Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.

JUDGES 9:2KJV
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Judges 9:2 (KJV)

What does Judges 9:2 mean?

Judges 9:2 records Abimelech urging the people of Shechem to decide whether it would be better for all seventy sons of Jerubbaal (Gideon) to rule over them, or just one person—himself—while reminding them that he is their relative. The verse highlights Abimelech’s attempt to persuade the leaders of Shechem to support his bid for power by appealing to their shared family ties.

Abimelech is speaking to the men of Shechem, his mother’s hometown, after Gideon’s death. He asks them to consider whether it is preferable to be ruled by many (his brothers) or by one (himself), using the phrase “bone and flesh” to stress his kinship with them. This sets the stage for the events that follow, where Abimelech seeks to become ruler by leveraging his connection to the people.

The Hebrew behind Judges 9:2

  • “Bone” (עֶצֶם, etsem) and “flesh” (בָּשָׂר, basar): These words together form a Hebrew expression meaning close family or kin. Abimelech is not just making a political argument but emphasizing a deep, familial bond to win their loyalty.
  • “Reign” (מָשַׁל, mashal): This word can mean to rule or have dominion. The use of the same word twice—once for the seventy and once for the one—underscores the contrast Abimelech is drawing between many rulers and a single leader.
  • “Men” (בַּעַל, ba‘al): This word can mean “lords” or “leaders,” suggesting Abimelech is addressing the influential figures of Shechem, not just the general population.

Why Judges 9:2 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Abimelech’s claim to leadership is based on shared ancestry, not just ambition, which helps explain why the people of Shechem might be persuaded to support him.
  • By framing the choice as between many rulers or one, Abimelech sets up a false dilemma that pressures the people to see him as the obvious solution.
  • This moment is key to understanding the conflict and violence that follow in the chapter, as it shows the roots of Abimelech’s rise to power and the manipulation involved.

Where else these words appear

“Jerubbaal” Hebrew H3378 · used in 13 verses

  • Judges 6:32 Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.
  • Judges 9:1 And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying,
  • Judges 9:24 That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them; and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren.

“Shechem” Hebrew H7927 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 12:6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
  • Joshua 17:7 And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of Entappuah.
  • Judges 9:31 And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against thee.

“reign” Hebrew H4910 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 1:18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
  • Psalms 8:6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
  • Isaiah 3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

“men” Hebrew H1167 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Judges 9:20 But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.
  • Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.