Judges 5:19
New International Version
“Kings came, they fought, the kings of Canaan fought. At Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo, they took no plunder of silver.

New Living Translation
“The kings of Canaan came and fought, at Taanach near Megiddo’s springs, but they carried off no silver treasures.

English Standard Version
“The kings came, they fought; then fought the kings of Canaan, at Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; they got no spoils of silver.

Berean Standard Bible
Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they took no plunder of silver.

King James Bible
The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.

New King James Version
“The kings came and fought, Then the kings of Canaan fought In Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; They took no spoils of silver.

New American Standard Bible
“The kings came and fought; Then the kings of Canaan fought At Taanach near the waters of Megiddo; They took no plunder in silver.

NASB 1995
“The kings came and fought; Then fought the kings of Canaan At Taanach near the waters of Megiddo; They took no plunder in silver.

NASB 1977
“The kings came and fought; Then fought the kings of Canaan At Taanach near the waters of Megiddo; They took no plunder in silver.

Legacy Standard Bible
“The kings came and fought; Then fought the kings of Canaan At Taanach near the waters of Megiddo; They took no gain of silver.

Amplified Bible
“The kings came and fought; Then the kings of Canaan fought At Taanach by the waters of Megiddo. Spoils of silver they did not obtain.

Christian Standard Bible
Kings came and fought. Then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the Waters of Megiddo, but they did not plunder the silver.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Kings came and fought. Then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they took no spoil of silver.

American Standard Version
The kings came and fought; Then fought the kings of Canaan. In Taanach by the waters of Megiddo: They took no gain of money.

Contemporary English Version
Canaanite kings fought us at Taanach by the stream near Megiddo--but they couldn't rob us of our silver.

English Revised Version
The kings came and fought; then fought the kings of Canaan; in Taanach by the waters of Meggido: they took no gain of money.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Kings came and fought. Then the kings of Canaan fought. They fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo. But they didn't carry off any rich loot.

Good News Translation
At Taanach, by the stream of Megiddo, the kings came and fought; the kings of Canaan fought, but they took no silver away.

International Standard Version
"Kings came to fight, then battled the kings of Canaan at Taanach near the waters of Megiddo. They took no silver as the spoils of war.

Majority Standard Bible
Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they took no plunder of silver.

NET Bible
Kings came, they fought; the kings of Canaan fought, at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they took no silver as plunder.

New Heart English Bible
The kings came and fought, then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo. They took no plunder of silver.

Webster's Bible Translation
The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Tanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.

World English Bible
“The kings came and fought, then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo. They took no plunder of silver.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Kings came—they fought; Then kings of Canaan fought, "" In Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; They did not take gain of money!

Young's Literal Translation
Kings came -- they fought; Then fought kings of Canaan, In Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; Gain of money they took not!

Smith's Literal Translation
Kings came: they fought: Then fought the kings of Canaan, Tanach, upon the water of Megiddo: Plunder of silver took they not.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The kings came and fought, the kings of Chanaan fought in Thanach by the waters of Mageddo, and yet they took no spoils.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The kings came and fought; the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach, beside the waters of Megiddo. And yet they took no spoils.

New American Bible
The kings came and fought; then they fought, those kings of Canaan, At Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; no spoil of silver did they take.

New Revised Standard Version
“The kings came, they fought; then fought the kings of Canaan, at Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; they got no spoils of silver.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The kings came and fought; then fought the kings of Canaan; they fought in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no goods nor money.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Kings came and they fought and then were gathered the Kings of Canaan in Tanak; they gathered by the waters of Magdo; possessions and money they did not take
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The kings came, they fought; Then fought the kings of Canaan, In Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; They took no gain of money.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Kings set themselves in array, then the kings of Chanaan fought in Thanaach at the water of Mageddo; they took no gift of money.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Song of Deborah and Barak
18Zebulun was a people who risked their lives; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the battlefield. 19Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they took no plunder of silver. 20From the heavens the stars fought; from their courses they fought against Sisera.…

Cross References
Revelation 16:14-16
These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. / “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.” / And they assembled the kings in the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

Psalm 83:9-10
Do to them as You did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon, / who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground.

1 Samuel 12:9-11
But they forgot the LORD their God, and He sold them into the hand of Sisera the commander of the army of Hazor, and into the hands of the Philistines and the king of Moab, who fought against them. / Then they cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and Ashtoreths. Now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, that we may serve You.’ / So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely.

Joshua 10:12-14
On the day that the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” / So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? “So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.” / There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel.

2 Kings 23:29
During Josiah’s reign, Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt marched up to help the king of Assyria at the Euphrates River. King Josiah went out to confront him, but Neco faced him and killed him at Megiddo.

Isaiah 9:4
For as in the day of Midian You have shattered the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.

Isaiah 10:26
And the LORD of Hosts will brandish a whip against them, as when He struck Midian at the rock of Oreb. He will raise His staff over the sea, as He did in Egypt.

Psalm 68:12
“Kings and their armies flee in haste; she who waits at home divides the plunder.

2 Chronicles 35:20-24
After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Neco king of Egypt marched up to fight at Carchemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to confront him. / But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah? I have not come against you today, but I am fighting another dynasty, and God has told me to hurry. So stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!” / Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo. ...

Isaiah 41:11-12
Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing.

Isaiah 49:25-26
Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away, and the plunder of the tyrant will be retrieved; I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children. / I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”

Jeremiah 46:2
concerning Egypt and the army of Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt, which was defeated at Carchemish on the Euphrates River by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah:

Jeremiah 46:10
For that day belongs to the Lord GOD of Hosts, a day of vengeance against His foes. The sword will devour until it is satisfied, until it is quenched with their blood. For the Lord GOD of Hosts will hold a sacrifice in the land of the north by the River Euphrates.

Zechariah 14:2-3
For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city. / Then the LORD will go out to fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle.

Exodus 15:9-10
The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’ / But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.


Treasury of Scripture

The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.

kings

Joshua 10:22-27
Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave…

Joshua 11:1
And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,

Psalm 48:4-6
For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together…

Taanach

Judges 1:27
Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

1 Kings 4:12
Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:

they took

Judges 5:30
Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil?

Genesis 14:22
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

Genesis 4:16
And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

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Judges 5
1. The Song of Deborah and Barak














Kings came, they fought
This phrase sets the stage for a historical recounting of a battle. The Hebrew word for "kings" is "מְלָכִים" (melachim), indicating rulers or leaders of nations. In the context of ancient Israel, kings often led their people into battle, symbolizing authority and responsibility. The word "fought" comes from the Hebrew "נִלְחָמוּ" (nilchamu), which implies engaging in warfare or conflict. This reflects the constant state of warfare in the ancient Near East, where territorial disputes and power struggles were common. The phrase emphasizes the reality of human conflict and the need for divine intervention.

then the kings of Canaan fought
The repetition of "kings" underscores the formidable opposition faced by Israel. "Canaan" refers to the land and its inhabitants, who were often adversaries of the Israelites. The Canaanites were known for their fortified cities and advanced military tactics. This historical context highlights the daunting challenge before Israel, emphasizing the miraculous nature of their victory. The phrase serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles believers face, where the forces of the world often seem overwhelming.

at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo
"Taanach" and "Megiddo" are significant archaeological sites in the Jezreel Valley, known for their strategic military importance. "Taanach" (תַּעְנַךְ) was a Canaanite city, and "Megiddo" (מְגִדּוֹ) is famously associated with future prophetic battles (Revelation 16:16). The "waters of Megiddo" likely refer to the Kishon River, which played a role in the battle's outcome. This geographical detail roots the narrative in a real, historical setting, reminding readers of God's sovereignty over time and space.

they took no plunder of silver
The phrase "took no plunder" suggests that the victory was not motivated by material gain. In ancient warfare, plundering was common, as victors would seize wealth and resources. The absence of "silver" (כֶּסֶף, keseph) as plunder indicates a divine purpose behind the battle, rather than human greed. This detail highlights the purity of Israel's cause and serves as a metaphor for spiritual victories, where the focus is on God's glory rather than earthly rewards. It encourages believers to pursue righteousness and trust in God's provision.

(19) The kings.--Comp. Joshua 11:1. Jabin did not stand alone.

In Taanach.--See Judges 1:27. The word means "sandy soil."

By the waters of Megiddo.--The affluents of the Kishon, or the swollen waves of the river itself. There is a copious spring at Lejj-n, the ancient Megiddo, which in rainy seasons rapidly turns the plain into a morass (Thomson's Land and Book. ch. 29).

They took no gain of money.--Literally, fragment of silver they did not take. They had doubtless hoped, if not for much actual spoil, at least for ransom from the numerous captives which they expected to win, or from the gain derived by selling them into slavery.

Verse 19. - The kings came and fought (cf. Joshua 11:1, 2, 5). They took no gain of money. These words may mean,

(1) they did not stop to plunder, they were intent only upon slaughter; or,

(2) they took no ransom for their enemies' lives; or,

(3) they got nothing by their fighting, for they were all killed themselves.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Kings
מְלָכִים֙ (mə·lā·ḵîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4428: A king

came
בָּ֤אוּ (bā·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and fought;
נִלְחָ֔מוּ (nil·ḥā·mū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

then
אָ֤ז (’āz)
Adverb
Strong's 227: At that time, place, therefore

the kings
מַלְכֵ֣י (mal·ḵê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Canaan
כְנַ֔עַן (ḵə·na·‘an)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3667: Canaan -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their land West of the Jordan

fought
נִלְחֲמוּ֙ (nil·ḥă·mū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

at Taanach
בְּתַעְנַ֖ךְ (bə·ṯa‘·naḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8590: Taanach -- a Canaanite city assigned to Manasseh

by
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the waters
מֵ֣י (mê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

of Megiddo,
מְגִדּ֑וֹ (mə·ḡid·dōw)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4023: Megiddo -- a tower

but they took
לָקָֽחוּ׃ (lā·qā·ḥū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3947: To take

no
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

plunder
בֶּ֥צַע (be·ṣa‘)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1215: Gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit

of silver.
כֶּ֖סֶף (ke·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money


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OT History: Judges 5:19 The kings came and fought then (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 5:18
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