Judges 6:29
New International Version
They asked each other, “Who did this?” When they carefully investigated, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.”

New Living Translation
The people said to each other, “Who did this?” And after asking around and making a careful search, they learned that it was Gideon, the son of Joash.

English Standard Version
And they said to one another, “Who has done this thing?” And after they had searched and inquired, they said, “Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Who did this?” they said to one another. And after they had investigated thoroughly, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.”

Berean Literal Bible
And they said one to another, “Who has done this thing?” And they inquired and asked, and they said, “Gideon son of Joash has done this thing.”

King James Bible
And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.

New King James Version
So they said to one another, “Who has done this thing?” And when they had inquired and asked, they said, “Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.”

New American Standard Bible
So they said to one another, “Who did this thing?” And when they searched and inquired, they said, “Gideon the son of Joash did this thing.”

NASB 1995
They said to one another, “Who did this thing?” And when they searched about and inquired, they said, “Gideon the son of Joash did this thing.”

NASB 1977
And they said to one another, “Who did this thing?” And when they searched about and inquired, they said, “Gideon the son of Joash did this thing.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And they said to one another, “Who did this thing?” And when they searched about and inquired, they said, “Gideon the son of Joash did this thing.”

Amplified Bible
So they said to one another, “Who has done this thing?” When they searched about and inquired, they were told, “Gideon the son of Joash did it.”

Berean Annotated Bible
“Who did this? they said to one another. And after they had investigated thoroughly, they were told, “Gideon (hewer) son of Joash (given by the Lord) did it.

Christian Standard Bible
They said to each other, “Who did this? ” After they made a thorough investigation, they said, “Gideon son of Joash did it.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They said to each other, “Who did this?” After they made a thorough investigation, they said, “Gideon son of Joash did it.”

American Standard Version
And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.

Contemporary English Version
"Who could have done such a thing?" they asked. And they kept on asking, until finally someone told them, "Gideon the son of Joash did it."

English Revised Version
And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They asked each other, "Who did this?" While they were investigating the matter, someone said, "Gideon, son of Joash, did this."

Good News Translation
They asked each other, "Who did this?" They investigated and found out that Gideon son of Joash had done it.

International Standard Version
They asked each other, "Who did this thing?" When they looked into it and asked around, they concluded, "Joash's son Gideon did it."

NET Bible
They said to one another, "Who did this?" They investigated the matter thoroughly and concluded that Gideon son of Joash had done it.

New Heart English Bible
And they said to one another, "Who has done this thing?" When they inquired and asked, they said, "Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing."

Webster's Bible Translation
And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“Who did this?” they said to one another. And after they had investigated thoroughly, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.”

World English Bible
They said to one another, “Who has done this thing?” When they inquired and asked, they said, “Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they say to one another, “Who has done this thing?” And they inquire and seek, and they say, “Gideon son of Joash has done this thing.”

Berean Literal Bible
And they said one to another, “Who has done this thing?” And they inquired and asked, and they said, “Gideon son of Joash has done this thing.”

Young's Literal Translation
And they say one to another, 'Who hath done this thing?' and they inquire and seek, and they say, 'Gideon son of Joash hath done this thing.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will say a man to his neighbor, Who did this word? And they will enquire and search, and they will say, Gideon, son of Joash did this word.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they said one to another: Who hath done this? And when they inquired for the author of the fact, it was said: Gedeon the son of Joas did all this.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they said one to another, “Who has done this?” And when they inquired everywhere as to the author of the deed, it was said, “Gideon, the son of Joash, did all these things.”

New American Bible
They asked one another, “Who did this?” They inquired and searched until they were told, “Gideon, son of Joash, did it.”

New Revised Standard Version
So they said to one another, “Who has done this?” After searching and inquiring, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they said one to another, Who has done this thing? And when they had asked and enquired, they said, Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they were saying, each man to his neighbor: “Who did this work?” And they asked and they investigated and they were saying: “Gedun son of Yoash did this work!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they said one to another: 'Who hath done this thing?' And when they inquired and asked, they said: 'Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And a man said to his neighbour, Who has done this thing? and they enquired and searched, and learnt that Gedeon the son of Joas had done this thing.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Gideon Destroys Baal's Altar
28When the men of the city got up in the morning, there was Baal’s altar torn down, with the Asherah pole cut down beside it and the second bull offered up on the newly built altar. 29“Who did this?” they said to one another. And after they had investigated thoroughly, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.” 30Then the men of the city said to Joash, “Bring out your son. He must die, because he has torn down Baal’s altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.”…

Cross References
“Who did this?”

Joshua 22:16-18
“This is what the whole congregation of the LORD says: ‘What is this breach of faith you have committed today against the God of Israel by turning away from the LORD and building for yourselves an altar, that you might rebel against the LORD this day? / Was not the sin of Peor enough for us, from which we have not cleansed ourselves to this day? It even brought a plague upon the congregation of the LORD. / And now, would you turn away from the LORD? If you rebel today against the LORD, tomorrow He will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel.

Deuteronomy 13:14
then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you,

1 Samuel 14:43
“Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him. So Jonathan told him, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. And now I must die?”
they said to one another.

Genesis 37:19
“Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another.

Genesis 42:28
“My silver has been returned!” he said to his brothers. “It is here in my sack.” Their hearts sank, and trembling, they turned to one another and said, “What is this that God has done to us?”

Mark 11:31
They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
And after they had investigated thoroughly,

Deuteronomy 17:4
and if it is reported and you hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report is true and such an abomination has happened in Israel,

Deuteronomy 19:18
The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother,

Ezra 10:16
So the exiles did as proposed. Ezra the priest selected men who were family heads, each of them identified by name, to represent their families. On the first day of the tenth month they launched the investigation,
they were told,

1 Samuel 23:7
When Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars.”

2 Samuel 11:18
Joab sent to David a full account of the battle

Esther 2:22
When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she informed the king on Mordecai’s behalf.
“Gideon son of Joash did it.”

Joshua 7:18-21
And he had the family of Zabdi come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected. / So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” / “It is true,” Achan replied, “I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did: …

2 Samuel 12:7
Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.

1 Samuel 17:55-58
As Saul had watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” “As surely as you live, O king,” Abner replied, “I do not know.” / “Find out whose son this young man is!” said the king. / So when David returned from killing the Philistine, still holding his head in his hand, Abner took him and brought him before Saul. …
Judges 2:11-13
And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. / Thus they forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and they followed after various gods of the peoples around them. They bowed down to them and provoked the LORD to anger, / for they forsook Him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.


Treasury of Scripture

And they said one to another, Who has done this thing? And when they inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.

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Judges 6
1. The Israelites for their sin are oppressed by Midian
8. A prophet rebukes them
11. An angel sends Gideon for their deliverance
17. Gideon's present is consumed with fire
24. Gideon destroys Baal's altar; offers a sacrifice upon the altar Jehovah-shalom
28. Joash defends his son, and calls him Jerubbaal
33. Gideon's army
36. Gideon's signs












“Who did this?”

The destruction of Baal’s altar and the Asherah pole shocked the men of Ophrah because these pagan practices had become accepted within the community. Their concern likely included fear that Baal would punish the town for the insult.

Jos 22:16-18 This is what the whole congregation of the LORD says:…
Deu 13:14 then you must inquire, investigate,…
1Sa 14:43 “Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him……

they said to one another.

The matter quickly became public, drawing the townspeople together to determine who had challenged their established worship.

Gen 37:19 “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another.
Gen 42:28 “My silver has been returned!” he said to his brothers.…
Mrk 11:31 They deliberated among themselves what they should answer…

And after they had investigated thoroughly,

They treated the destruction of the shrine as a serious offense and sought reliable testimony before naming the offender.

Deu 17:4 If it is reported and you hear about it,…
Deu 19:18 The judges shall investigate thoroughly,…
Ezr 10:16 So the exiles did as proposed. Ezra the priest…

they were told,

Someone with knowledge of the events identified the one responsible.

1Sa 23:7 When Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah,…
2Sa 11:18 Joab sent to David a full account of the battle
Est 2:22 When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it……

“Gideon son of Joash did it.”

Gideon’s actions exposed the idolatry present even in his own household. By obeying God’s command, he openly began the work to which he had been called: turning Israel from Baal and leading them toward deliverance from Midian.

Jos 7:18-21 And he had the family of Zabdi come forward man by man,…
2Sa 12:7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man!…
1Sa 17:55-58 As Saul had watched David going out to confront…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gideon
A judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Known for his initial hesitance and later faithfulness.

2. Joash
Gideon's father, who owned the altar to Baal that Gideon destroyed. His reaction to Gideon's actions is significant in the account.

3. The Israelites
The people of God, who were oppressed by the Midianites due to their disobedience and idolatry.

4. The Altar of Baal
A symbol of Israel's idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. Its destruction by Gideon marks a turning point in Israel's return to God.

5. The Midianites
Oppressors of Israel, used by God as a means of discipline for Israel's idolatry and disobedience.
Teaching Points
Courage in Obedience
Gideon's actions remind us that obeying God often requires courage, especially when it goes against cultural norms or family expectations.

The Importance of Investigating Truth
The Israelites' investigation into the destruction of the altar shows the importance of seeking truth and understanding the reasons behind actions.

God's Use of Imperfect People
Gideon was initially hesitant and fearful, yet God used him mightily. This encourages us that God can use us despite our weaknesses.

Confronting Idolatry
Just as Gideon confronted the physical idols of his time, we are called to confront and remove any idols in our lives, whether they be material, relational, or ideological.

Faith in Action
Gideon's account is a testament to putting faith into action, trusting that God will provide strength and guidance when we step out in faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Judges 6:29?

2. How can we identify and remove modern-day "idols" in our lives today?

3. What does Gideon's courage teach us about trusting God's calling?

4. How does Judges 6:29 connect to the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3?

5. In what ways can we stand firm in faith against societal pressures?

6. How can we encourage others to recognize God's work in their lives?

7. Why did the townspeople suspect Gideon in Judges 6:29?

8. How does Judges 6:29 reflect on divine intervention in human affairs?

9. What does Judges 6:29 reveal about the Israelites' spiritual state?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 6?


(29) They said.--We are not told that Gideon's servants betrayed his secret, but suspicion would naturally fall on so brave and prominent a worshipper of Jehovah as Gideon was; and it is rarely that actions which require so much effort and so many coadjutors can be kept secret. Gideon had proved himself to be what his name signifies--"a hewer." A man so brave and so patriotic must have stood almost alone among a cringing and apostate people.

Verse 29. - They said, Gideon hath, etc. No doubt one of the ten servants (ver. 27) employed by him had spoken about it.

Judges 6:29 captures the moment when quiet obedience becomes public controversy. The villagers’ question, their collective investigation, and the unveiling of Gideon’s identity reveal key truths: God provokes accountability, exposes hidden deeds, and positions His servants for greater battles. Gideon’s bold act of tearing down idolatry sets the stage for deliverance, reminding us that faith lived out in private will eventually testify loudly to the world.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Who
מִ֥י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

did
עָשָׂ֖ה (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

this?”
הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

they said
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

one
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

another.
רֵעֵ֔הוּ (rê·‘ê·hū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

And after they had investigated thoroughly,
וַֽיִּדְרְשׁוּ֙ (way·yiḏ·rə·šū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship

they were told,
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Gideon
גִּדְעוֹן֙ (giḏ·‘ō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1439: Gideon -- a judge of Israel

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Joash
יוֹאָ֔שׁ (yō·w·’āš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3101: Joash

did
עָשָׂ֖ה (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

it.”
הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that


Additonal Resources
Judges 6:29 Blue Letter Bible
Judges 6:29 Bible Gateway
Judges 6:29 Bible.com

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OT History: Judges 6:29 They said one to another Who has (Jd Judg. Jdg)

Judges 6:28
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