Judges 8:5
New International Version
He said to the men of Sukkoth, “Give my troops some bread; they are worn out, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

New Living Translation
When they reached Succoth, Gideon asked the leaders of the town, “Please give my warriors some food. They are very tired. I am chasing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

English Standard Version
So he said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

Berean Standard Bible
So Gideon said to the men of Succoth, “Please give my troops some bread, for they are exhausted, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

King James Bible
And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.

New King James Version
Then he said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.”

New American Standard Bible
And he said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who are following me, for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

NASB 1995
He said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who are following me, for they are weary, and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

NASB 1977
And he said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who are following me, for they are weary, and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And he said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who are following me, for they are weary, and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

Amplified Bible
He said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who are following me since they are exhausted, and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.”

Christian Standard Bible
He said to the men of Succoth, “Please give some loaves of bread to the troops under my command, because they are exhausted, for I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He said to the men of Succoth, “Please give some loaves of bread to the people who are following me, because they are exhausted, for I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

American Standard Version
And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they are faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.

Contemporary English Version
The town of Succoth was nearby, so he went there and asked, "Please give my troops some food. They are worn out, but we have to keep chasing Zebah and Zalmunna, the two Midianite kings."

English Revised Version
And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Gideon said to the men of Succoth, "Please give me some food for the men under my command. They're exhausted, and I'm pursuing King Zebah and King Zalmunna of Midian."

Good News Translation
When they arrived at Sukkoth, he said to the men of the town, "Please give my men some loaves of bread. They are exhausted, and I am chasing Zebah and Zalmunna, the Midianite kings."

International Standard Version
He told the men of Succoth, "Please give loaves of bread to the soldiers who are following behind me. They're tired, and I'm pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian."

Majority Standard Bible
So Gideon said to the men of Succoth, ?Please give my troops some bread, for they are exhausted, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.?

NET Bible
He said to the men of Succoth, "Give some loaves of bread to the men who are following me, because they are exhausted. I am chasing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian."

New Heart English Bible
He said to the men of Succoth, "Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me; for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said to the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread to the people that follow me: for they are faint, and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.

World English Bible
He said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me; for they are faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he says to the men of Succoth, “Please give cakes of bread to the people who [are] at my feet, for they [are] wearied, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.”

Young's Literal Translation
and he saith to the men of Succoth, 'Give, I pray you, cakes of bread to the people who are at my feet, for they are wearied, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna kings of Midian.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say to the men of Succoth, Ye shall give now rounds of bread to the people who are at my feet: for they are faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said to the men of Soccoth: Give, I beseech you, bread to the people that is with me, for they are faint: that we may pursue Zebee, and Salmana the kings of Madian.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said to the men of Succoth, “I beg you, give bread to the people who are with me, for they are greatly weakened, so that we may be able to pursue Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

New American Bible
So he said to the people of Succoth, “Will you give my followers some loaves of bread? They are exhausted, and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.”

New Revised Standard Version
So he said to the people of Succoth, “Please give some loaves of bread to my followers, for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he said to the men of Succoth, Give a few loaves of bread to the people who are with me; for they are faint from hunger, and, behold, I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he said to the men of Saquth: “Give loaves of bread to the people who are with me, because they are growing faint, and behold I am chasing after Zebakh and Tsalmenna, Kings of Midian”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he said unto the men of Succoth: 'Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they are faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he said to the men of Socchoth, Give, I pray you, bread to feed this people that follow me; because they are faint, and behold, I am following after Zebee and Salmana, kings of Madiam.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna
4Then Gideon and his three hundred men came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit. 5So Gideon said to the men of Succoth, “Please give my troops some bread, for they are exhausted, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.” 6But the leaders of Succoth asked, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your army?”…

Cross References
Matthew 10:42
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”

1 Samuel 25:18-19
Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys / and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.

1 Kings 17:10-11
So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.”

2 Kings 4:42-44
Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. / But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.

Isaiah 21:14
Bring water for the thirsty, O dwellers of Tema; meet the refugees with food.

Genesis 18:4-5
Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. / And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.”

Genesis 24:32-33
So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and feed were brought to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of his companions. / Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.”

Exodus 17:12
When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down.

1 Samuel 30:11-12
Now his men found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David. They gave the man water to drink and food to eat— / a piece of a fig cake and two clusters of raisins. So he ate and was revived, for he had not had any food or water for three days and three nights.

2 Samuel 17:27-29
When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. / They brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, as well as wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, / honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”

1 Kings 18:4
for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.)

Nehemiah 5:17-18
There were 150 Jews and officials at my table, besides the guests from the surrounding nations. / Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided. But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.

Proverbs 25:21
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

Romans 12:20
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.


Treasury of Scripture

And he said to the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread to the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.

Succoth

Genesis 33:17
And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

Psalm 60:6
God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

loaves

Genesis 14:18
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

Deuteronomy 23:4
Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.

1 Samuel 25:18
Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses.

Jump to Previous
Bread Cakes Kings Loaves Midian Mid'ian Overcome Please Pursuing Succoth Troops Weariness Weary Worn Zalmunna Zalmun'na Zebah
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Bread Cakes Kings Loaves Midian Mid'ian Overcome Please Pursuing Succoth Troops Weariness Weary Worn 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














So he said to the men of Succoth
The phrase begins with Gideon, a judge of Israel, addressing the men of Succoth. Succoth was a city east of the Jordan River, within the territory allotted to the tribe of Gad. The Hebrew root for "Succoth" means "booths" or "shelters," indicating a place of temporary dwelling. Historically, this city was significant during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. Gideon's approach to the men of Succoth highlights the expectation of mutual support among the tribes of Israel, a theme that resonates with the unity and cooperation expected within the body of Christ.

Please give some loaves of bread
Gideon's request is humble and straightforward, emphasizing the necessity of sustenance for his troops. The Hebrew word for "bread" (לֶחֶם, lechem) often symbolizes provision and sustenance in the Bible. Bread is a staple food, representing God's provision for His people. This request underscores the physical needs of those engaged in spiritual battles, reminding believers of the importance of supporting one another in practical ways.

to the troops who are following me
Gideon refers to his men as "troops," indicating their role as warriors in the ongoing battle against the Midianites. The Hebrew term for "troops" (עָם, am) can also mean "people" or "nation," reflecting the collective identity and purpose of those who follow God's appointed leader. This highlights the importance of leadership and the responsibility of leaders to care for those under their charge, a principle that extends to spiritual leadership within the church.

for they are worn out
The phrase "worn out" conveys the exhaustion and fatigue of Gideon's men. The Hebrew root (יָגַע, yagah) implies weariness from labor or battle. This condition of weariness is a common human experience, especially in spiritual warfare. It serves as a reminder of the need for rest and renewal, which God provides through His presence and through the support of fellow believers.

and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna
Gideon's pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian, reflects his commitment to completing the mission God has given him. The names Zebah and Zalmunna mean "sacrifice" and "protection withheld," respectively, symbolizing the oppressive nature of the Midianite kings. This pursuit is a metaphor for the Christian's relentless pursuit of righteousness and the defeat of spiritual enemies, emphasizing perseverance in the face of opposition.

the kings of Midian
The Midianites were a nomadic people who oppressed Israel during the time of the judges. The term "Midian" is derived from a root meaning "strife" or "contention," reflecting the adversarial relationship between Midian and Israel. The defeat of the Midianite kings by Gideon is a testament to God's deliverance and faithfulness, encouraging believers to trust in God's power to overcome the spiritual "Midianites" in their lives.

(5) Unto the men of Succoth.--The name Succoth means "booths," and the place was so named, or re-named, because of the "booths" which had been erected there by Jacob on his return from Padanaram (Genesis 33:17; Joshua 13:27). It was situated in the tribe of Gad, and is probably the Sukkot mentioned by Burckhardt as on the east of Jordan, south wards from Bethshean. The "valley of Succoth" is mentioned in Psalm 60:6; Psalm 108:7.

Loaves of bread.--The loaves are round cakes (ciccar). His request was a very modest and considerate one. He did not "requisition" them for forces, or for intelligence, or for any active assistance, because he might bear in mind that they on the east of Jordan would, in case of any reverse or incomplete victory, be the first to feel the vengeance of the neighbouring-Midianites. But to supply bread to their own hungry countrymen, who were fighting their battles, was an act of common humanity which even the Midianites could not greatly resent.

Unto the people that follow me.--Literally, which is at my feet, as in Judges 4:10. . . .

Verse 5. - Succoth. On the east side of Jordan, as appears plainly from the narrative in Genesis 33:17, 18; for we read there that Jacob journeyed from Mount Gilead to Mahanaim, thence to Penuel, and from Pe-nuel to Succoth, so called from the booths or tabernacles which he made for his cattle; and that after leaving Succoth he came to the city of Shechem (called Shalem)," in the land of Canaan," showing that Succoth was not in the land of Canaan. In Joshua 13:27 we are also distinctly told that Succoth was in the trans-Jordanic tribe of Gad (which lay south of the Jabbok), in the valley of the Jordan, where its proximity to Mahanaim (vers. 26, 30) shows it to be the same place as Jacob's Succoth, which was also near the Jabbok (Genesis 32:22). The identification of Succoth with any modern representative is very uncertain. Jerome mentions a trans-Jordanic place named Soc-hoth, in the region of Beth-shan, or Scythe-polls; and Burkhardt also mentions a place described by him as "the ruins of Sukkot," two hours from Bysan (Beth-shan), and on the east of Jordan. But this, as well as the Sakut of Robinson and Van de Velde, on the west of Jordan, about ten miles south of Beth-shan, is too far north for the Suceoth of Jacob, which is shown to be the same as the Succoth of Gideon by the connection of the latter with Penuel (ver. 8), and which, as above noticed, is shown to be the same as the Succoth of Joshua 13. by its proximity to Mahanaim. We must await some further light before we can decide the exact position of Succoth.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

to the men
לְאַנְשֵׁ֣י (lə·’an·šê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 582: Man, mankind

of Succoth,
סֻכּ֔וֹת (suk·kō·wṯ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5523: Succoth -- a city East of the Jordan, also a place in Egypt

“Please
נָא֙ (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

give
תְּנוּ־ (tə·nū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

my troops
לָעָ֖ם (lā·‘ām)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

some
כִּכְּר֣וֹת (kik·kə·rō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 3603: A round, a round district, a round loaf, a round weight, a talent (a measure of weight or money)

bread,
לֶ֔חֶם (le·ḥem)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

for
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they
הֵ֔ם (hêm)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

are exhausted,
עֲיֵפִ֣ים (‘ă·yê·p̄îm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 5889: Faint, weary

and I
וְאָנֹכִ֗י (wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

am still pursuing
רֹדֵ֛ף (rō·ḏêp̄)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute

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

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

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

of Midian.”
מִדְיָֽן׃ (miḏ·yān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4080: Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled


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OT History: Judges 8:5 He said to the men of Succoth (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 8:4
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