Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Turning to Jether, his oldest son, he said, “Kill them!” But Jether did not draw his sword, because he was only a boy and was afraid. New Living Translation Turning to Jether, his oldest son, he said, “Kill them!” But Jether did not draw his sword, for he was only a boy and was afraid. English Standard Version So he said to Jether his firstborn, “Rise and kill them!” But the young man did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, because he was still a young man. Berean Standard Bible So he said to Jether, his firstborn, “Get up and kill them.” But the young man did not draw his sword; he was fearful because he was still a youth. King James Bible And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth. New King James Version And he said to Jether his firstborn, “Rise, kill them!” But the youth would not draw his sword; for he was afraid, because he was still a youth. New American Standard Bible So he said to Jether his firstborn, “Rise, kill them.” But the youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, because he was still a youth. NASB 1995 So he said to Jether his firstborn, “Rise, kill them.” But the youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, because he was still a youth. NASB 1977 So he said to Jether his first-born, “Rise, kill them.” But the youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, because he was still a youth. Legacy Standard Bible So he said to Jether his firstborn, “Rise, kill them.” But the youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid because he was still a youth. Amplified Bible So [to humiliate them] Gideon said to Jether his firstborn, “Stand up, and kill them!” But the youth did not draw his sword, because he was afraid, for he was still [just] a boy. Christian Standard Bible Then he said to Jether, his firstborn, “Get up and kill them.” The youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid because he was still a youth. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then he said to Jether, his firstborn, “Get up and kill them.” The youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid because he was still a youth. American Standard Version And he said unto Jether his first-born, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword; for he feared, because he was yet a youth. Contemporary English Version Gideon turned to Jether, his oldest son. "Kill them!" Gideon said. But Jether was young, and he was too afraid to even pull out his sword. English Revised Version And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then he told Jether, his firstborn son, "Get up and kill them!" But Jether didn't draw his sword. He was afraid because he was only a young man. Good News Translation Then he said to Jether, his oldest son, "Go ahead, kill them!" But the boy did not draw his sword. He hesitated, because he was still only a boy. International Standard Version Then he told his firstborn son Jether, "Get up and kill them!" But he was afraid, since he was still only a youngster. Majority Standard Bible So he said to Jether, his firstborn, ?Get up and kill them.? But the young man did not draw his sword; he was fearful because he was still a youth. NET Bible He ordered Jether his firstborn son, "Come on! Kill them!" But Jether was too afraid to draw his sword, because he was still young. New Heart English Bible He said to Jether his firstborn, "Get up, and kill them." But the youth did not draw his sword; for he feared, because he was yet a youth. Webster's Bible Translation And he said to Jether his first-born, Arise, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth. World English Bible He said to Jether his firstborn, “Get up and kill them!” But the youth didn’t draw his sword; for he was afraid, because he was yet a youth. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says to his firstborn Jether, “Rise, slay them”; and the young man has not drawn his sword, for he has been afraid, for he [is] yet a youth. Young's Literal Translation And he saith to Jether his first-born, 'Rise, slay them;' and the young man hath not drawn his sword, for he hath been afraid, for he is yet a youth. Smith's Literal Translation And he will say to Jether his first-born, Arise, kill them. But the youth drew not his sword, for he was afraid, because he was yet a youth. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said to Jether his eldest son: Arise, and slay them. But he drew not his sword: for he was afraid, being but yet a boy. Catholic Public Domain Version And he said to Jether, his firstborn son, “Rise up, and put them to death.” But he did not draw his sword. For he was afraid, being still a boy. New American Bible Then he said to his firstborn, Jether, “Go, kill them.” But the boy did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, for he was still a boy. New Revised Standard Version So he said to Jether his firstborn, “Go kill them!” But the boy did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, because he was still a boy. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to Jether his firstborn, Arise and slay them. But the youth did not draw his sword; for he was afraid, because he was still a youth. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said to Yathar, his firstborn: “Arise, kill them!” And the boy did not draw his sword because he was afraid, for he was still a boy OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said unto Jether his first-born: 'Up, and slay them.' But the youth drew not his sword; for he feared, because he was yet a youth. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he said to Jether his first-born, Rise and slay them; but the lad drew not his sword, for he was afraid, for he was yet very young. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna…19“They were my brothers,” Gideon replied, “the sons of my mother! As surely as the LORD lives, if you had let them live, I would not kill you.” 20So he said to Jether, his firstborn, “Get up and kill them.” But the young man did not draw his sword; he was fearful because he was still a youth. 21Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels.… Cross References 1 Samuel 15:33 But Samuel declared: “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal. 1 Kings 2:25 So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died. 1 Kings 2:34 So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness. 1 Kings 2:46 Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon. 2 Samuel 1:15-16 Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” 2 Samuel 4:12 So David commanded his young men, and they killed Rechab and Baanah. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies by the pool in Hebron, but they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in Abner’s tomb in Hebron. 1 Samuel 17:51 David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. 1 Samuel 31:4-5 Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. / When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him. 2 Kings 11:15-16 And Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.” / So they seized Athaliah as she reached the horses’ entrance to the palace grounds, and there she was put to death. 2 Kings 9:24 Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot. Matthew 14:8-10 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” / The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted / and sent to have John beheaded in the prison. Mark 6:27-28 So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. / The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother. Acts 12:2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. Revelation 6:9-11 And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld. / And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?” / Then each of them was given a white robe and told to rest a little while longer until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers, were killed, just as they had been killed. Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Treasury of Scripture And he said to Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth. Joshua 10:24 And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. 1 Samuel 15:33 And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal. Psalm 149:9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD. Jump to Previous Afraid Arise Boy Death Draw Drawn Drew Jether Kill Oldest Rise Slay Sword Turning Young YouthJump to Next Afraid Arise Boy Death Draw Drawn Drew Jether Kill Oldest Rise Slay Sword Turning Young YouthJudges 8 1. Gideon pacifies the Ephraimites4. Succoth and Penuel refuse to deliver Gideon's army 10. Zebah and Zalmunna are taken 13. Succoth and Penuel are destroyed 17. Gideon revenges his brothers's death on Zebah and Zalmunna 22. He refuses government 24. His ephod the cause of idolatry 28. Midian subdued 29. Gideon's children, and death 33. The Israelites' idolatry and ingratitude So he said to Jether, his firstborn, “Get up and kill them.” Gideon, the judge of Israel, addresses his eldest son, Jether, in this passage. The context is the aftermath of a significant victory over the Midianites, where Gideon is dealing with the captured kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. In ancient Near Eastern culture, it was common for a leader to involve his son in acts of justice or vengeance to establish his role and authority. The act of killing these kings would have been a rite of passage for Jether, signifying his transition into manhood and warrior status. This moment also reflects the harsh realities of the time, where familial honor and the continuation of leadership were often demonstrated through acts of retribution. But the young man did not draw his sword; he was fearful because he was still a youth. Persons / Places / Events 1. GideonA judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. He is a central figure in this account, demonstrating both faith and human frailty. 2. Jether Gideon's firstborn son, who is called upon by his father to execute the Midianite kings. His hesitation highlights themes of fear and maturity. 3. Zebah and Zalmunna The Midianite kings captured by Gideon. Their execution is a significant event in the account, symbolizing the defeat of Israel's enemies. 4. Ophrah The hometown of Gideon, where he initially encountered the angel of the Lord. It serves as a backdrop for Gideon's rise and actions. 5. Midianites A nomadic people who oppressed Israel for seven years. Their defeat under Gideon's leadership is a pivotal moment in Israel's history. Teaching Points Courage in ObedienceJether's hesitation reminds us that courage is essential in fulfilling God's commands. We must rely on God's strength rather than our own. The Role of Youth Youth is not a barrier to serving God. Like David, young people can accomplish great things through faith and reliance on God. Parental Influence Gideon's request to Jether highlights the influence parents have on their children's spiritual and moral development. Parents should guide their children in faith and courage. Fear and Faith Fear is a natural human emotion, but it should not paralyze us. Faith in God can help us overcome fear and act according to His will. God's Sovereignty in Leadership Gideon's leadership, despite his flaws, shows that God can use imperfect people to achieve His purposes. We should trust in God's sovereignty in our lives.(20) And he said unto Jether.--By the jus talionis. as well as by every other consideration of that time, Gideon, as the last survivor of all his kingly brothers, would hold himself justified in putting his captives to death. Jether also would inherit the duties of goel (Numbers 35:12; 2Samuel 2:22, &c), and Gideon desired both to train the boy to fearlessness against the enemies of Israel (Joshua 10:24-25). to give him prestige, and to add to the disgrace of the Midianite kings. Again. Gideon must only be judged by the standard and the customs of his own day. (Comp. 1Samuel 15:33, Samuel and Agag; 2Samuel 1:15, David and the Amalekite.) The name Jether is another form of Jethro and means "pre-eminence."Verse 20. - He said unto Jether, etc. These marks of savage life are painful to contemplate in such a man as Gideon. But it is well for us to be made aware how the best and greatest men cannot rise above the manners and received maxims of their age; and it teaches us to make due allowance for the faults of uncivilised men with whom we have to do, whether Afghans, or Zulus, or others. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So he saidוַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to Jether, לְיֶ֣תֶר (lə·ye·ṯer) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3500: Jether -- Moses' father-in-law, also the name of several Israelites his firstborn, בְּכוֹר֔וֹ (bə·ḵō·w·rōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1060: Firstborn, chief “Get up ק֖וּם (qūm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand and kill them.” הֲרֹ֣ג (hă·rōḡ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent But the young man הַנַּ֤עַר (han·na·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer did not וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no draw שָׁלַ֨ף (šā·lap̄) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8025: To pull out, up, off his sword; חַרְבּוֹ֙ (ḥar·bōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword he was fearful יָרֵ֔א (yā·rê) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten because כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction he was still עוֹדֶ֖נּוּ (‘ō·w·ḏen·nū) Adverb | third person masculine singular Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more a youth. נָֽעַר׃ (nā·‘ar) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer Links Judges 8:20 NIVJudges 8:20 NLT Judges 8:20 ESV Judges 8:20 NASB Judges 8:20 KJV Judges 8:20 BibleApps.com Judges 8:20 Biblia Paralela Judges 8:20 Chinese Bible Judges 8:20 French Bible Judges 8:20 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 8:20 He said to Jether his firstborn Up (Jd Judg. 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