Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.

JUDGES 5:12KJV
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Judges 5:12 (KJV)

What does Judges 5:12 mean?

Judges 5:12 is a call to action within a song, urging Deborah to rise and sing and Barak to lead away captives after a victory. The verse highlights both Deborah’s role as a prophetess and leader, and Barak’s as the military commander who is to take charge following their triumph.

In the context of Judges 5, this verse is part of the "Song of Deborah," a poetic retelling of Israel’s victory over their enemies. Deborah is speaking, likely addressing herself and Barak, encouraging renewed energy and leadership after God’s deliverance. The verse uses vivid language to stir both spiritual and practical leadership in the aftermath of battle.

The Hebrew behind Judges 5:12

  • "Awake" (עוּרִי, ʿûrî): This word appears four times in quick succession, emphasizing urgency and the need for Deborah to be alert and active. The repetition gives a sense of stirring from sleep or inactivity into decisive action.
  • "Utter" (דַּבֵּר, dabber): This verb means "to speak" or "to declare." Here, it refers to Deborah proclaiming a song, which in this context is a poetic celebration of victory and God’s intervention.
  • "Song" (שִׁיר, shîr): This word means a song or poem, often used for praise or celebration. Its use here underlines the importance of recounting God’s deeds through worship and remembrance.
  • "Lead thy captivity captive" (שְׁבִי שְׁבִיתָה, shevî shevîtāh): This phrase means to take those who were captives and make them captives again, a poetic way of describing victory over the enemy and the reversal of fortunes.

Why Judges 5:12 matters

  • The verse clarifies that both spiritual leadership (Deborah’s song) and practical leadership (Barak’s command) are essential in Israel’s deliverance, highlighting the partnership between prophet and warrior.
  • The repeated call to "awake" shows that even after a victory, continued vigilance and active praise are needed, not just resting on past achievements.
  • By placing this call within a song, the verse connects Israel’s military success directly to God’s intervention, reminding the people to celebrate and remember who truly delivered them.

Where else these words appear

“Abinoam” Hebrew H42 · used in 4 verses

  • Judges 4:6 And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?
  • Judges 4:12 And they shewed Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to mount Tabor.
  • Judges 5:1 Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,

“Deborah” Hebrew H1683 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 35:8 But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth.
  • Judges 4:9 And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.
  • Judges 5:1 Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,

“Barak” Hebrew H1301 · used in 12 verses

  • Judges 4:6 And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?
  • Judges 4:10 And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.
  • Judges 4:16 But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; and there was not a man left.

“captive” Hebrew H7617 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • 1 Kings 8:48 And so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul, in the land of their enemies, which led them away captive, and pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name:
  • 2 Chronicles 28:17 For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives.