And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.
JUDGES 6:19KJVWhat does Judges 6:19 mean?
Judges 6:19 describes Gideon preparing a meal of a young goat and unleavened bread made from a large amount of flour, placing the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot, and then bringing these out to present them to a visitor under an oak tree. This verse shows Gideon’s careful hospitality as he responds to the mysterious guest who has visited him.
Gideon is the main figure here, responding to an encounter with an angel of the Lord, though at this point he may not fully realize the visitor’s identity. The setting is rural Israel during a time of oppression, and Gideon’s actions reflect both respect and caution. The detailed mention of the food and its presentation under the oak highlights the seriousness with which Gideon treats this visitor, setting the stage for the events that follow.
The Hebrew behind Judges 6:19
- The word for "kid" is עֵז (ʿez, H5795) and גְּדִי (gəḏî, H1423), referring to a young goat, which was a valuable offering and not an everyday meal, showing the importance of the guest.
- "Unleavened cakes" uses מַצָּה (matzah, H4682), meaning bread made without yeast, often associated with special occasions or ritual purity.
- The amount of flour, אֵיפָה (ephah, H374), is quite large—about 20–22 liters—suggesting Gideon is making an unusually generous meal.
- "Presented" comes from נָגַשׁ (nāgaš, H5066), which often means to bring forward or offer respectfully, indicating Gideon’s reverence in this act.
Why Judges 6:19 matters
- The verse clears up any idea that Gideon’s response was casual; the large quantity of food and the careful preparation show deep respect and perhaps nervousness about the visitor’s true identity.
- The details about the meal connect to ancient customs of hospitality and sacrifice, hinting at the sacredness of the encounter even before Gideon realizes it.
- This careful preparation sets up the miraculous sign that follows, helping the reader understand why the offering is significant in the context of Gideon’s call and the larger story of Israel’s deliverance.