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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 9:20 But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/9-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/07_Jdg_09_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 9:20 - Jotham's Parable" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/9-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/9-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/9-19.htm" title="Judges 9:19">◄</a> Judges 9:20 <a href="/judges/9-21.htm" title="Judges 9:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/judges/9.htm">New International Version</a> But if you have not, let fire come out from Abimelek and consume you, the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo, and let fire come out from you, the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo, and consume Abimelek!&#8221 <a href="/nlt/judges/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> But if you have not acted in good faith, then may fire come out from Abimelech and devour the leading citizens of Shechem and Beth-millo; and may fire come out from the citizens of Shechem and Beth-millo and devour Abimelech!” <a href="/esv/judges/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and devour the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo; and let fire come out from the leaders of Shechem and from Beth-millo and devour Abimelech.” <a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech.” <a href="/kjv/judges/9.htm">King James Bible</a> But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech. <a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a> But if not, let fire come from Abimelech and devour the men of Shechem and Beth Millo; and let fire come from the men of Shechem and from Beth Millo and devour Abimelech!” <a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But if not, may fire come out of Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo; and may fire come out of the leaders of Shechem and from Beth-millo, and consume Abimelech.” <a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and consume the men of Shechem and Beth-millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem and from Beth-millo, and consume Abimelech.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and consume the men of Shechem and Beth-millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem and from Beth-millo, and consume Abimelech.” <a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and consume the lords of Shechem and Beth-millo; and let fire come out from the lords of Shechem and from Beth-millo and consume Abimelech.” <a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But if not, may fire come out from Abimelech and devour the people of Shechem and Beth-millo; and may fire come out from the people of Shechem and Beth-millo, and devour Abimelech.” <a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the citizens of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the citizens of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech.” <a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the lords of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the lords of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech.&#8221 <a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> but if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech. <a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But if it was wrong to treat Gideon and his family the way you did, then I pray that Abimelech will destroy you with fire, and I pray that you will do the same to him. <a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> but if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech. <a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But if that's not the case, let fire come out of Abimelech and burn up citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo. Also let fire come out of citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo and burn up Abimelech." <a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> But if not, may fire blaze out from Abimelech and burn up the men of Shechem and Bethmillo. May fire blaze out from the men of Shechem and Bethmillo and burn Abimelech up." <a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> But if not, may fire spring out from Abimelech and consume the "lords" of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire spring out from the "lords" of Shechem and Beth-millo to consume Abimelech." <a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech.” <a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a> But if not, may fire blaze from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth Millo! May fire also blaze from the leaders of Shechem and Beth Millo and consume Abimelech!" <a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> but if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the lords of Shechem, and Beth Millo; and let fire come out from the lords of Shechem, and from Beth Millo, and devour Abimelech." <a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech. <a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a> but if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and devour the men of Shechem and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem and from the house of Millo and devour Abimelech.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and if not—fire comes out from Abimelech and devours the masters of Shechem and the house of Millo, and fire comes out from the masters of Shechem and from the house of Millo, and devours Abimelech.” <a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and if not -- fire cometh out from Abimelech and devoureth the masters of Shechem and the house of Millo, and fire cometh out from the masters of Shechem and from the house of Millo, and devoureth Abimelech.' <a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And if not, fire shall come forth from Abimelech and shall consume the lords of Shechem and the House of the Rampart; and fire shall come forth from the lords of Shechem and from the House of the Rampart, and shall consume Abimelech.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But if unjustly: let fire come out from him, and consume the inhabitants of Sichem, and the town of Mello: and let fire come out from the men of Sichem, and from the town of Mello, and devour Abimelech. <a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But if you have acted perversely, may fire go forth from him and consume the inhabitants of Shechem and the town of Millo. And may fire go forth from the men of Shechem and from the town of Millo, and devour Abimelech.” <a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a> But if not, let fire come forth from Abimelech and devour the lords of Shechem and Beth-millo, and let fire come forth from the lords of Shechem and Beth-millo and devour Abimelech.” <a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> but if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the lords of Shechem, and Beth-millo; and let fire come out from the lords of Shechem, and from Beth-millo, and devour Abimelech.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But if not, let fire come out from Abimeleck, and devour the lords of Shechem and the lords of Millo; and let fire come out from the lords of Shechem and from the lords of Millo, and devour Abimeleck. <a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And if not, fire will go out from Abimelek and it will devour the Lords of Shekeem and the Lords of Melu, and fire shall go out from among the Lords of Shekeem and the Lords of Melu and it shall consume Abimelek”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and Beth-millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from Beth-millo, and devour Abimelech.' <a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> but if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Sicima, and the house of Bethmaalo; and let fire come out from the men of Sicima and from the house of Bethmaalo, and devour Abimelech. <a href="/parallel/judges/9-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=2810" 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/9.htm">Jotham's Parable</a> …19if you have acted faithfully and honestly toward Jerubbaal and his house this day, then may you rejoice in Abimelech, and he in you. 20<a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">But if</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’a·yin (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">not,</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: ’êš (N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">may fire</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: tê·ṣê (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">come</a> <a href="/hebrew/40.htm" title="40: mê·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (Prep-m:: N-proper-ms) -- From 'ab and melek; father of king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.">from Abimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: wə·ṯō·ḵal (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3fs) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">and consume</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/1167.htm" title="1167: ba·‘ă·lê (N-mpc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">the leaders</a> <a href="/hebrew/7927.htm" title="7927: šə·ḵem (N-proper-fs) -- Ridge, a district in N. Pal., also a son of Hamor. The same as shkem; ridge; Shekem, a place in Palestine.">of Shechem</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</a> <a href="/hebrew/1037.htm" title="1037: bêṯ (N-msc) -- Or Beyth Mil-loh; from bayith and millow'; house of rampart; Beth-Millo, the name of two citadels."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1037.htm" title="1037: mil·lō·w (N-proper-fs) -- Or Beyth Mil-loh; from bayith and millow'; house of rampart; Beth-Millo, the name of two citadels.">Beth-millo,</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: ’êš (N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">and may fire</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: wə·ṯê·ṣê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">come</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: mib·ba·‘ă·lê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">from the leaders</a> <a href="/hebrew/7927.htm" title="7927: šə·ḵem (N-proper-fs) -- Ridge, a district in N. Pal., also a son of Hamor. The same as shkem; ridge; Shekem, a place in Palestine.">of Shechem</a> <a href="/hebrew/1037.htm" title="1037: ū·mib·bêṯ (N-msc) -- Or Beyth Mil-loh; from bayith and millow'; house of rampart; Beth-Millo, the name of two citadels.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/1037.htm" title="1037: mil·lō·w (Conj-w, Prep:: N-proper-fs) -- Or Beyth Mil-loh; from bayith and millow'; house of rampart; Beth-Millo, the name of two citadels.">Beth-millo</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: wə·ṯō·ḵal (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3fs) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">and consume</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/40.htm" title="40: ’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (N-proper-ms) -- From 'ab and melek; father of king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.">Abimelech.”</a> 21Then Jotham ran away, escaping to Beer, and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech.…<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="/2_samuel/12-10.htm">2 Samuel 12:10</a> Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ <a href="/isaiah/33-11.htm">Isaiah 33:11</a> You conceive chaff; you give birth to stubble. Your breath is a fire that will consume you. <a href="/jeremiah/21-14.htm">Jeremiah 21:14</a> I will punish you as your deeds deserve, declares the LORD. I will kindle a fire in your forest that will consume everything around you.’” <a href="/ezekiel/19-14.htm">Ezekiel 19:14</a> Fire has gone out from its main branch and devoured its fruit; on it no strong branch remains fit for a ruler’s scepter.’ This is a lament and shall be used as a lament.” <a href="/hosea/8-14.htm">Hosea 8:14</a> Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces; Judah has multiplied its fortified cities. But I will send fire upon their cities, and it will consume their citadels. <a href="/obadiah/1-18.htm">Obadiah 1:18</a> Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing fire, and the house of Joseph a burning flame; but the house of Esau will be stubble—Jacob will set it ablaze and consume it. Therefore no survivor will remain from the house of Esau.” For the LORD has spoken. <a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10</a> The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. <a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Luke 3:9</a> The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” <a href="/john/15-6.htm">John 15:6</a> If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned. <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a> Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a> Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. <a href="/hebrews/10-30.htm">Hebrews 10:30</a> For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.” <a href="/james/3-6.htm">James 3:6</a> The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. <a href="/1_peter/4-17.htm">1 Peter 4:17</a> For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? <a href="/revelation/2-23.htm">Revelation 2:23</a> Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.let fire come out<a href="/judges/9-15.htm">Judges 9:15,23,56,57</a> And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon… <a href="/judges/7-22.htm">Judges 7:22</a> And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.<a href="/2_chronicles/20-22.htm">2 Chronicles 20:22,23</a> And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-19.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-19.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/9-6.htm">Beth</a> <a href="/judges/9-6.htm">Beth-Millo</a> <a href="/judges/9-15.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Citizens</a> <a href="/judges/9-15.htm">Consume</a> <a href="/judges/6-5.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/judges/9-15.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/judges/9-15.htm">Devoureth</a> <a href="/judges/9-19.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/judges/9-6.htm">Millo</a> <a href="/judges/9-18.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Townsmen</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-21.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-21.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/18-28.htm">Beth</a> <a href="/2_kings/12-20.htm">Beth-Millo</a> <a href="/judges/10-7.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/judges/9-23.htm">Citizens</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-33.htm">Consume</a> <a href="/judges/14-4.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-26.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-25.htm">Devoureth</a> <a href="/judges/9-27.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/9-23.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-9.htm">Millo</a> <a href="/judges/9-23.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/judges/9-23.htm">Townsmen</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 9</div>1. <a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king</a> 7. <a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin</a> 22. <a href="/judges/9-22.htm">Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him</a> 30. <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Zebul reveals it</a> 34. <a href="/judges/9-34.htm">Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt</a> 46. <a href="/judges/9-46.htm">He burns the hold of the god Berith</a> 50. <a href="/judges/9-50.htm">At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone</a> 56. <a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Jotham's curse is fulfilled.</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/judges/9.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>But if not This phrase introduces a conditional curse, highlighting the gravity of the covenantal relationship between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem. In Hebrew, the conditional "if" (אִם, 'im) often sets the stage for a divine or moral consequence. The phrase suggests a deep understanding of covenantal blessings and curses, reminiscent of <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>, where obedience brings blessings and disobedience brings curses. It underscores the seriousness of their agreement and the potential divine retribution for betrayal.may fire come from Abimelech The imagery of fire in the Bible often symbolizes judgment and destruction. In Hebrew, "fire" (אֵשׁ, 'esh) is frequently associated with God's purifying judgment, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (<a href="/genesis/19-24.htm">Genesis 19:24</a>). Here, it metaphorically represents Abimelech's potential wrath and destructive power against those who oppose him. Historically, fire was a common method of warfare and destruction, emphasizing the totality of the curse being pronounced.consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo The word "consume" (אָכַל, 'akal) in Hebrew conveys the idea of complete destruction or devouring. The leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo are specifically targeted, indicating their significant role in the political and social structure of the time. Shechem was a major city in ancient Israel, rich in history as a place of covenant renewal (Joshua 24). Beth-millo, though less known, was likely a fortified area or part of Shechem's defenses. The curse reflects the potential for internal strife and the consequences of political alliances gone awry.and may fire come from the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo This reciprocal curse highlights the mutual distrust and potential for betrayal between Abimelech and the leaders. The repetition of "fire" emphasizes the destructive potential inherent in their relationship. It serves as a warning of the cyclical nature of violence and retribution, a theme prevalent throughout the Book of Judges, where Israel's disobedience leads to internal and external conflicts.and consume Abimelech The final part of the curse turns the threat back onto Abimelech himself, illustrating the principle of "measure for measure" justice found throughout Scripture (e.g., <a href="/matthew/7-2.htm">Matthew 7:2</a>). Abimelech's ambition and ruthless rise to power, as seen earlier in <a href="/judges/9.htm">Judges 9</a>, set the stage for his potential downfall. This reflects the biblical theme that those who live by violence often fall by it, a sobering reminder of the consequences of ungodly leadership and the importance of integrity and righteousness.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) Let fire come out.--The malediction is that they may perish by mutual destruction. It was exactly fulfilled (<a href="/context/judges/9-45.htm" title="And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that was therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.">Judges 9:45-49</a>). So when (?etes is crucified as he had crucified Polykrates, Herodotus notices the similarity of the Nemesis (3:128). <a href="/commentaries/judges/9-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But if וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not not, אַ֕יִן (’a·yin) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle may fire אֵשׁ֙ (’êš) Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_784.htm">Strong's 784: </a> A fire come תֵּ֤צֵא (tê·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim from Abimelech מֵאֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ (mê·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name and consume וְתֹאכַ֛ל (wə·ṯō·ḵal) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat the leaders בַּעֲלֵ֥י (ba·‘ă·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> A master, a husband, owner of Shechem שְׁכֶ֖ם (šə·ḵem) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor and וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case Beth-millo, מִלּ֑וֹא (mil·lō·w) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4407.htm">Strong's 4407: </a> Millo -- a rampart, the citadel and may fire אֵ֜שׁ (’êš) Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_784.htm">Strong's 784: </a> A fire come וְתֵצֵ֨א (wə·ṯê·ṣê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim from the leaders מִבַּעֲלֵ֤י (mib·ba·‘ă·lê) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> A master, a husband, owner of Shechem שְׁכֶם֙ (šə·ḵem) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor and וּמִבֵּ֣ית (ū·mib·bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house Beth-millo מִלּ֔וֹא (mil·lō·w) Conjunctive waw, Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4407.htm">Strong's 4407: </a> Millo -- a rampart, the citadel and consume וְתֹאכַ֖ל (wə·ṯō·ḵal) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat Abimelech.” אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-20.htm">Judges 9:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/9-20.htm">Judges 9:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/9-20.htm">Judges 9:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/9-20.htm">Judges 9:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/9-20.htm">Judges 9:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-20.htm">Judges 9:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-20.htm">Judges 9:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-20.htm">Judges 9:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-20.htm">Judges 9:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/9-20.htm">Judges 9:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/9-20.htm">OT History: Judges 9:20 But if not let fire come out (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>