And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

JUDGES 9:13KJV
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Judges 9:13 (KJV)

What does Judges 9:13 mean?

Judges 9:13 describes the vine refusing to leave its purpose of producing wine, which brings joy to both God and people, in order to rule over the other trees. The verse uses the vine’s response as part of a story to show that the vine values its unique role and does not want to abandon it for a position of authority.

In this verse, the vine is speaking as part of Jotham’s parable, where different trees are asked to become king over the others. The vine’s answer highlights the importance of fulfilling one’s natural purpose rather than seeking power. The context is a fable told to the people of Shechem, warning them about choosing the wrong kind of leader.

The Hebrew behind Judges 9:13

  • wine (יַיִן, yayin, H8492): The word here refers to the juice of the grape, often associated with celebration and joy in ancient Israelite culture. The verse emphasizes that wine "cheereth God and man," showing its valued role in both religious offerings and daily life.
  • cheereth (שָׂמַח, samach, H8055): This verb means to gladden or bring joy. The vine’s statement underlines that its fruit brings happiness not just to people but is also pleasing in offerings to God.
  • leave (חָדַל, chadal, H2308): The vine questions whether it should "leave" or give up its purpose. This word stresses the idea of abandoning something valuable or essential.
  • promoted (נוּעַ, nua, H5128): The word here means to move or sway, and in this context, it carries the sense of being exalted or lifted up to rule. The vine’s reluctance suggests that being promoted to rule is not always better than fulfilling one’s current role.

Why Judges 9:13 matters

  • The verse clarifies that not every valuable thing or person is meant to rule; some roles are important precisely because of the good they bring in their own place.
  • It highlights the theme of contentment and purpose, suggesting that seeking power for its own sake can mean losing what makes something truly valuable.
  • In the context of Jotham’s parable, the verse helps set up a warning against choosing leaders who are not truly suited for the role, connecting to the broader message about Abimelech’s kingship.

Where else these words appear

“promoted” Hebrew H5128 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
  • Job 28:4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.
  • Isaiah 29:9 Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.

“wine” Hebrew H8492 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:28 Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.
  • Jeremiah 31:12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

“vine” Hebrew H1612 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 40:9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;
  • Psalms 128:3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
  • Ezekiel 15:2 Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest?

“leave” Hebrew H2308 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 11:8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
  • 1 Samuel 2:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
  • Job 19:14 My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.