Judges 3:16 (KJV)

What does Judges 3:16 mean?

Judges 3:16 describes how Ehud secretly made a double-edged dagger about the length of a cubit and strapped it under his clothes on his right thigh. This verse sets up Ehud’s plan to approach the Moabite king without raising suspicion, since weapons were usually carried on the left side.

Ehud, an Israelite judge, is preparing to confront Eglon, the king of Moab, who is oppressing Israel. The detail about the dagger’s size and its hidden placement shows careful planning and hints at Ehud’s left-handedness, which allowed him to conceal the weapon where guards would not expect it.

The Hebrew behind Judges 3:16

• "dagger" — חֶרֶב (cherev): This word usually means "sword," but here it refers to a short, double-edged weapon. The detail that it had "two edges" (פֵּיֹות, peyot) emphasizes its effectiveness for stabbing.
• "cubit" — גֹּמֶד (gomed): This is a rare word for a short cubit, likely about 18 inches. The specific length shows the dagger was long enough to be deadly but short enough to hide.
• "right" — יָמִין (yamin): The mention of the "right thigh" is unusual, as most warriors would carry weapons on the left. This hints at Ehud’s left-handedness, which becomes important in the story.

Why Judges 3:16 matters

• The verse explains how Ehud was able to smuggle a weapon past the guards, setting up the dramatic events that follow.
• The details about the dagger’s construction and placement highlight Ehud’s resourcefulness and the careful planning involved in his mission.
• Understanding the cultural expectation for weapon placement helps the reader see why Ehud’s actions were unexpected and effective, making the story’s outcome more understandable.