Judges 8:20 (KJV)

What does Judges 8:20 mean?

Judges 8:20 describes Gideon telling his oldest son, Jether, to get up and kill two captured enemy kings, but Jether does not do it because he is still young and afraid. The verse highlights the hesitation and fear of a youth when faced with a violent and serious task.

In this scene, Gideon is speaking to his firstborn son, Jether, during the aftermath of a battle against Midianite leaders. Gideon gives Jether the responsibility to execute Zebah and Zalmunna, but Jether, described as a "youth," hesitates and does not draw his sword because he is afraid. This moment shows the reality of fear and inexperience in a young person when confronted with a grave responsibility.

The Hebrew behind Judges 8:20

• The word for "youth" is נַעַר (naʿar), which often refers to a boy or young man, emphasizing Jether’s inexperience and the reason for his fear in this situation.
• The verb "feared" is יָרֵא (yare’), meaning to be afraid or to fear, which highlights Jether’s emotional response and explains why he could not carry out his father's command.
• The verb "slay" is הָרַג (harag), meaning to kill or put to death, showing the seriousness of what Gideon was asking Jether to do.

Why Judges 8:20 matters

• This verse helps clarify that even in a culture where sons were expected to follow their father's commands, youth and inexperience could lead to hesitation, especially in matters of life and death.
• The detail about Jether’s fear adds a human element to the story, showing that not everyone in these narratives is fearless or ready for violence, even when expected.
• The verse sets up the next actions in the story, where Gideon himself must take responsibility, and it highlights the difference between Gideon’s experience and his son’s youth.