And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the outside of the armed men that were in the host.

JUDGES 7:11KJV
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Judges 7:11 (KJV)

What does Judges 7:11 mean?

Judges 7:11 describes how God tells Gideon to go down to the enemy camp and listen to what the enemy soldiers are saying, promising that this will give Gideon the courage he needs to attack. Gideon then takes his servant Phurah and quietly approaches the edge of the enemy camp, near the armed men.

This verse takes place as Gideon is preparing to fight the Midianites, feeling uncertain and afraid. God speaks directly to Gideon, offering a practical way to strengthen his confidence by hearing the enemy’s own words. Gideon obeys, bringing his servant with him to the outskirts of the camp, setting up the next moment where he overhears something that will encourage him.

The Hebrew behind Judges 7:11

  • hear (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word often means more than just listening; it can carry the sense of paying close attention or understanding. Here, God wants Gideon to truly take in what he hears from the enemy camp.
  • strengthened (חָזַק, chazaq): This word means to become strong or courageous. The promise is that hearing the enemy will not just inform Gideon, but actually give him the inner strength to act.
  • outside (קָצֶה, qatseh): This word means the edge or outskirts. Gideon does not go deep into the camp but stays at the outermost part, showing caution and the risky nature of his mission.

Why Judges 7:11 matters

  • This verse shows God’s understanding of human fear and His willingness to provide reassurance in a practical way, not just through commands but through experiences.
  • The detail that Gideon brings his servant Phurah highlights that even leaders need support and do not act alone, adding a human touch to the story.
  • By focusing on what the enemy says, the verse sets up a turning point in the story, where Gideon’s confidence is built not by his own strength, but by what he hears from those he fears.

Where else these words appear

“Phurah” Hebrew H6513 · used in 2 verses

  • Judges 7:10 But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:

“men” Hebrew H2571 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 13:18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.
  • Joshua 1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;
  • Joshua 4:12 And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spake unto them:

“outside” Hebrew H7097 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 8:3 And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
  • Joshua 3:15 And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water,(for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)
  • Psalms 46:9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.