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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He took the elders of the town and taught the men of Sukkoth a lesson by punishing them with desert thorns and briers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Gideon took the elders of the town and taught them a lesson, punishing them with thorns and briers from the wilderness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And he took the elders of the city, and he took thorns of the wilderness and briers and with them taught the men of Succoth a lesson.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he took the elders of the city, and using the thorns and briers of the wilderness, he disciplined the men of Succoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and he disciplined the men of Succoth with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and he disciplined the men of Succoth with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and he disciplined the men of Succoth with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he took the elders of the city as well as thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth a lesson.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briars, and with them he punished the men of Succoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he took the elders of the city, and he took some thorns and briers from the wilderness, and he disciplined the men of Succoth with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he took the elders of the city, and he took some thorns and briers from the wilderness, and he disciplined the men of Succoth with them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Gideon made a whip from thorn plants and used it to beat the town officials. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So Gideon took the leaders of the city and taught them a lesson using thorns and thistles from the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He then took thorns and briers from the desert and used them to punish the leaders of Sukkoth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So he took the elders of the city and disciplined the men of Succoth with thorns and briers from the desert. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he took the elders of the city, and using the thorns and briers of the wilderness, he disciplined the men of Succoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He seized the leaders of the city, along with some desert thorns and briers; he then "threshed" the men of Succoth with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he threshed the men of Succoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness, and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth. <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 takes the elderly of the city, and [the] thorns of the wilderness, and the threshing instruments, and teaches the men of Succoth by them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he taketh the elders of the city, and the thorns of the wilderness, and the threshing instruments, and teacheth by them the men of Succoth,<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 take the old men of the city, and thorns of the desert, and threshing sledges, and with them he caused the men of Succoth to know.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So he took the ancients of the city and thorns and briers of the desert, and tore them with the same, and cut in pieces the men of Soccoth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, he took the elders of the city, and, using the thorns and briers of the desert, he threshed them with these, and he cut the men of Succoth to pieces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He seized the elders of the city, and with desert thorns and briers he thrashed the people of Succoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So he took the elders of the city and he took thorns of the wilderness and briers and with them he trampled the people of Succoth.<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 dragged the elders of the city over the briers and thorns of the wilderness, and thus inflicted tortures on the men of Succoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he dragged the Elders of the city on thorns that were in the wilderness, and upon thistles, and he punished the men of Saquth with them<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 took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he took the elders of the city with the thorns of the wilderness and the Barkenim, and with them he tore the men of the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/8-16.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=2408" 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">15</span>And Gideon went to the men of Succoth and said, “Here are Zebah and Zalmunna, about whom you taunted me, saying, ‘Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your weary men?’ ” <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">Then he took</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/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">the elders</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">of the city,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">and using</a> <a href="/hebrew/6975.htm" title="6975: qō·w·ṣê (N-mpc) -- A thorn, thornbush. Or qots; from quwts; a thorn.">the thorns</a> <a href="/hebrew/1303.htm" title="1303: hab·bar·qo·nîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Briars. From baraq; a thorn.">and briers</a> <a href="/hebrew/4057.htm" title="4057: ham·miḏ·bār (Art:: N-ms) -- A pasture, a desert, speech. From dabar in the sense of driving; a pasture; by implication, a desert; also speech.">of the wilderness,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: way·yō·ḏa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">he disciplined</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/5523.htm" title="5523: suk·kō·wṯ (N-proper-fs) -- Or Cukkoth; plural of cukkah; booths; Succoth, the name of a place in Egypt and of three in Palestine.">of Succoth.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>He also pulled down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.…<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="/proverbs/19-29.htm">Proverbs 19:29</a></span><br />Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-3.htm">Proverbs 26:3</a></span><br />A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/28-27.htm">Isaiah 28:27-28</a></span><br />Surely caraway is not threshed with a sledge, and the wheel of a cart is not rolled over the cumin. But caraway is beaten out with a stick, and cumin with a rod. / Grain for bread must be ground, but it is not endlessly threshed. Though the wheels of the cart roll over it, the horses do not crush it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-14.htm">2 Samuel 7:14</a></span><br />I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-2.htm">Deuteronomy 25:2-3</a></span><br />If the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall have him lie down and be flogged in his presence with the number of lashes his crime warrants. / He may receive no more than forty lashes, lest your brother be beaten any more than that and be degraded in your sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-11.htm">1 Kings 12:11</a></span><br />Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">1 Kings 12:14</a></span><br />and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/10-11.htm">2 Chronicles 10:11</a></span><br />Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/10-14.htm">2 Chronicles 10:14</a></span><br />and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/89-32.htm">Psalm 89:32</a></span><br />I will attend to their transgression with the rod, and to their iniquity with stripes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-6.htm">Hebrews 12:6</a></span><br />For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-19.htm">Revelation 3:19</a></span><br />Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-47.htm">Luke 12:47-48</a></span><br />That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. / But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">1 Corinthians 4:21</a></span><br />Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-6.htm">2 Corinthians 10:6</a></span><br />And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.</p><p class="hdg">the elders</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/8-7.htm">Judges 8:7</a></b></br> And Gideon said, Therefore when the LORD hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into mine hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Proverbs 10:13</a></b></br> In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod <i>is</i> for the back of him that is void of understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-29.htm">Proverbs 19:29</a></b></br> Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.</p><p class="hdg">thorns</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/micah/7-4.htm">Micah 7:4</a></b></br> The best of them <i>is</i> as a brier: the most upright <i>is sharper</i> than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen <i>and</i> thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.</p><p class="hdg">taught.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/8-7.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/judges/8-7.htm">Briers</a> <a href="/judges/6-30.htm">City</a> <a href="/judges/8-7.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/judges/1-16.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-23.htm">Disciplined</a> <a href="/judges/8-14.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/numbers/31-6.htm">Instruments</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-8.htm">Lesson</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-9.htm">Punishing</a> <a href="/judges/8-14.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/judges/8-7.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/judges/8-7.htm">Stems</a> <a href="/judges/8-15.htm">Succoth</a> <a href="/judges/3-2.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Teacheth</a> <a href="/judges/8-7.htm">Thorns</a> <a href="/judges/6-37.htm">Threshing</a> <a href="/judges/8-7.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/9-25.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/job/31-40.htm">Briers</a> <a href="/judges/8-17.htm">City</a> <a href="/judges/9-27.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/judges/11-16.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-11.htm">Disciplined</a> <a href="/judges/11-5.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/judges/18-11.htm">Instruments</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-8.htm">Lesson</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-23.htm">Punishing</a> <a href="/judges/11-5.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/ruth/2-16.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/judges/15-5.htm">Stems</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-46.htm">Succoth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-18.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-35.htm">Teacheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-6.htm">Thorns</a> <a href="/ruth/3-2.htm">Threshing</a> <a href="/judges/11-16.htm">Wilderness</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>Then he took the elders of the city</b><br>Gideon, the judge of Israel, had previously requested aid from the leaders of Succoth during his pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. The elders' refusal to assist him was seen as a lack of faith and support for God's deliverance through Gideon. In ancient Israel, elders held significant authority and were responsible for the welfare and decisions of their community. Their actions reflected the collective stance of the city, making them accountable for the refusal to support Gideon.<p><b>and using the thorns and briers of the wilderness</b><br>The wilderness surrounding Succoth was known for its harsh terrain, including thorns and briers. These natural elements were often used metaphorically in Scripture to represent pain, suffering, and divine judgment (e.g., <a href="/genesis/3-18.htm">Genesis 3:18</a>, <a href="/isaiah/10-17.htm">Isaiah 10:17</a>). Gideon's choice of punishment was both practical and symbolic, serving as a physical reminder of the consequences of opposing God's chosen deliverer.<p><b>he disciplined the men of Succoth</b><br>The term "disciplined" here implies a corrective action intended to teach a lesson. Gideon's actions were not merely punitive but aimed at restoring the proper fear and reverence for God among the people of Succoth. This discipline can be seen as a reflection of God's justice, where disobedience and lack of faith are met with correction. The incident underscores the importance of supporting God's work and leaders, as seen in other biblical narratives where God disciplines His people to bring them back to righteousness (e.g., <a href="/hebrews/12-6.htm">Hebrews 12:6</a>).<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. Known for his faith and leadership, but also for his human flaws and moments of harshness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/elders_of_succoth.htm">Elders of Succoth</a></b><br>Leaders of the city of Succoth who refused to assist Gideon and his men by providing bread during their pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/succoth.htm">Succoth</a></b><br>A city east of the Jordan River, inhabited by Israelites who were hesitant to support Gideon, fearing retribution from the Midianites.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/thorns_and_briers.htm">Thorns and Briers</a></b><br>Tools used by Gideon to punish the elders of Succoth, symbolizing the harsh consequences of their lack of support and faith.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wilderness.htm">Wilderness</a></b><br>The area surrounding Succoth, from which Gideon gathered the thorns and briers for the punishment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_faith_and_support.htm">The Importance of Faith and Support</a></b><br>Succoth's refusal to support Gideon highlights the consequences of lacking faith and failing to support God's chosen leaders. Believers are called to support and encourage those who are doing God's work.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_fear_and_inaction.htm">Consequences of Fear and Inaction</a></b><br>The elders of Succoth acted out of fear of the Midianites rather than faith in God's deliverance. This serves as a reminder that fear should not paralyze us from doing what is right.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discipline_as_a_form_of_instruction.htm">Discipline as a Form of Instruction</a></b><br>Gideon's punishment of Succoth can be seen as a form of discipline meant to teach and correct. In our lives, discipline from God or others can be a tool for growth and learning.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_accountability.htm">Leadership and Accountability</a></b><br>Gideon's actions demonstrate the responsibility of leaders to hold others accountable. In our communities, leaders must balance justice with mercy.<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/who_were_the_old_testament_elders.htm">Who were the elders in the Old Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_1_samuel_8_an_edited_text.htm">Could 1 Samuel 8 reflect later editorial influences rather than an authentic historical event?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_1_sam_9_15-17_conflict_with_other_texts.htm">Does 1 Samuel 9:15-17, describing God's direct revelation to Samuel about Saul, conflict with other biblical texts suggesting a more gradual or indirect selection of leaders?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_was_paul's_'thorn_in_the_flesh'.htm">What was Paul's 'thorn in the flesh'?</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>(16) <span class= "bld">He taught.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">made to know </span>(<a href="/proverbs/10-9.htm" title="He that walks uprightly walks surely: but he that perverts his ways shall be known.">Proverbs 10:9</a>); but <span class= "greekheb">??</span> may be a misreading for <span class= "greekheb">???</span> "he threshed," as in <a href="/judges/6-7.htm" title="And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried to the LORD because of the Midianites,">Judges 6:7</a>. (Vulg. <span class= "ital">contrivit atque comminuit.</span>)<p><span class= "bld">The men of Succoth.</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the elders. Gideon would be well aware that in an Oriental city the mass of the people have no voice in any decision. Ewald takes it to mean, "By them (the slain elders) he taught the (rest of the) people of Succoth to be wiser in future."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He taught</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> corrected, punished. It is, however, very probable that the true reading is <span class="accented">he threshed</span> or <span class="accented">tore</span> (<span class="accented">yadash</span> for <span class="accented">yadah</span>, the final letters <span class="hebrew">ש</span>and <span class="hebrew">ע</span> being very similar). We have then the fulfilment of Gideon's threat in ver. 7 recorded in the same words with regard to Succoth, just as the <span class="accented">breaking down</span> of the tower of Penuel in ver. 17 is in verbal agreement with ver. 9. The Septuagint and Vulgate both seem to have found <span class="accented">he threshed</span> in their copies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/8-16.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">Then he took</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקַּח֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·qaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the elders</span><br /><span class="heb">זִקְנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(ziq·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the city,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעִ֔יר</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and [using]</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶת־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’eṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the thorns</span><br /><span class="heb">קוֹצֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(qō·w·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6975.htm">Strong's 6975: </a> </span><span class="str2">A thorn, thornbush</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and briers</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽבַּרְקֳנִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bar·qo·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1303.htm">Strong's 1303: </a> </span><span class="str2">A thorn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wilderness,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּדְבָּ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miḏ·bār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pasture, a desert, speech</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he disciplined</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣דַע</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·ḏa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the men</span><br /><span class="heb">אַנְשֵׁ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’an·šê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Succoth.</span><br /><span class="heb">סֻכּֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(suk·kō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5523.htm">Strong's 5523: </a> </span><span class="str2">Succoth -- a city East of the Jordan, also a place in Egypt</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/8-16.htm">Judges 8:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/8-16.htm">Judges 8:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/8-16.htm">Judges 8:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/8-16.htm">Judges 8:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/8-16.htm">Judges 8:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/8-16.htm">Judges 8:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/8-16.htm">Judges 8:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/8-16.htm">Judges 8:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/8-16.htm">Judges 8:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/8-16.htm">Judges 8:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/8-16.htm">OT History: Judges 8:16 He took the elders of the city (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/8-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 8:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 8:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/8-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 8:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 8:17" /></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>