Judges 3:20
New International Version
Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the upper room of his palace and said, “I have a message from God for you.” As the king rose from his seat,

New Living Translation
Ehud walked over to Eglon, who was sitting alone in a cool upstairs room. And Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you!” As King Eglon rose from his seat,

English Standard Version
And Ehud came to him as he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber. And Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” And he arose from his seat.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in the coolness of his upper room. “I have a word from God for you,” Ehud said, and the king rose from his seat.

King James Bible
And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.

New King James Version
So Ehud came to him (now he was sitting upstairs in his cool private chamber). Then Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” So he arose from his seat.

New American Standard Bible
Then Ehud came to him while he was sitting in his cool roof chamber alone. And Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” And he got up from his seat.

NASB 1995
Ehud came to him while he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber. And Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” And he arose from his seat.

NASB 1977
And Ehud came to him while he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber. And Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” And he arose from his seat.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Ehud came to him while he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber. And Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” And he arose from his seat.

Amplified Bible
Ehud came to him as he was sitting alone in his [private] cool upper chamber, and Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” And the king got up from his seat.

Christian Standard Bible
Then Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in his upstairs room where it was cool. Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you,” and the king stood up from his throne.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in his room upstairs where it was cool. Ehud said, “I have a word from God for you,” and the king stood up from his throne.

American Standard Version
And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting by himself alone in the cool upper room. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.

English Revised Version
And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting by himself alone in his summer parlour. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Ehud came up to him as he sat alone in his room on the roof. He said to the king, "I have a message from God for you." As the king rose from his throne,

Good News Translation
Then, as the king was sitting there alone in his cool room on the roof, Ehud went over to him and said, "I have a message from God for you." The king stood up.

International Standard Version
Ehud approached him while he was sitting by himself in the cool roof chamber of his palace. He said, "I have a message from God for you!" So when Eglon got up from his seat,

Majority Standard Bible
Then Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in the coolness of his upper room. ?I have a word from God for you,? Ehud said, and the king rose from his seat.

NET Bible
When Ehud approached him, he was sitting in his well-ventilated upper room all by himself. Ehud said, "I have a message from God for you." When Eglon rose up from his seat,

New Heart English Bible
Ehud came to him; and he was sitting by himself alone in the cool upper room. Ehud said, "I have a message from God to you, O king." He arose out of his seat.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Ehud came to him; and he was sitting in a summer-parlor, which he had for himself alone: and Ehud said, I have a message from God to thee. And he arose from his seat.

World English Bible
Ehud came to him; and he was sitting by himself alone in the cool upper room. Ehud said, “I have a message from God to you.” He arose out of his seat.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Ehud has come to him, and he is sitting in the cool upper chamber which he has for himself, and Ehud says, “I have a word of God for you”; and he rises from off the throne;

Young's Literal Translation
And Ehud hath come unto him, and he is sitting in the upper chamber of the wall which he hath for himself, and Ehud saith, 'A word of God I have unto thee;' and he riseth from off the throne;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Ehud came to him; and he sat in an upper chamber of cooling, which was to him alone: and Ehud will say, A word of God to me for thee. And he will rise from off the throne.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Aod went in to him: now he was sitting in a summer parlour alone, and he said: I have a word from God to thee. And he forthwith rose up from his throne,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Ehud entered to him. Now he was sitting alone in a summer upper room. And he said, “I have a word from God to you.” And immediately he rose up from his throne.

New American Bible
Ehud went in to him where he sat alone in his cool upper room. Ehud said, “I have a word from God for you.” So the king rose from his throne.

New Revised Standard Version
Ehud came to him, while he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber, and said, “I have a message from God for you.” So he rose from his seat.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Ehur came to him; and he was sitting alone in the upper room which was made for him. And Ehur said to him, I have a message from God to impart to you. So Eglon arose from his seat.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Ehor came to him, and he was sitting in an upper room alone that was built for him, and Ehor said to him: “I have the word of God that he speaks to you”, and Eglun stood up from his throne
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting by himself alone in his cool upper chamber. And Ehud said: 'I have a message from God unto thee.' And he arose out of his seat.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Aod went in to him; and he sat in his own upper summer chamber quite alone; and Aod said, I have a message from God to thee, O king: and Eglom rose up from his throne near him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ehud
19But upon reaching the idols near Gilgal, he himself turned back and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” “Silence,” said the king, and all his attendants left him. 20Then Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in the coolness of his upper room. “I have a word from God for you,” Ehud said, and the king rose from his seat. 21And Ehud reached with his left hand, pulled the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 15:16-23
“Stop!” exclaimed Samuel. “Let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night.” “Tell me,” Saul replied. / And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel / and sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and devote to destruction the sinful Amalekites. Fight against them until you have wiped them out.’ ...

2 Samuel 12:1-7
Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. / The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, / but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. ...

1 Kings 18:21-40
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. / Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. / Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. ...

2 Kings 9:6-10
So Jehu got up and went into the house, where the young prophet poured the oil on his head and declared, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel. / And you are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD shed by the hand of Jezebel. / The whole house of Ahab will perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, both slave and free, in Israel. ...

2 Chronicles 18:12-27
Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.” / But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever my God tells me.” / When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up and triumph,” Micaiah replied, “for they will be delivered into your hand.” ...

Isaiah 6:1-8
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ...

Jeremiah 1:4-10
The word of the LORD came to me, saying: / “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” / “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” ...

Ezekiel 2:1-7
“Son of man,” He said to me, “stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” / And as He spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet, and I heard Him speaking to me. / “Son of man,” He said to me, “I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me. To this very day they and their fathers have rebelled against Me. ...

Daniel 5:17-28
In response, Daniel said to the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and interpret it for him. / As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor. / Because of the greatness that He bestowed on him, the people of every nation and language trembled in fear before him. He killed whom he wished and kept alive whom he wished; he exalted whom he wished and humbled whom he wished. ...

Jonah 3:1-4
Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: / “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message that I give you.” / This time Jonah got up and went to Nineveh, in accordance with the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, requiring a three-day journey. ...

Matthew 10:16-20
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. / But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. / On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. ...

Matthew 14:3-12
Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, / because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” / Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet. ...

Mark 6:17-29
For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married. / For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” / So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable, ...

Luke 3:19-20
But when he rebuked Herod the tetrarch regarding his brother’s wife Herodias and all the evils he had done, / Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

Luke 12:11-12
When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. / For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Ehud came to him; and he was sitting in a summer parlor, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God to you. And he arose out of his seat.

a summer parlour.

Amos 3:15
And I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the LORD.

I have

Judges 3:19
But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.

2 Samuel 12:1
And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.

2 Samuel 24:12
Go and say unto David, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.

he arose

Psalm 29:1
A Psalm of David. Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

Jeremiah 10:7
Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.

Jump to Previous
Alone Approached Chamber Cool Ehud Message Palace Parlor Riseth Roof Room Seat Seated Sitting Summer Summer-House Throne Upper Wall Word
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Alone Approached Chamber Cool Ehud Message Palace Parlor Riseth Roof Room Seat Seated Sitting Summer Summer-House Throne Upper Wall Word
Judges 3
1. The nations which were left to prove Israel
5. By communion with them they commit idolatry
8. Othniel delivered them from Chushan-Rishathaim
12. Ehud from Eglon
31. and Shamgar from the Philistines














Then Ehud approached him
Ehud, the left-handed judge of Israel, is a central figure in this narrative. His approach signifies a bold and divinely orchestrated mission. The Hebrew root for "approached" (נָגַשׁ, nagash) often implies drawing near with purpose or intent, suggesting Ehud's courage and determination. This moment is pivotal, as it marks the transition from oppression to deliverance for Israel. Ehud's approach is not just physical but also spiritual, as he is on a mission ordained by God.

while he was sitting alone
The phrase "sitting alone" indicates a moment of vulnerability for King Eglon. In ancient Near Eastern culture, privacy was a rare luxury for a king, suggesting that Ehud's plan was meticulously crafted. The Hebrew word for "alone" (בָּדָד, badad) can also imply isolation, which in this context, underscores the king's unawareness of the impending judgment. This setting is crucial for Ehud's success, as it allows him to confront the king without interference.

in the cool upper room
The "cool upper room" refers to a private chamber, likely on the roof of the palace, designed to provide relief from the heat. Archaeological findings suggest that such rooms were common in ancient palaces, serving as places of rest and retreat. The Hebrew term for "cool" (מְקֵרָה, mekerah) implies a refreshing environment, which contrasts with the impending act of judgment. This setting highlights the deceptive peace before the storm of divine justice.

and said, 'I have a message from God for you.'
Ehud's declaration, "I have a message from God," is both a literal and prophetic statement. The Hebrew word for "message" (דָּבָר, dabar) can mean word, matter, or thing, emphasizing the weight and authority of what is to follow. Ehud's words are a divine pronouncement, reflecting the biblical theme that God communicates His will through chosen individuals. This moment underscores the sovereignty of God in delivering His people and executing justice.

As the king rose from his seat
The king's action of rising signifies respect and anticipation for a divine message. In the ancient world, standing was a sign of reverence, especially when receiving a word from a deity. The Hebrew root for "rose" (קוּם, qum) often implies rising to action or attention, which in this context, foreshadows the king's imminent downfall. This act of rising is ironically the king's last, as it leads to his demise, illustrating the sudden and inescapable nature of divine judgment.

(20) Ehud came unto him.--The previous message had either been spoken at some distance, in a loud voice, or had been merely a message sent to the king by the attendants.

In a summer parlour.--Literally, a parlour of cooling (comp. Amos 3:15). The room is one of the kind known in the East as alijah (Greek, huper?on; Mark 14:15), the coolest part of an Eastern house. Obergemache der Khlung (De Wette). Sommer-laube (Luther). The expression reminds us that the scene of the incident is placed in the Ghor--the Jordan valley, which lies nearly a thousand feet below the level of the Mediterranean, and is probably the hottest district in the world. Eglon had retired into this room after the public reception of the present, and Ehud had anticipated this as part of his deeply-laid design.

Which he had for himself alone.--Rather, "in his solitude." The words merely mean (as in the LXX. and Vulg.) that he was sitting alone.

I have a message from God unto thee.--Josephus makes him say that he had a dream to impart to Eglon, by command of God. The whole narrative implies that Ehud was, to some extent, an honoured person even among the Moabites. Probably he was reckoned as a prophet. In the East sacred claims are readily conceded, even to enemies. The Mohammedans received St. Francis of Assisi with entire respect.

He arose out of his seat.--Probably out of reverence, to receive the Divine message, which would naturally be delivered in low and reverent tones. "He rose from his throne (and came) near him" (LXX.). Josephus says that he "leaped out of his throne for joy of the dream." Thus Cimber pressed close upon Caesar (Plut. C?s. 86), and Cleander upon Parmenio (Curt. 72, 27) (Cassel).

Verse 20. - For himself alone. It seems to have been Eglon's habit to sit quite alone in this summer parlour for coolness sake, his attendants waiting in the adjoining antechamber. On this occasion he appears to have dismissed them from the antechamber, for greater privacy, while Ehud spake to him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Ehud
וְאֵה֣וּד ׀ (wə·’ê·hūḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 164: Ehud -- the name of several Israelites

approached
בָּ֣א (bā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

him while he
וְהֽוּא־ (wə·hū-)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

was sitting
יֹ֠שֵׁב (yō·šêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

alone
לְבַדּ֔וֹ (lə·ḇad·dōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 905: Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of

in the coolness of
הַמְּקֵרָ֤ה (ham·mə·qê·rāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4747: A cooling off

his upper room.
בַּעֲלִיַּ֨ת (ba·‘ă·lî·yaṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5944: Something lofty, a stair-way, a second-story room, the sky

“I have a word
דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

from God
אֱלֹהִ֥ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

for you,”
אֵלֶ֑יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Ehud
אֵה֔וּד (’ê·hūḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 164: Ehud -- the name of several Israelites

said,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

and the king rose
וַיָּ֖קָם (way·yā·qām)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

from
מֵעַ֥ל (mê·‘al)
Preposition-m
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

[his] seat.
הַכִּסֵּֽא׃ (hak·kis·sê)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3678: Seat of honor, throne


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OT History: Judges 3:20 Ehud came to him (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 3:19
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