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My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/judges/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” <a href="/esv/judges/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” <a href="/bsb/judges/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” <a href="/kjv/judges/6.htm">King James Bible</a> And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. <a href="/nkjv/judges/6.htm">New King James Version</a> So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” <a href="/nasb_/judges/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But he said to Him, “O Lord, how am I to save Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” <a href="/nasb/judges/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> He said to Him, &#8220O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father&#8217s house.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And he said to Him, “O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” <a href="/lsb/judges/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But he said to Him, “O Lord, with what shall I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” <a href="/amp/judges/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But Gideon said to Him, “Please Lord, how am I to rescue Israel? Behold, my family is the least [significant] in Manasseh, and I am the youngest (smallest) in my father’s house.” <a href="/csb/judges/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Look, my family is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s family.” <a href="/hcsb/judges/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He said to Him, &#8220Please, Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Look, my family is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father&#8217s house."&#8221 <a href="/asv/judges/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he said unto him, Oh, Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. <a href="/cev/judges/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Gideon replied, "But how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest one in Manasseh, and everyone else in my family is more important than I am." <a href="/erv/judges/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he said unto him, Oh Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. <a href="/gwt/judges/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Gideon said to him, "Excuse me, sir! How can I rescue Israel? Look at my whole family. It's the weakest one in Manasseh. And me? I'm the least important member of my family." <a href="/gnt/judges/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> Gideon replied, "But Lord, how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least important member of my family." <a href="/isv/judges/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Right…," Gideon responded. "Sir, how will I deliver Israel? Look—my family is the weakest in Manasseh, and I'm the youngest in my father's household." <a href="/msb/judges/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Please, my Lord,? Gideon replied, ?how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father?s house.? <a href="/net/judges/6.htm">NET Bible</a> Gideon said to him, "But Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Just look! My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my family." <a href="/nheb/judges/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He said to him, "O Lord, how shall I save Israel? Look, my family is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house." <a href="/wbt/judges/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he said to him, O my Lord, by what means shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. <a href="/web/judges/6.htm">World English Bible</a> He said to him, “O Lord, how shall I save Israel? Behold, my family is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And he says to Him, “O my Lord, with what do I save Israel? Behold, my chief [is] weak in Manasseh, and I [am] the least in the house of my father.” <a href="/ylt/judges/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he saith unto him, 'O, my lord, wherewith do I save Israel? lo, my chief is weak in Manasseh, and I the least in the house of my father.' <a href="/slt/judges/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will say to him, With leave, my Lord, by what shall I save Israel? behold, my thousand destitute in Manasseh, and I the least in my father's house.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> He answered and said: I beseech thee, my lord, wherewith shall I deliver Israel? Behold my family is the meanest in Manasses, and I am the least in my father's house. <a href="/cpdv/judges/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And responding, he said: “I beg you, my lord, with what shall I free Israel? Behold, my family is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in the house of my father.” <a href="/nabre/judges/6.htm">New American Bible</a> But he answered him, “Please, my Lord, how can I save Israel? My family is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the most insignificant in my father’s house.” <a href="/nrsvce/judges/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He responded, “But sir, how can I deliver Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he said to him, I beseech thee, O my LORD, with what shall I save Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father's family. <a href="/hpbt/judges/6.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he said to him: “I beg of you, my Lord, by what shall I save Israel? Behold, my family is least in Menasheh, and I am the least of the house my father”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/6.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he said unto him: 'Oh, my lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.' <a href="/sep/judges/6.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Gedeon said to him, Be gracious with me, my Lord: whereby shall I save Israel? behold, my thousand is weakened in Manasse, and I am the least in my father's house. <a href="/parallel/judges/6-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=1616" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/6.htm">The Call of Gideon</a> …14The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Am I not sending you?” 15<a href="/hebrew/994.htm" title="994: bî (Prep:: 1cs) -- Perhaps from ba'ah; properly, a request; used only adverbially; Oh that!; with leave, or if it please.">“Please,</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">my Lord,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">Gideon replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: bam·māh (Prep-b:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“how</a> <a href="/hebrew/3467.htm" title="3467: ’ō·wō·šî·a‘ (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- To deliver. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. to be safe; causatively, to free or succor.">can I save</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel?</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">Indeed,</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’al·pî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">my clan</a> <a href="/hebrew/1800.htm" title="1800: had·dal (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Dangling, weak, thin. From dalal; properly, dangling, i.e. weak or thin.">is the weakest</a> <a href="/hebrew/4519.htm" title="4519: bim·naš·šeh (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- From nashah; causing to forget; Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">in Manasseh,</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: wə·’ā·nō·ḵî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">and I</a> <a href="/hebrew/6810.htm" title="6810: haṣ·ṣā·‘îr (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Little, insignificant, young. Or tsanowr; from tsa'ar; little; few; young, ignoble.">am the youngest</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">in my father’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bə·ḇêṯ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">house.”</a> 16“Surely I will be with you,” the LORD replied, “and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/3-11.htm">Exodus 3:11</a> But Moses asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” <a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21</a> Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?” <a href="/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6</a> “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a> But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a> But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. <a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5</a> Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” <a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Exodus 4:10-13</a> “Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.” / And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? / Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11</a> And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” <a href="/2_samuel/7-18.htm">2 Samuel 7:18</a> Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? <a href="/isaiah/41-14.htm">Isaiah 41:14</a> Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. <a href="/luke/1-34.htm">Luke 1:34</a> “How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” <a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a> “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/1_kings/3-7.htm">1 Kings 3:7</a> And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in. <a href="/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4</a> what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? <a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a> I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he said to him, Oh my Lord, with which shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.wherewith<a href="/exodus/3-11.htm">Exodus 3:11</a> And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?<a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Exodus 4:10</a> And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.<a href="/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6</a> Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.my family is poor.<a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21-25</a> Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: … <a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21</a> And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?<a href="/1_samuel/18-23.htm">1 Samuel 18:23</a> And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?the least<a href="/genesis/32-10.htm">Genesis 32:10</a> I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.<a href="/jeremiah/50-45.htm">Jeremiah 50:45</a> Therefore hear ye the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Babylon; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitation desolate with them.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">1 Corinthians 15:9</a> For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/22-14.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/judges/4-17.htm">Clan</a> <a href="/judges/6-14.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/judges/6-8.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/6-14.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/3-2.htm">Least</a> <a href="/judges/1-27.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/judges/1-27.htm">Manas'seh</a> <a href="/judges/5-22.htm">Means</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-29.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-18.htm">Poorest</a> <a href="/judges/6-14.htm">Save</a> <a href="/judges/6-14.htm">Saviour</a> <a href="/judges/6-6.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/joshua/8-26.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/joshua/6-26.htm">Youngest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-22.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Clan</a> <a href="/judges/6-36.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/judges/6-19.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/6-36.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">Least</a> <a href="/judges/6-35.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/judges/6-35.htm">Manas'seh</a> <a href="/judges/16-5.htm">Means</a> <a href="/ruth/3-10.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/2_kings/24-14.htm">Poorest</a> <a href="/judges/6-31.htm">Save</a> <a href="/judges/6-36.htm">Saviour</a> <a href="/judges/16-7.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/judges/7-20.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/judges/9-5.htm">Youngest</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 6</div>1. <a href="/judges/6-1.htm">The Israelites for their sin are oppressed by Midian</a> 8. <a href="/judges/6-8.htm">A prophet rebukes them</a> 11. <a href="/judges/6-11.htm">An angel sends Gideon for their deliverance</a> 17. <a href="/judges/6-17.htm">Gideon's present is consumed with fire</a> 24. <a href="/judges/6-24.htm">Gideon destroys Baal's altar; offers a sacrifice upon the altar Jehovah-shalom</a> 28. <a href="/judges/6-28.htm">Joash defends his son, and calls him Jerubbaal</a> 33. <a href="/judges/6-33.htm">Gideon's army</a> 36. <a href="/judges/6-36.htm">Gideon's signs</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/6.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/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, Gideon's address to the angel of the Lord shows a mix of respect and doubt. The term "my Lord" indicates recognition of authority, though Gideon is unsure of the divine nature of his visitor. This reflects the common biblical theme of God choosing unlikely individuals for His purposes, as seen with Moses in <a href="/exodus/3-11.htm">Exodus 3:11</a>.“how can I save Israel?” Gideon's question reveals his doubt and sense of inadequacy. This echoes the sentiment of other biblical figures like Moses and Jeremiah, who also questioned their ability to fulfill God's calling. It highlights the theme of divine empowerment, where God often chooses the weak to accomplish His purposes, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27</a>.Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, Manasseh was one of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son. Gideon's reference to his clan's weakness underscores the socio-political structure of Israel at the time, where tribal and clan affiliations determined status and power. This statement emphasizes God's pattern of using the humble and lowly, as seen in the selection of David, the youngest son of Jesse, in <a href="/1_samuel/16.htm">1 Samuel 16</a>.and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” Being the youngest often implied having the least authority or inheritance rights, as seen in the story of David. Gideon's self-assessment highlights the cultural context where birth order influenced one's role and responsibilities. This further illustrates the biblical theme of God elevating the humble, as Jesus later teaches in <a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/gideon.htm">Gideon</a> A judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. He is initially hesitant and doubtful of his capabilities. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_angel_of_the_lord.htm">The Angel of the LORD</a> A divine messenger who appears to Gideon, calling him to lead Israel against the Midianites. 3. <a href="/topical/m/manasseh.htm">Manasseh</a> One of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Manasseh. Gideon belongs to this tribe, specifically to a clan he describes as the weakest. 4. <a href="/topical/m/midianites.htm">Midianites</a> A nomadic people who oppressed Israel during the time of the Judges, causing the Israelites to cry out to God for deliverance. 5. <a href="/topical/o/ophrah.htm">Ophrah</a> The location where the Angel of the LORD appears to Gideon, marking the beginning of his divine mission.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_choice_of_the_humble.htm">God's Choice of the Humble</a> God often chooses those who seem insignificant by worldly standards to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that His strength is made perfect in weakness. <a href="/topical/o/overcoming_self-doubt.htm">Overcoming Self-Doubt</a> Gideon's initial response reflects a common human tendency to doubt one's abilities. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's calling and empowerment rather than their own limitations. <a href="/topical/d/divine_empowerment.htm">Divine Empowerment</a> The account of Gideon reminds us that when God calls us to a task, He also equips us with the necessary strength and resources to fulfill it. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a> Gideon's journey from doubt to action illustrates the importance of stepping out in faith, even when the path is unclear or daunting. <a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_our_weakness.htm">God's Presence in Our Weakness</a> Just as God reassured Gideon of His presence, believers can find comfort in knowing that God is with them, especially in times of weakness and uncertainty.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 6</a> <a href="/q/why_is_the_tribe_of_manasseh_important.htm">What is the significance of the Tribe of Manasseh?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_use_the_weak.htm">What does it mean God uses the world's weak?</a> <a href="/q/why_don't_records_show_numbers_1_migration.htm">Why do archaeological records not confirm such a massive population migration as implied in Numbers 1? </a> <a href="/q/israel's_leaders'_genealogies,_reigns.htm">What are the genealogies and reigns of Israel's leaders?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) Oh my Lord.--Here our version deliberately adopts the reading adoni, as in <a href="/judges/6-13.htm" title="And Gideon said to him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD has forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.">Judges 6:13</a>, and the reason for this reading is that Gideon does not appear to have fully recognised the angel till his disappearance (<a href="/judges/6-22.htm" title="And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O LORD God! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.">Judges 6:22</a>). The reading of the Hebrew MSS., however, is Adonai, "Lord;" and if it be correct, we must suppose that Gideon addresses God as recognising that the message came from Him.Wherewith shall I save Israel?--We repeatedly find this preliminary diffidence of humility in those whom God selects for His service. (Comp. <a href="/context/exodus/4-1.htm" title="And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor listen to my voice: for they will say, The LORD has not appeared to you.">Exodus 4:1-13</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm" title="And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? why then speak you so to me?">1Samuel 9:21</a>; <a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm" title="Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the middle of a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.">Isaiah 6:5</a>; <a href="/context/jeremiah/1-6.htm" title="Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.">Jeremiah 1:6-7</a>, &c.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - Wherewith shall I save Israel? etc. Compare the unwillingness of Moses (<a href="/exodus/3-11.htm">Exodus 3:11</a>; <a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Exodus 4:10, 13</a>), of Saul (<a href="/1_samuel/10-21.htm">1 Samuel 10:21, 22</a>), of Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6</a>), of Amos (<a href="/amos/7-14.htm">Amos 7:14, 15</a>), and of St. Peter (<a href="/luke/5-8.htm">Luke 5:8</a>). Also in ecclesiastical history that of Ambrose, Gregory the Great, and others. The least fit are usually the most forward, the most fit the most backward, to undertake great offices (<a href="/judges/9-8.htm">Judges 9:8-15</a>). True humility is the usual companion of true greatness (see <a href="/2_corinthians/2-16.htm">2 Corinthians 2:16</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5</a>). <a href="/commentaries/judges/6-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Please, בִּ֣י (bî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_994.htm">Strong's 994: </a> Oh that!, with leave, if it please Lord,” אֲדֹנָ֔י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> The Lord [Gideon] asked, וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “how בַּמָּ֥ה (bam·māh) Preposition-b | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what can I deliver אוֹשִׁ֖יעַ (’ō·wō·šî·a‘) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3467.htm">Strong's 3467: </a> To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor Israel? יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Indeed, הִנֵּ֤ה (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! my clan אַלְפִּי֙ (’al·pî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_504.htm">Strong's 504: </a> A family, an ox, cow is the weakest הַדַּ֣ל (had·dal) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1800.htm">Strong's 1800: </a> Dangling, weak, thin in Manasseh, בִּמְנַשֶּׁ֔ה (bim·naš·šeh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4519.htm">Strong's 4519: </a> Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites and I וְאָנֹכִ֥י (wə·’ā·nō·ḵî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> I am the youngest הַצָּעִ֖יר (haṣ·ṣā·‘îr) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6810.htm">Strong's 6810: </a> Little, insignificant, young in my father’s אָבִֽי׃ (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father house.” בְּבֵ֥ית (bə·ḇêṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/6-15.htm">OT History: Judges 6:15 He said to him Oh Lord (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/6-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 6:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 6:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/6-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 6:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 6:16" /></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>