And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

JUDGES 6:14KJV
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Judges 6:14 (KJV)

What does Judges 6:14 mean?

Judges 6:14 describes how the LORD directly addresses Gideon, commanding him to go with the strength he has and promising that he will save Israel from the Midianites, because God Himself is sending him. The verse shows God’s personal call and assurance to Gideon that he is chosen for this task.

In this scene, the LORD (often understood as God’s personal name in the Hebrew Bible) speaks to Gideon, who is hesitant and unsure. The Israelites are suffering under Midianite oppression, and Gideon is being called out of obscurity to become their deliverer. God’s words emphasize that Gideon’s ability comes not from himself, but from being sent by God.

The Hebrew behind Judges 6:14

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting that the call comes from the covenant God of Israel, not a distant or generic deity.
  • might (כֹּחַ, koach): This word means strength or ability, and here it points to whatever strength Gideon already has, not some new or miraculous power. God is telling Gideon to use what he already possesses.
  • save (יָשַׁע, yasha): This verb means to deliver or rescue. The focus is on God using Gideon as the means to bring Israel out of danger.
  • sent (שָׁלַח, shalach): This word means to send out with a purpose. God’s sending gives Gideon authority and backing, making the mission possible.

Why Judges 6:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God often calls ordinary people, using the abilities they already have, rather than waiting for them to become extraordinary first.
  • The emphasis on God’s sending (“have not I sent thee?”) shifts the focus from Gideon’s doubts about himself to the certainty of God’s purpose and presence.
  • In the wider story, this moment marks the turning point where Gideon moves from fear to action, showing how God’s word can change a person’s direction and confidence.

Where else these words appear

“Midianites” Hebrew H4080 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 25:2 And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.
  • Judges 6:2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
  • Judges 7:25 And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.

“might” Hebrew H3581 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:8 But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.
  • Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

“looked” Hebrew H6437 · used in 128 verses

  • Genesis 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
  • Judges 18:21 So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.
  • Psalms 119:132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.