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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 20:17 The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/20-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/07_Jdg_20_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 20:17 - The Decree of the Assembly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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all these were men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these <i>were</i> men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now besides Benjamin, the men of Israel numbered four hundred thousand men who drew the sword; all of these <i>were</i> men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the men of Israel besides Benjamin were counted, four hundred thousand men who drew the sword; all of these were men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the men of Israel besides Benjamin were numbered, 400,000 men who draw the sword; all these were men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the men of Israel besides Benjamin were numbered, 400,000 men who draw the sword; all these were men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the men of Israel besides Benjamin were numbered, 400,000 men who draw the sword; all these were men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the men of Israel, other than Benjamin, assembled four hundred thousand men who drew the sword; all of these were men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized four hundred thousand armed men, every one an experienced warrior.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, rallied 400,000 armed men, every one an experienced warrior. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the men of Israel, besides Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The other Israelite tribes organized their army and found they had 400,000 experienced soldiers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The men of Israel (Benjamin not included) totaled 400,000 soldiers armed with swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Not counting the tribe of Benjamin, the Israelites gathered 400,000 trained soldiers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But the Israeli army—not counting the tribe of Benjamin—numbered 400,000 expert swordsmen, all of them battle-hardened soldiers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The men of Israel (not counting Benjamin) had mustered four hundred thousand sword-wielding soldiers, every one an experienced warrior. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The men of Israel, besides Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men who drew sword: all these were men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the men of Israel, besides Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The men of Israel, besides Benjamin, were counted four hundred thousand men who drew sword. All these were men of war. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the men of Israel numbered themselves, apart from Benjamin, four hundred thousand men, drawing sword, each of these a man of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the men of Israel numbered themselves, apart from Benjamin, four hundred thousand men, drawing sword, each of these a man of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the men of Israel were reviewed, beside Benjamin, four hundred thousand men drawing sword: all these men of war.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Of the men of Israel also, beside the children of Benjamin, were found four hundred thousand that drew swords, and were prepared to fight. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then too, among the men of Israel apart from the sons of Benjamin, there were found four hundred thousand who drew the sword and who were prepared for battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The men of Israel, without Benjamin, mustered four hundred thousand swordsmen, all of them warriors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mustered four hundred thousand armed men, all of them warriors.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the men of Israel, as compared with the Benjamites, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword; all these were men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the men of Israel were numbered apart from the sons of Benjamin, four hundred thousand men drawing a sword, all men, workers of war<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword; all these were men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the men of Israel, exclusive of Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword; all these <i>were</i> men of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/20-17.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=6086" 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/20.htm">The Decree of the Assembly</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>Among all these soldiers there were 700 select left-handers, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair without missing. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">The Israelites,</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/905.htm" title="905: lə·ḇaḏ (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Separation, a part. ">apart from</a> <a href="/hebrew/1144.htm" title="1144: mib·bin·yā·min (Prep-m:: N-proper-ms) -- From ben and yamiyn; son of right hand; Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">Benjamin,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6485.htm" title="6485: hiṯ·pā·qə·ḏū (V-Hitpael-Perf-3cp) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">mobilized</a> <a href="/hebrew/702.htm" title="702: ’ar·ba‘ (Number-fsc) -- Four. Masculine oarbaah; from raba'; four.">400,000</a> <a href="/hebrew/3967.htm" title="3967: mê·’ō·wṯ (Number-fp) -- Hundred. Or metyah; properly, a primitive numeral; a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction."></a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’e·lep̄ (Number-msc) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8025.htm" title="8025: šō·lêp̄ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To draw out or off. A primitive root; to pull out, up or off.">swordsmen,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥā·reḇ (N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement."></a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">each one</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">an experienced warrior.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: mil·ḥā·māh (N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war."></a> </span><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="/numbers/1-26.htm">Numbers 1:26-27</a></span><br />From the sons of Judah, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, / those registered to the tribe of Judah numbered 74,600.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/2-4.htm">Numbers 2:4</a></span><br />and his division numbers 74,600.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/26-22.htm">Numbers 26:22</a></span><br />These were the clans of Judah, and their registration numbered 76,500.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/11-8.htm">1 Samuel 11:8</a></span><br />And when Saul numbered them at Bezek, there were 300,000 Israelites and 30,000 men of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-4.htm">1 Samuel 15:4</a></span><br />So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/24-9.htm">2 Samuel 24:9</a></span><br />And Joab reported to the king the total number of the troops. In Israel there were 800,000 men of valor who drew the sword, and in Judah there were 500,000.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/21-5.htm">1 Chronicles 21:5</a></span><br />And Joab reported to David the total number of the troops. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, including 470,000 in Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/17-14.htm">2 Chronicles 17:14-18</a></span><br />These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; / next to him, Jehohanan the commander, and with him 280,000; / and next to him, Amasiah son of Zichri, the volunteer for the LORD, and with him 200,000 mighty men of valor. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-6.htm">Matthew 10:6</a></span><br />Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-24.htm">Matthew 15:24</a></span><br />He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-30.htm">Luke 22:30</a></span><br />so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/26-7.htm">Acts 26:7</a></span><br />the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-1.htm">Romans 11:1</a></span><br />I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-26.htm">Romans 11:26</a></span><br />And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Philippians 3:5</a></span><br />circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.</p><p class="hdg">four hundred</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/20-2.htm">Judges 20:2</a></b></br> And the chief of all the people, <i>even</i> of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/1-46.htm">Numbers 1:46</a></b></br> Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/26-51.htm">Numbers 26:51</a></b></br> These <i>were</i> the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/14-6.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/judges/20-15.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/judges/20-15.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/judges/20-15.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/judges/20-15.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/judges/20-2.htm">Drawing</a> <a href="/judges/20-15.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/judges/20-16.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/judges/20-14.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/20-15.htm">Mustered</a> <a href="/judges/20-15.htm">Numbered</a> <a href="/judges/20-15.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/judges/20-15.htm">Swords</a> <a href="/judges/20-15.htm">Swordsmen</a> <a href="/judges/20-15.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/judges/20-15.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/judges/20-14.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/14-24.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/judges/20-25.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/judges/20-18.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/ruth/2-21.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/judges/20-23.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/judges/20-35.htm">Drawing</a> <a href="/judges/20-20.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/judges/20-35.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/judges/20-18.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/21-9.htm">Mustered</a> <a href="/judges/21-9.htm">Numbered</a> <a href="/judges/20-25.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/judges/20-25.htm">Swords</a> <a href="/judges/20-25.htm">Swordsmen</a> <a href="/judges/20-19.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/judges/20-21.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/judges/20-20.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-1.htm">The Levite in a general assembly declared his wrong</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-8.htm">The decree of the assembly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-12.htm">The Benjamites, being cited, make head against the Israelites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-18.htm">The Israelites in two battles lose forty thousand</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-26.htm">They destroy by a plan all the Benjamites, except six hundred.</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'; 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This division is significant in the context of the civil war that ensues due to the grievous sin committed in Gibeah, a Benjamite city. The exclusion of Benjamin underscores the severity of the conflict and the moral outrage felt by the other tribes. Historically, the tribes of Israel were meant to be united under the covenant with God, but internal strife often led to divisions, as seen here. This division foreshadows later splits in the kingdom, such as the division between Israel and Judah.<p><b>mobilized 400,000 swordsmen</b><br>The mobilization of such a large number of warriors indicates the seriousness with which the Israelites approached the conflict. This number suggests a significant military capability and reflects the tribal confederation's ability to gather a large force when necessary. The use of swordsmen points to the common weaponry of the time, with swords being a primary tool for warfare. This mobilization can be compared to other instances in the Old Testament where Israel gathers for battle, such as in the wars against the Canaanites and Philistines.<p><b>each one an experienced warrior</b><br>The emphasis on the warriors being experienced suggests that these were not merely conscripted men but seasoned fighters, likely with previous battle experience. This detail highlights the gravity of the situation and the Israelites' determination to address the sin in Gibeah decisively. The concept of experienced warriors is echoed in other biblical narratives, such as David's mighty men, who were known for their valor and skill in battle. This phrase also underscores the theme of God using human agency and military might to achieve divine purposes, as seen throughout the history of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/men_of_israel.htm">Men of Israel</a></b><br>Refers to the collective tribes of Israel, excluding the tribe of Benjamin. They are preparing for battle against their fellow Israelites, the Benjamites, due to a grievous sin committed in Gibeah.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/benjamin.htm">Benjamin</a></b><br>One of the twelve tribes of Israel, which is at the center of the conflict due to the actions of some of its members in Gibeah. The tribe is being confronted by the other tribes for justice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/four_hundred_thousand_swordsmen.htm">Four Hundred Thousand Swordsmen</a></b><br>This number represents the assembled army of Israel, indicating the seriousness and scale of the conflict. It highlights the unity and determination of the tribes to address the sin in their midst.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/men_of_war.htm">Men of War</a></b><br>This term emphasizes the readiness and capability of the Israelite army, suggesting that they are experienced and prepared for the impending battle.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/gibeah.htm">Gibeah</a></b><br>The location where the initial crime occurred, leading to the conflict. It is a city within the territory of Benjamin.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_addressing_sin.htm">Unity in Addressing Sin</a></b><br>The tribes of Israel demonstrate the importance of coming together to address sin within the community. This unity is crucial for maintaining holiness and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_sin.htm">The Seriousness of Sin</a></b><br>The large number of men prepared for battle underscores the seriousness with which sin should be treated. It serves as a reminder that sin has consequences and must be dealt with decisively.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/righteous_indignation.htm">Righteous Indignation</a></b><br>The Israelites' response to the sin in Gibeah reflects a righteous indignation that believers should have towards sin. It is important to be zealous for God's standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The passage highlights the responsibility of the community to hold its members accountable. This is a call for believers to lovingly confront and restore those who have fallen into sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_spiritual_battles.htm">Preparation for Spiritual Battles</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites prepared for physical battle, believers must be prepared for spiritual battles, equipped with the armor of God as described in Ephesians.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/judges_20__is_there_archeological_proof.htm">Judges 20 (entire chapter) - Is there any archeological evidence supporting so great a civil war among the tribes of Israel, or are the events purely literary?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_allow_israel's_defeats_first.htm">Judges 20:18-23 - Why would God direct Israel to attack Benjamin, allow defeat twice, and then finally grant them victory on the third attempt?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_promote_abduction_in_judges_21_20-23.htm">Why does the text promote the abduction of women as a solution for the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:20-23)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_didn't_israelites_seek_peace_in_judges_21.htm">If the Israelites regretted their extreme oath, why didn't they seek a different resolution instead of resorting to further bloodshed (Judges 21)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - A repetition of the statement in ver. 2. <p> CHAPTER 20:18-48 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/20-17.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">The Israelites,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִ֨ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular 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">apart from</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבַד֙</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_905.htm">Strong's 905: </a> </span><span class="str2">Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Benjamin,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִבִּנְיָמִ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(mib·bin·yā·min)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1144.htm">Strong's 1144: </a> </span><span class="str2">Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mustered</span><br /><span class="heb">הִתְפָּֽקְד֗וּ</span> <span class="translit">(hiṯ·pā·qə·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6485.htm">Strong's 6485: </a> </span><span class="str2">To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">400,000</span><br /><span class="heb">אַרְבַּ֨ע</span> <span class="translit">(’ar·ba‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_702.htm">Strong's 702: </a> </span><span class="str2">Four</span><br /><br /><span class="word">swordsmen,</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁ֣לֵֽף</span> <span class="translit">(šō·lêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - 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">each one</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">an experienced warrior.</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֥ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/20-17.htm">Judges 20:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/20-17.htm">Judges 20:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/20-17.htm">Judges 20:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/20-17.htm">Judges 20:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/20-17.htm">Judges 20:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/20-17.htm">Judges 20:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/20-17.htm">Judges 20:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/20-17.htm">Judges 20:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/20-17.htm">Judges 20:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/20-17.htm">Judges 20:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/20-17.htm">OT History: Judges 20:17 The men of Israel besides Benjamin were (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/20-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 20:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 20:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/20-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 20:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 20:18" /></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>