Judges 8:21
New International Version
Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Come, do it yourself. ‘As is the man, so is his strength.’” So Gideon stepped forward and killed them, and took the ornaments off their camels’ necks.

New Living Translation
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said to Gideon, “Be a man! Kill us yourself!” So Gideon killed them both and took the royal ornaments from the necks of their camels.

English Standard Version
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise yourself and fall upon us, for as the man is, so is his strength.” And Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments that were on the necks of their camels.

Berean Standard Bible
Then 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.

King James Bible
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks.

New King James Version
So Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise yourself, and kill us; for as a man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent ornaments that were on their camels’ necks.

New American Standard Bible
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise up yourself, and attack us; for as the man, so is his strength.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent amulets which were on their camels’ necks.

NASB 1995
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise up yourself, and fall on us; for as the man, so is his strength.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent ornaments which were on their camels’ necks.

NASB 1977
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise up yourself, and fall on us; for as the man, so is his strength.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent ornaments which were on their camels’ necks.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise up yourself, and smite us; for as the man, so is his might.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna and took the crescent ornaments which were on their camels’ necks.

Amplified Bible
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise up yourself and strike us; for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent amulets that were on their camels’ necks.

Christian Standard Bible
Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and strike us down yourself, for a man is judged by his strength.” So Gideon got up, killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent ornaments that were on the necks of their camels.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for a man is judged by his strength.” So Gideon got up, killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent ornaments that were on the necks of their camels.

American Standard Version
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us; for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels' necks.

Contemporary English Version
"What's the matter, Gideon?" Zebah and Zalmunna asked. "Do it yourself, if you're not too much of a coward!" Gideon jumped up and killed them both. Then he took the gold ornaments from the necks of their camels.

English Revised Version
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels' necks.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Zebah and Zalmunna said, "Get up and do it yourself! It's a man's job!" So Gideon got up and killed them. Then he took the half-moon ornaments that were on their camels' necks.

Good News Translation
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said to Gideon, "Come on, kill us yourself. It takes a man to do a man's job." So Gideon killed them and took the ornaments that were on the necks of their camels.

International Standard Version
Then Zebah and Zalmunna responded, "Get up and attack us yourself, since a man's valor is only as good as the man himself." So Gideon got up, killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the crescent-shaped necklaces that adorned the necks of their camels.

Majority Standard Bible
Then 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.

NET Bible
Zebah and Zalmunna said to Gideon, "Come on, you strike us, for a man is judged by his strength." So Gideon killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent-shaped ornaments which were on the necks of their camels.

New Heart English Bible
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, "Rise up yourself, and kill us, for a man is judged by his strength." Gideon arose, and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent ornaments that were on their camels' necks.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks.

World English Bible
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “You rise and fall on us; for as the man is, so is his strength.” Gideon arose, and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels’ necks.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Zebah and Zalmunna say, “Rise and fall on us; for as the man—his might”; and Gideon rises, and slays Zebah and Zalmunna, and takes the crescents which [are] on the necks of their camels.

Young's Literal Translation
And Zebah saith -- also Zalmunna -- 'Rise thou, and fall upon us; for as the man -- his might;' and Gideon riseth, and slayeth Zebah and Zalmunna, and taketh their round ornaments which are on the necks of their camels.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Zebah will say, and Zalmunna, Arise, and fall upon us: for as a man, his strength. And Gideon will rise and kill Zebah and Zalmunna, and he will take the little moons upon their camels' necks.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Zebee and Salmana said: Do thou rise, and run upon us: because the strength of a man is according to his age: Gedeon rose up and slew Zebee and Salmana: and he took the ornaments and bosses, with which the necks of the camels of kings are wont to be adorned.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Zebah and Zalmunna said: “You should rise up and rush against us. For the strength of a man is in accord with his age.” Gideon rose up, and he killed Zebah and Zalmunna. And he took the ornaments and studs, with which the necks of the royal camels are usually adorned.

New American Bible
Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Come, kill us yourself, for as a man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon stepped forward and killed Zebah and Zalmunna. He also took the crescents that were on the necks of their camels.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “You come and kill us; for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon proceeded to kill Zebah and Zalmunna; and he took the crescents that were on the necks of their camels.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise yourself, and fall upon us; for as the man is, so is his might. And Gideon arose and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Zebakh and Tsalmenna said: “You arise and fall on us, and as the man, so is his manliness.” And Gedun arose and he killed Zebakh and Tsalmenna, and he took the crescent ornaments that were on the necks of their camels
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said: 'Rise thou, and fall upon us; for as the man is, so is his strength.' And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels' necks.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Zebee and Salmana said, Rise thou and fall upon us, for thy power is as that of a man; and Gedeon arose, and slew Zebee and Salmana: and he took the round ornaments that were on the necks of their camels.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna
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 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 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 1:10
So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”

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.

2 Kings 11:12-16
Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!” / When Athaliah heard the noise from the guards and the people, she went out to the people in the house of the LORD. / And she looked out and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!” ...

1 Chronicles 10:14
and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

1 Chronicles 20:8
So these descendants of Rapha in Gath fell at the hands of David and his servants.

Esther 7:10
So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.

Matthew 14:10
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.

Luke 9:9
“I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.

Acts 12:2
He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.

Revelation 19:20
But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.


Treasury of Scripture

Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise you, and fall on us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks.

rise thou.

Judges 9:54
Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.

1 Samuel 31:3,5
And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers…

Revelation 9:6
And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

slew

Psalm 83:1
A Song or Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.

ornaments.

Isaiah 3:18
In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon,

Jump to Previous
Camels Crescent Crescents Death Killed Necks Ornaments Rise Riseth Round Slayeth Slew Stepped Strength Zalmunna Zalmun'na Zebah
Jump to Next
Camels Crescent Crescents Death Killed Necks Ornaments Rise Riseth Round Slayeth Slew Stepped Strength Zalmunna Zalmun'na Zebah
Judges 8
1. Gideon pacifies the Ephraimites
4. 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














Then Zebah and Zalmunna said,
Zebah and Zalmunna were kings of Midian, a people who had oppressed Israel. Their mention here highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Midian, which began earlier in the Book of Judges. The Midianites were nomadic and often raided Israel, leading to significant hardship for the Israelites.

“Get up and kill us yourself,
This statement reflects the ancient Near Eastern code of honor and warrior ethos. It was considered more honorable to be killed by a warrior of equal or greater status than by a subordinate. By challenging Gideon to kill them himself, Zebah and Zalmunna are appealing to this cultural norm.

for as the man is, so is his strength.”
This phrase underscores the belief that a person's strength and valor are reflective of their character and status. It implies that Gideon's strength as a leader and warrior should be demonstrated through his personal action in executing them, rather than delegating the task.

So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna,
Gideon's action here fulfills the role of a judge in Israel, delivering justice and demonstrating leadership. This act also serves as a culmination of his military campaign against the Midianites, which was divinely ordained. Gideon's obedience to God's call is a recurring theme in his narrative.

and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels.
The crescent ornaments were likely symbols of royalty or divinity, possibly linked to the worship of the moon god, which was common in the region. By taking these ornaments, Gideon not only claims victory but also symbolically strips the Midianite kings of their power and divine association. This act can be seen as a rejection of idolatry and a reaffirmation of the sovereignty of the God of Israel.

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 faith and obedience to God, yet also for his human flaws.

2. Zebah and Zalmunna
Kings of Midian who were defeated by Gideon. Their capture and execution mark the culmination of Gideon's military campaign against the Midianites.

3. Midian
A region and people who were adversaries of Israel during the time of the Judges. The Midianites oppressed Israel until Gideon, empowered by God, led a successful campaign against them.

4. Crescent Ornaments
Decorative items taken from the camels of Zebah and Zalmunna, symbolizing the wealth and status of the Midianite kings.

5. The Battle
The broader context of Gideon's campaign against the Midianites, which was marked by divine intervention and strategic warfare.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
Gideon's actions demonstrate the importance of complete obedience to God's instructions, even when they involve difficult decisions.

Strength in God
The statement "for as the man is, so is his strength" reflects a worldly view of strength. True strength for believers comes from reliance on God, not merely human ability.

Consequences of Leadership
Leaders are often called to make tough decisions. Gideon's execution of Zebah and Zalmunna shows the weight of leadership responsibilities.

Symbolism of Victory
The crescent ornaments symbolize the spoils of victory and God's deliverance. Believers are reminded to attribute their successes to God's provision.

Legacy and Influence
Gideon's actions had lasting impacts on Israel. Our actions and decisions can influence others and shape our legacy.(21) Rise thou, and fall upon us.--They deprecated the pain and shame of falling by the irresolute hands of a boy.

For as the man . . . his strength.--Deuteronomy 33:25. "As thy days, so shall thy strength be."

Ornaments.--Saharonim, "little moons," crescent-shaped ornaments of gold and silver, still in common use to decorate animals. Isaiah 3:18, "round tires like the moon." "Niveo lunata monilia dente" (Stat. Theb. ix. 689). After one of his battles Mohammed found a slain camel adorned with these lunul? and with strings of emeralds. The Roman senators (for another reason) wore silver crescents on their shoes.

Verse 21. - The ornaments. Literally, little moons, crescent-shaped ornaments of gold and silver, which as well as "chains" (ver. 26) were hung as ornaments on their camels' necks (cf. Judges 5:30). It would seem from ver. 26 that the kings themselves also wore these ornaments; and in Isaiah 3:18 they are enumerated among the articles of female attire - round tires like the moon, A.V.

CHAPTER 8:22-35

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Zebah
זֶ֣בַח (ze·ḇaḥ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2078: Zebah -- a Midianite king

and Zalmunna
וְצַלְמֻנָּ֗ע (wə·ṣal·mun·nā‘)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6759: Zalmunna -- a king of Midian

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

“Get up
ק֤וּם (qūm)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

and kill
וּפְגַע־ (ū·p̄ə·ḡa‘-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6293: To impinge, by accident, violence, by importunity

us yourself,
אַתָּה֙ (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

for
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

as the man is,
כָאִ֖ישׁ (ḵā·’îš)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

so is his strength.”
גְּבוּרָת֑וֹ (gə·ḇū·rā·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1369: Force, valor, victory

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

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

and killed
וַֽיַּהֲרֹג֙ (way·ya·hă·rōḡ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent

Zebah
זֶ֣בַח (ze·ḇaḥ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2078: Zebah -- a Midianite king

and Zalmunna,
צַלְמֻנָּ֔ע (ṣal·mun·nā‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6759: Zalmunna -- a king of Midian

and he took
וַיִּקַּח֙ (way·yiq·qaḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

the crescent ornaments
הַשַּׂ֣הֲרֹנִ֔ים (haś·śa·hă·rō·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7720: A round pendant for, the neck

from the necks
בְּצַוְּארֵ֥י (bə·ṣaw·wə·rê)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6677: The back of the neck

of their camels.
גְמַלֵּיהֶֽם׃ (ḡə·mal·lê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1581: A camel


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OT History: Judges 8:21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said Rise you (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 8:20
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