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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 8:20 So he said to Jether, his firstborn, "Get up and kill them." But the young man did not draw his sword; he was fearful because he was still a youth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/8-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/07_Jdg_08_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 8:20 - Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So he said to Jether, his firstborn, Get up and kill them. 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But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he <i>was</i> yet a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And he said to Jether his firstborn, “Rise, kill them!” But the youth would not draw his sword; for he was afraid, because he <i>was</i> still a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he said to Jether his firstborn, “Rise, kill them.” But the youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, because he was still a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So he said to Jether his firstborn, &#8220Rise, kill them.&#8221 But the youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, because he was still a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So he said to Jether his first-born, “Rise, kill them.” But the youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, because he was still a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So he said to Jether his firstborn, “Rise, kill them.” But the youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid because he was still a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So [to humiliate them] Gideon said to Jether his firstborn, “Stand up, and kill them!” But the youth did not draw his sword, because he was afraid, for he was still [just] a boy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he said to Jether, his firstborn, “Get up and kill them.” The youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid because he was still a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he said to Jether, his firstborn, &#8220Get up and kill them.&#8221 The youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid because he was still a youth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said unto Jether his first-born, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword; for he feared, because he was yet a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Gideon turned to Jether, his oldest son. "Kill them!" Gideon said. But Jether was young, and he was too afraid to even pull out his sword. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then he told Jether, his firstborn son, "Get up and kill them!" But Jether didn't draw his sword. He was afraid because he was only a young man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then he said to Jether, his oldest son, "Go ahead, kill them!" But the boy did not draw his sword. He hesitated, because he was still only a boy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he told his firstborn son Jether, "Get up and kill them!" But he was afraid, since he was still only a youngster.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he said to Jether, his firstborn, ?Get up and kill them.? But the young man did not draw his sword; he was fearful because he was still a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He ordered Jether his firstborn son, "Come on! Kill them!" But Jether was too afraid to draw his sword, because he was still young.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He said to Jether his firstborn, "Get up, and kill them." But the youth did not draw his sword; for he feared, because he was yet a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he said to Jether his first-born, Arise, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He said to Jether his firstborn, “Get up and kill them!” But the youth didn’t draw his sword; for he was afraid, because he was yet a youth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he says to his firstborn Jether, “Rise, slay them”; and the young man has not drawn his sword, for he has been afraid, for he [is] yet a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he saith to Jether his first-born, 'Rise, slay them;' and the young man hath not drawn his sword, for he hath been afraid, for he is yet a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say to Jether his first-born, Arise, kill them. But the youth drew not his sword, for he was afraid, because he was yet a youth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he said to Jether his eldest son: Arise, and slay them. But he drew not his sword: for he was afraid, being but yet a boy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he said to Jether, his firstborn son, “Rise up, and put them to death.” But he did not draw his sword. For he was afraid, being still a boy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then he said to his firstborn, Jether, “Go, kill them.” But the boy did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, for he was still a boy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So he said to Jether his firstborn, “Go kill them!” But the boy did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, because he was still a boy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he said to Jether his firstborn, Arise and slay them. But the youth did not draw his sword; for he was afraid, because he was still a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he said to Yathar, his firstborn: “Arise, kill them!” And the boy did not draw his sword because he was afraid, for he was still a boy<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he said unto Jether his first-born: 'Up, and slay them.' But the youth drew not his sword; for he feared, because he was yet a youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he said to Jether his first-born, Rise and slay them; but the lad drew not his sword, for he was afraid, for he was yet very young.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/8-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=2447" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/8.htm">Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>“They were my brothers,” Gideon replied, “the sons of my mother! As surely as the LORD lives, if you had let them live, I would not kill you.” <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">So he said</a> <a href="/hebrew/3500.htm" title="3500: lə·ye·ṯer (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The same as yether; Jether, the name of five or six Israelites and of one Midianite.">to Jether,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: bə·ḵō·w·rōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">his firstborn,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: qūm (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">“Get up</a> <a href="/hebrew/2026.htm" title="2026: hă·rōḡ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">and kill them.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·w·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: han·na·‘ar (Art:: N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">But the young man</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8025.htm" title="8025: šā·lap̄ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To draw out or off. A primitive root; to pull out, up or off.">draw</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥar·bōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">his sword;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: yā·rê (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">he was fearful</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·w·ḏen·nū (Adv:: 3ms) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">he was still</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: nā·‘ar (N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">a youth.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-33.htm">1 Samuel 15:33</a></span><br />But Samuel declared: “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-25.htm">1 Kings 2:25</a></span><br />So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-34.htm">1 Kings 2:34</a></span><br />So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-46.htm">1 Kings 2:46</a></span><br />Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-15.htm">2 Samuel 1:15-16</a></span><br />Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/4-12.htm">2 Samuel 4:12</a></span><br />So David commanded his young men, and they killed Rechab and Baanah. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies by the pool in Hebron, but they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in Abner’s tomb in Hebron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-51.htm">1 Samuel 17:51</a></span><br />David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">1 Samuel 31:4-5</a></span><br />Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. / When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/11-15.htm">2 Kings 11:15-16</a></span><br />And Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.” / So they seized Athaliah as she reached the horses’ entrance to the palace grounds, and there she was put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-24.htm">2 Kings 9:24</a></span><br />Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-8.htm">Matthew 14:8-10</a></span><br />Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” / The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted / and sent to have John beheaded in the prison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-27.htm">Mark 6:27-28</a></span><br />So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. / The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/12-2.htm">Acts 12:2</a></span><br />He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-9.htm">Revelation 6:9-11</a></span><br />And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld. / And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?” / Then each of them was given a white robe and told to rest a little while longer until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers, were killed, just as they had been killed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a></span><br />Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he said to Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/10-24.htm">Joshua 10:24</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/15-33.htm">1 Samuel 15:33</a></b></br> And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/149-9.htm">Psalm 149:9</a></b></br> To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/7-10.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/judges/7-15.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/leviticus/12-3.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/judges/8-19.htm">Death</a> <a href="/judges/4-7.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/judges/4-7.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/judges/8-10.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/7-38.htm">Jether</a> <a href="/judges/8-19.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/joshua/17-1.htm">Oldest</a> <a href="/judges/7-9.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/judges/8-19.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/judges/8-10.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/judges/8-9.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/judges/8-14.htm">Young</a> <a href="/judges/8-14.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-21.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/judges/9-32.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/judges/13-8.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/judges/8-21.htm">Death</a> <a href="/judges/9-54.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/judges/20-31.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/judges/9-52.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">Jether</a> <a href="/judges/9-24.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-13.htm">Oldest</a> <a href="/judges/8-21.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/judges/9-24.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/judges/9-40.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/judges/11-8.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/judges/9-54.htm">Young</a> <a href="/judges/13-12.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-1.htm">Gideon pacifies the Ephraimites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-4.htm">Succoth and Penuel refuse to deliver Gideon's army</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-10.htm">Zebah and Zalmunna are taken</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-13.htm">Succoth and Penuel are destroyed</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-17.htm">Gideon revenges his brothers's death on Zebah and Zalmunna</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-22.htm">He refuses government</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-24.htm">His ephod the cause of idolatry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-28.htm">Midian subdued</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-29.htm">Gideon's children, and death</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-33.htm">The Israelites' idolatry and ingratitude</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So he said to Jether, his firstborn, “Get up and kill them.”</b><br>Gideon, the judge of Israel, addresses his eldest son, Jether, in this passage. The context is the aftermath of a significant victory over the Midianites, where Gideon is dealing with the captured kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. In ancient Near Eastern culture, it was common for a leader to involve his son in acts of justice or vengeance to establish his role and authority. The act of killing these kings would have been a rite of passage for Jether, signifying his transition into manhood and warrior status. This moment also reflects the harsh realities of the time, where familial honor and the continuation of leadership were often demonstrated through acts of retribution.<p><b>But the young man did not draw his sword;</b><br>Jether's hesitation is significant. In the cultural context, drawing a sword was not just an act of violence but a demonstration of courage and readiness to assume responsibility. His reluctance may indicate his lack of experience or readiness to take on the mantle of leadership. This moment contrasts with other biblical figures who were called to action at a young age, such as David, who faced Goliath with confidence. Jether's inaction highlights the human element of fear and the challenges of stepping into roles of authority.<p><b>he was fearful because he was still a youth.</b><br>Jether's fear is understandable given his youth and the gravity of the task. The Bible often acknowledges the fear and hesitation of young individuals called to significant roles, such as Jeremiah, who expressed his youth and inexperience when called to be a prophet (<a href="/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6-7</a>). This phrase underscores the theme of human weakness and the need for divine strength, a recurring motif in Scripture. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation and maturity in leadership roles. The narrative does not condemn Jether but rather presents a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by those called to fulfill God's purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/gideon.htm">Gideon</a></b><br>A judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. He is a central figure in this account, demonstrating both faith and human frailty.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jether.htm">Jether</a></b><br>Gideon's firstborn son, who is called upon by his father to execute the Midianite kings. His hesitation highlights themes of fear and maturity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/z/zebah_and_zalmunna.htm">Zebah and Zalmunna</a></b><br>The Midianite kings captured by Gideon. Their execution is a significant event in the account, symbolizing the defeat of Israel's enemies.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/o/ophrah.htm">Ophrah</a></b><br>The hometown of Gideon, where he initially encountered the angel of the Lord. It serves as a backdrop for Gideon's rise and actions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/midianites.htm">Midianites</a></b><br>A nomadic people who oppressed Israel for seven years. Their defeat under Gideon's leadership is a pivotal moment in Israel's history.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_obedience.htm">Courage in Obedience</a></b><br>Jether's hesitation reminds us that courage is essential in fulfilling God's commands. We must rely on God's strength rather than our own.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_youth.htm">The Role of Youth</a></b><br>Youth is not a barrier to serving God. Like David, young people can accomplish great things through faith and reliance on God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/parental_influence.htm">Parental Influence</a></b><br>Gideon's request to Jether highlights the influence parents have on their children's spiritual and moral development. Parents should guide their children in faith and courage.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_and_faith.htm">Fear and Faith</a></b><br>Fear is a natural human emotion, but it should not paralyze us. Faith in God can help us overcome fear and act according to His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership</a></b><br>Gideon's leadership, despite his flaws, shows that God can use imperfect people to achieve His purposes. We should trust in God's sovereignty in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_gideon_order_his_son_to_kill.htm">Judges 8:20: Why would Gideon command his young son to kill captives, and is there any historical precedent for such practices? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_key_events_in_1_samuel.htm">What are the key events in 1 Samuel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_punish_all_edom_in_ezekiel_35.htm">Why would a just God, as portrayed in Ezekiel 35, enact collective punishment on entire generations of Edom?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_happened_to_zebah_and_zalmunna.htm">What happened to Zebah and Zalmunna in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">And he said unto Jether.</span>--By the <span class= "ital">jus talionis. </span>as well as by every other consideration of that time, Gideon, as the last survivor of all his kingly brothers, would hold himself justified in putting his captives to death. Jether also would inherit the duties of goel (<a href="/numbers/35-12.htm" title="And they shall be to you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.">Numbers 35:12</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/2-22.htm" title="And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn you aside from following me: why should I smite you to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother?">2Samuel 2:22</a>, &c), and Gideon desired both to train the boy to fearlessness against the enemies of Israel (<a href="/context/joshua/10-24.htm" title="And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet on the necks of them.">Joshua 10:24-25</a>). to give him prestige, and to add to the disgrace of the Midianite kings. Again. Gideon must only be judged by the standard and the customs of his own day. (Comp. <a href="/1_samuel/15-33.htm" title="And Samuel said, As the sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.">1Samuel 15:33</a>, Samuel and Agag; <a href="/2_samuel/1-15.htm" title="And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall on him. And he smote him that he died.">2Samuel 1:15</a>, David and the Amalekite.) The name Jether is another form of Jethro and means "pre-eminence."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He said unto Jether</span>, etc. These marks of savage life are painful to contemplate in such a man as Gideon. But it is well for us to be made aware how the best and greatest men cannot rise above the manners and received maxims of their age; and it teaches us to make due allowance for the faults of uncivilised men with whom we have to do, whether Afghans, or Zulus, or others. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/8-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So he said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Jether,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְיֶ֣תֶר</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ye·ṯer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3500.htm">Strong's 3500: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jether -- Moses' father-in-law, also the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his firstborn,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכוֹר֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵō·w·rōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> </span><span class="str2">Firstborn, chief</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Get up</span><br /><span class="heb">ק֖וּם</span> <span class="translit">(qūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and kill them.”</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲרֹ֣ג</span> <span class="translit">(hă·rōḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smite with deadly intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">But the young man</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנַּ֤עַר</span> <span class="translit">(han·na·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">draw</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁלַ֨ף</span> <span class="translit">(šā·lap̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8025.htm">Strong's 8025: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull out, up, off</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his sword;</span><br /><span class="heb">חַרְבּוֹ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḥar·bōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he was fearful</span><br /><span class="heb">יָרֵ֔א</span> <span class="translit">(yā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he was still</span><br /><span class="heb">עוֹדֶ֖נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·w·ḏen·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a youth.</span><br /><span class="heb">נָֽעַר׃</span> <span class="translit">(nā·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/8-20.htm">Judges 8:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/8-20.htm">Judges 8:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/8-20.htm">Judges 8:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/8-20.htm">Judges 8:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/8-20.htm">Judges 8:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/8-20.htm">Judges 8:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/8-20.htm">Judges 8:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/8-20.htm">Judges 8:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/8-20.htm">Judges 8:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/8-20.htm">Judges 8:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/8-20.htm">OT History: Judges 8:20 He said to Jether his firstborn Up (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/8-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 8:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 8:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/8-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 8:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 8:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>