The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.

JUDGES 5:19KJV
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Judges 5:19 (KJV)

What does Judges 5:19 mean?

Judges 5:19 describes how several kings gathered to fight against Israel at Taanach, near the waters of Megiddo, but these kings did not win any wealth or spoil from the battle. The verse highlights that the enemy kings gained nothing from their attack.

This verse is part of the "Song of Deborah," where Deborah and Barak sing about Israel's victory over the Canaanite army. The setting is after the battle, with Deborah recounting how powerful kings came to fight but failed to profit. The verse emphasizes the futility of the enemy's efforts and sets the stage for celebrating Israel's deliverance.

The Hebrew behind Judges 5:19

  • "Gain" (בֶּצַע, betsa‘): This word often means unjust gain or plunder. Its use here underlines that the enemy kings expected to take spoil but left empty-handed, which adds to the sense of their defeat.
  • "Money" (כֶּסֶף, keseph): This word means silver or money. Mentioning it specifically shows that even valuable treasures were out of reach for the attackers, stressing the completeness of their loss.

Why Judges 5:19 matters

  • Judges 5:19 clarifies that the enemy kings not only lost the battle but also failed to gain any material reward, which would have been a primary motive for going to war.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of the Song of Deborah, which celebrates God's intervention and Israel's unexpected victory over a much stronger foe.
  • By naming specific locations like Taanach and Megiddo, the verse grounds the story in real geography, making the account more vivid and memorable for listeners and readers.

Where else these words appear

“Taanach” Hebrew H8590 · used in 7 verses

  • Joshua 12:21 The king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one;
  • Joshua 21:25 And out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs; two cities.
  • 1 Kings 4:12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:

“Megiddo” Hebrew H4023 · used in 12 verses

  • Joshua 12:21 The king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one;
  • 1 Kings 4:12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:
  • 2 Kings 23:30 And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead.

“gain” Hebrew H1215 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 37:26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?
  • Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
  • Jeremiah 22:17 But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.

“Canaan” Hebrew H3667 · used in 91 verses

  • Genesis 9:18 And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.
  • Genesis 45:17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;
  • Numbers 35:10 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan;