Judges 9:3 (KJV)

What does Judges 9:3 mean?

Judges 9:3 describes how Abimelech’s relatives spoke to the leaders of Shechem on his behalf, persuading them to support Abimelech because he was their kin. The people of Shechem were swayed by this argument and decided to follow Abimelech, seeing him as their brother.

In this verse, the scene is set in Shechem after the death of Gideon. Abimelech, Gideon’s son by a concubine from Shechem, is seeking power. His mother’s family (his "mother's brethren") speak to the influential men ("men of Shechem") and convince them to support Abimelech’s claim to leadership. The verse shows how family ties and persuasive words led the people to align themselves with Abimelech.

The Hebrew behind Judges 9:3

• "Brethren" (אַחִים, ’achîm, H251): This word means brothers or close relatives. Here, it emphasizes that those speaking for Abimelech are his own family, which strengthens their influence in the community.
• "Inclined" (נָטָה, natah, H5186): This word means to stretch out or turn. In this context, it suggests that the hearts of the people were turned or swayed toward Abimelech, showing a deliberate change in loyalty.
• "Follow" (אַחַר, achar, H310): This word means to go after or follow. It highlights that the people chose to actively support and align themselves with Abimelech’s cause.

Why Judges 9:3 matters

• Judges 9:3 clarifies that Abimelech’s rise to power was not just through his own efforts, but through the influence and persuasion of his family among the local leaders.
• The verse highlights how personal relationships and shared identity ("He is our brother") can play a powerful role in political decisions and leadership transitions.
• Understanding this verse helps explain the events that follow in Judges 9, where Abimelech’s rule and its consequences unfold, rooted in the loyalty he secured from his own community.