And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,

JUDGES 6:36KJV
Know the Bible

Judges 6:36 (KJV)

What does Judges 6:36 mean?

Judges 6:36 shows Gideon speaking directly to God, asking for confirmation that God will use him to save Israel, just as God had previously promised. Gideon is seeking reassurance about his role and God's intention to deliver Israel through him.

In this verse, Gideon is in conversation with God during a time when Israel is oppressed by the Midianites. Gideon has already received a message from God about leading Israel to victory, but he wants to be certain that he has understood correctly. This moment highlights Gideon's hesitation and desire for clear guidance before taking action.

The Hebrew behind Judges 6:36

  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is the general Hebrew word for God, emphasizing God's power and authority in the situation Gideon faces.
  • "Save" (יָשַׁע, yasha): This word means to deliver or rescue. Gideon is specifically asking if God will rescue Israel through his actions, which shows the focus on deliverance from danger.
  • "Hand" (יָד, yad): Often used to symbolize power or agency. Gideon is asking if God will use his own "hand"—meaning his personal involvement—to bring about Israel’s salvation.

Why Judges 6:36 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that biblical figures like Gideon always acted with unwavering confidence; instead, it shows that even chosen leaders sometimes needed reassurance from God.
  • It emphasizes the personal relationship between Gideon and God, where Gideon feels able to speak honestly about his doubts and ask for confirmation.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by setting up the famous "fleece" test that follows, showing how God responds to human uncertainty with patience.

Where else these words appear

“Gideon” Hebrew H1439 · used in 37 verses

  • Judges 6:11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
  • Judges 7:5 So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink.
  • Judges 8:11 And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure.

“wilt” Hebrew H3426 · used in 129 verses

  • Genesis 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
  • 1 Samuel 23:23 See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.
  • Psalms 135:17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.