a crucial role in his rise to power. The use of family connections to gain political advantage is a recurring theme in the Bible, as seen in the stories of Joseph and his brothers or David and his family. This reflects the importance of kinship and loyalty within tribal communities. in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech for they said, “He is our brother.” Persons / Places / Events 1. AbimelechThe son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) and his concubine from Shechem. He sought to become king by persuading the people of Shechem to support him. 2. Shechem An ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history. It was a place of covenant renewal and a city of refuge. 3. Gideon's Seventy Sons The legitimate sons of Gideon, who were potential rivals to Abimelech's claim to leadership. Teaching Points The Dangers of AmbitionAbimelech's account warns against unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power for selfish reasons. His desire to rule led to destructive consequences. Influence and Persuasion Abimelech's ability to sway the people of Shechem highlights the power of influence. Believers should be discerning about whom they follow and support. The Consequences of Forgetting God The people of Shechem forgot the deeds of Gideon and the LORD, leading them to make poor choices. Remembering God's past faithfulness is crucial for wise decision-making. Family and Leadership Abimelech's actions against his brothers show the importance of integrity and righteousness in leadership, especially within families. God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Plans Despite Abimelech's schemes, God's purposes ultimately prevail. Trust in God's sovereignty should guide believers' actions and decisions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 9:3?2. How does Judges 9:3 illustrate the power of persuasive speech in leadership? 3. What role does family loyalty play in the events of Judges 9:3? 4. How can we discern true intentions behind persuasive words, as seen in Judges 9:3? 5. Compare Abimelech's tactics in Judges 9:3 with other biblical leaders' approaches. 6. How should Christians respond to manipulative persuasion in today's world, based on Judges 9:3? 7. How does Judges 9:3 reflect the influence of persuasive speech in leadership decisions? 8. What does Judges 9:3 reveal about the role of family loyalty in biblical narratives? 9. How does Judges 9:3 illustrate the consequences of ambition and power struggles? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 9? 11. Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible? 12. Does the account of Abimelech's violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22-24)? 13. Why would God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:23)? 14. Who was Abimelech in the Bible? What Does Judges 9:3 Mean And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him• Abimelech’s uncles repeat the appeal he voiced in Judges 9:2: “Please ask all the citizens of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that seventy men—all the sons of Jerub-baal—rule over you, or that one man rule over you?’” • Their family connection grants them instant credibility; kin can sway opinion more quickly than outsiders (cf. 2 Samuel 15:1-6 where Absalom persuades Israel, Proverbs 18:21 on the power of words). • The tactic is deliberate: elevate Abimelech by framing the choice as practical and personal, not spiritual—ignoring the Lord’s pattern of raising judges (Judges 2:16). in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem • The discussion is public; nothing is left to private negotiation. By involving “all the leaders,” the uncles secure political endorsement before dissent can form (compare Acts 6:12 where public agitation sways a crowd). • Shechem is a covenant city—Abram built an altar there (Genesis 12:6-7), Joshua renewed the covenant there (Joshua 24:25-26). Yet the elders now entertain self-interest rather than remembering covenant obligations (Deuteronomy 29:10-13). • The word translated “leaders” (baals) hints at their divided allegiance; Baal worship resurfaces right after Gideon’s death (Judges 8:33-34), setting the stage for compromise. their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech • “Inclined” shows an inner shift: emotion precedes action (Proverbs 4:23). Once the elders’ affections move, the decision is virtually sealed (James 1:14-15). • God often allows people to pursue what they already crave (Psalm 81:11-12; Romans 1:24). Here, ambition and tribal pride eclipse gratitude for Gideon’s deliverance. • Contrast God’s intent that Israel look to Him for leadership (Numbers 27:16-17); when hearts drift, they settle for the nearest human solution. for they said, “He is our brother.” • Blood ties outweigh covenant truth. The elders value proximity over righteousness (Deuteronomy 17:15 required God’s choice, not mere kinship). • “He is our brother” sounds reasonable yet masks partiality the Lord condemns (1 Timothy 5:21; James 2:1-4). • Scripture consistently warns against elevating family above obedience to God (Matthew 12:48-50). Abimelech’s ascent is built on nepotism, not divine call. summary Judges 9:3 records a calculated campaign: Abimelech’s relatives publicly repeat his offer, leveraging hometown loyalty to sway Shechem’s leaders. The elders’ hearts shift because they prize kinship and expedience over God’s established order. The verse exposes how persuasive words, public pressure, and family ties can redirect a community away from covenant faithfulness toward self-serving leadership. Verse 3. - His mother's brethren. Presumably the Hivite population of Sheehem.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And when his mother’sאִמּ֜וֹ (’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, ) Links Judges 9:3 NIVJudges 9:3 NLT Judges 9:3 ESV Judges 9:3 NASB Judges 9:3 KJV Judges 9:3 BibleApps.com Judges 9:3 Biblia Paralela Judges 9:3 Chinese Bible Judges 9:3 French Bible Judges 9:3 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 9:3 His mother's brothers spoke of him (Jd Judg. 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