Judges 3:29 (KJV)

What does Judges 3:29 mean?

Judges 3:29 describes how the Israelites killed about ten thousand Moabite men during a battle, specifically noting that all those killed were strong and brave warriors, and that not a single man escaped. This verse records a decisive and complete victory over the Moabites at that moment in Israel’s history.

The verse is part of the story where Israel, under the leadership of Ehud, defeats Moab after years of oppression. The focus on the number and quality of the Moabite men—described as “lusty” (strong) and “men of valour” (courageous)—highlights the scale and significance of Israel’s triumph. This event marks a turning point, freeing Israel from Moabite control.

The Hebrew behind Judges 3:29

• The word “lusty” comes from the Hebrew שָׁמֵן (shamen), which literally means “fat” or “robust.” Here, it is used to describe the Moabite soldiers as strong, healthy, and physically impressive, emphasizing the difficulty of the victory.
• “Men of valour” is from אִישׁ חַיִל (ish chayil), meaning men of strength, ability, or bravery. This underlines that those defeated were not ordinary men but the best warriors Moab had.
• The verb “escaped” comes from מָלַט (malat), meaning to slip away or escape. The verse stresses that not even one managed to get away, showing the completeness of the victory.

Why Judges 3:29 matters

• This verse clarifies that Israel’s victory was not just over a large number of enemies, but specifically over the strongest and bravest among them, making the triumph even more remarkable.
• By stating that no man escaped, the verse emphasizes the totality of the defeat for Moab and the thoroughness of Israel’s deliverance.
• The details connect back to the larger story of Ehud’s leadership and God’s deliverance, showing a dramatic reversal of Israel’s fortunes after years of Moabite oppression.