And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.

JUDGES 6:38KJV
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Judges 6:38 (KJV)

What does Judges 6:38 mean?

Judges 6:38 describes how Gideon found his fleece soaked with dew in the morning, so much so that he was able to wring out a bowl full of water from it, while the ground around it stayed dry. This was a sign Gideon had asked from God to confirm that God would save Israel through him.

Gideon, feeling uncertain about his calling, asked God for a specific sign involving a fleece of wool. The verse records the moment when God answered exactly as Gideon requested, showing a clear and physical miracle. This event takes place during a time when Israel was oppressed by the Midianites, and Gideon wanted reassurance before leading Israel into battle.

The Hebrew behind Judges 6:38

  • "early" (שָׁכַם, shakham): This word means to rise early or start an action at daybreak. It emphasizes Gideon's eagerness or urgency to see if God had answered his request.
  • "fleece" (גִּזָּה, gizzah): Refers to a piece of wool sheared from a sheep. The use of a fleece highlights the tangible, everyday nature of the sign Gideon asked for.
  • "wringed" (מָצָה, matsah): Means to squeeze or wring out liquid. This word underlines just how much dew had collected, enough to fill a bowl, making the sign unmistakable.
  • "bowl" (סֵפֶל, sefel): This word refers to a vessel or container, showing that the amount of water was significant, not just a few drops.

Why Judges 6:38 matters

  • This verse shows that Gideon's request was answered in a way that left no doubt, emphasizing God's patience and willingness to reassure those who are hesitant or afraid.
  • The detail about the amount of water ("a bowl full") stresses the miraculous nature of the sign, making it clear this was not a coincidence or natural occurrence.
  • Understanding this verse helps clarify the context of Gideon's leadership and faith journey, showing that even chosen leaders in the Bible sometimes needed reassurance from God.

Where else these words appear

“bowl” Hebrew H5602 · used in 2 verses

  • Judges 5:25 He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish.

“thrust” Hebrew H2115 · used in 3 verses

  • Job 39:15 And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.
  • Isaiah 1:6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

“fleece” Hebrew H1492 · used in 4 verses

  • Judges 6:37 Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.
  • Judges 6:39 And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.
  • Judges 6:40 And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.

“wringed” Hebrew H4680 · used in 7 verses

  • Leviticus 1:15 And the priest shall bring it unto the altar, and wring off his head, and burn it on the altar; and the blood thereof shall be wrung out at the side of the altar:
  • Psalms 73:10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
  • Isaiah 51:17 Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.