And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels' necks.

JUDGES 8:26KJV
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Judges 8:26 (KJV)

What does Judges 8:26 mean?

Judges 8:26 states that the gold collected from the Midianites’ earrings weighed 1,700 shekels, not counting additional valuable items like ornaments, collars, purple clothing from the Midianite kings, and chains from their camels. This verse highlights the large amount of wealth taken as spoils after Gideon’s victory over the Midianites.

In context, this verse describes the aftermath of Gideon’s military success, where he asked for and received gold earrings from the defeated Midianites. The passage lists not only the gold but also other luxury items, showing the richness of the spoils. The verse is part of a larger story where Gideon’s actions with this wealth have later consequences for Israel.

The Hebrew behind Judges 8:26

  • "Earrings" (נֶזֶם, nezem): This word refers specifically to nose rings or earrings, which were common personal ornaments and often used as portable wealth in ancient cultures.
  • "Ornaments" (שַׂהֲרוֹן, saharon): This term points to crescent-shaped jewelry, likely worn as decorative pieces or amulets, adding detail to the kind of treasures taken.
  • "Collars" (נֶטִיף, netif): This word means pendants or necklaces, emphasizing the variety and value of the spoils.
  • "Purple raiment" (אַרְגָּמָן, argaman): Purple dye was rare and expensive, so clothing of this color signified royalty or high status, underlining the importance of what was captured.

Why Judges 8:26 matters

  • Judges 8:26 clarifies just how much wealth was taken from the Midianites, giving a sense of the scale and significance of Gideon’s victory.
  • By listing specific luxury items, the verse shows the cultural and economic value of the spoils, not just their weight in gold.
  • This verse sets up later events in the chapter, where the use of this wealth by Gideon has a lasting impact on Israel’s story.

Where else these words appear

“collars” Hebrew H5188 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 3:19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,

“ornaments” Hebrew H7720 · used in 3 verses

  • Judges 8:21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks.
  • Isaiah 3:18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon,

“chains” Hebrew H6060 · used in 3 verses

  • Proverbs 1:9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
  • Song of Solomon 4:9 Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.

“earrings” Hebrew H5141 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 24:22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;
  • Exodus 32:3 And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.
  • Proverbs 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.