Judges 20:46 (KJV)

What does Judges 20:46 mean?

Judges 20:46 reports that on that day, twenty-five thousand men from the tribe of Benjamin who fought with swords were killed, and all of them were recognized as brave warriors. This verse sums up the heavy losses suffered by Benjamin in a single day during a violent conflict with the other Israelite tribes.

The verse comes near the end of a tragic civil war within Israel, where the other tribes fought against Benjamin because of a grave crime committed in Gibeah. The narrator is describing the aftermath of the battle, emphasizing both the scale of the loss and the valor of those who died. The numbers and the mention of bravery highlight how devastating the defeat was for Benjamin.

The Hebrew behind Judges 20:46

• The word for "fell" (נָפַל, nāphal) is often used in Hebrew to mean being killed in battle, not just physically falling down. Here, it underscores the fatal outcome for these men.
• The phrase "men of valour" (אִישׁ חַיִל, ish chayil) points to men of strength, courage, or capability. This highlights that those who died were not just ordinary soldiers but were considered the best fighters Benjamin had.
• The word "drew" (שָׁלַף, shalaf) means to pull out, especially a sword, showing these were active combatants, not non-combatants or bystanders.

Why Judges 20:46 matters

• This verse clarifies the scale of Benjamin’s loss, showing that the tribe lost nearly all its fighting men in one day, which sets up the crisis of near-extinction in the following verses.
• By calling the fallen "men of valour," the verse emphasizes that Benjamin’s defeat was not due to cowardice or weakness, but despite their bravery and skill.
• The verse connects to the wider story by highlighting the tragic consequences of internal conflict among the Israelites, leading to deep loss and sorrow even among the bravest.