Judges 6:16 (KJV)

What does Judges 6:16 mean?

Judges 6:16 records the LORD’s answer to Gideon’s doubts about facing the Midianites. The LORD promises to be with Gideon and tells him that he will defeat the enemy. The answer places the outcome alongside the LORD’s presence, rather than Gideon’s own standing.

The phrase “as one man” pictures the Midianites being struck as though they were a single opponent. After Gideon has questioned his own ability in verse 15, the LORD’s words turn his attention to who will be with him.

The Hebrew behind Judges 6:16

• “LORD” — יְהוָה (YHWH): This is God’s personal name in the Hebrew text. The KJV uses “LORD” in capital letters to represent that name, identifying the speaker.
• “smite” — נָכָה (nakah): This word can mean to strike or defeat. In a battle setting, it can describe overcoming an enemy, not merely hitting someone once.

Why Judges 6:16 matters

• The LORD’s answer addresses Gideon’s concern about his status. Gideon has called his family poor and himself the least in his father’s house (verse 15); the answer centers on the LORD’s presence.
• The promise describes the enemy’s defeat without presenting Gideon as a lone fighter. Later, Gideon gathers men for battle, though their number is reduced (Judges 7:2–7).
• The comparison “as one man” stresses the completeness of the victory. It treats the Midianites collectively as one opponent, rather than describing a fight against one actual man.