Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They surrounded the Benjamites, chased them and easily overran them in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east. New Living Translation The Israelites surrounded the men of Benjamin and chased them relentlessly, finally overtaking them east of Gibeah. English Standard Version Surrounding the Benjaminites, they pursued them and trod them down from Nohah as far as opposite Gibeah on the east. Berean Standard Bible They surrounded the Benjamites, pursued them, and easily overtook them in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east. Berean Literal Bible They surrounded Benjamin, chased them, and easily trampled them down as far as the front of Gibeah toward the rising of the sun. King James Bible Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising. New King James Version They surrounded the Benjamites, chased them, and easily trampled them down as far as the front of Gibeah toward the east. New American Standard Bible They surrounded Benjamin, pursued them without rest, and trampled them down opposite Gibeah toward the east. NASB 1995 They surrounded Benjamin, pursued them without rest and trod them down opposite Gibeah toward the east. NASB 1977 They surrounded Benjamin, pursued them without rest and trod them down opposite Gibeah toward the east. Legacy Standard Bible They surrounded Benjamin, pursued them without rest, and trod them down opposite Gibeah to the east toward the sunrise. Amplified Bible They surrounded [the men of] Benjamin, pursued them relentlessly, and overtook them opposite Gibeah toward the east. Berean Annotated Bible They surrounded the Benjamites (son of the right hand), pursued them, and easily overtook them in the vicinity of Gibeah (hill) on the east. Christian Standard Bible They surrounded the Benjaminites, pursued them, and easily overtook them near Gibeah toward the east. Holman Christian Standard Bible They surrounded the Benjaminites, pursued them, and easily overtook them near Gibeah toward the east. American Standard Version They inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trod them down at their resting-place, as far as over against Gibeah toward the sunrising. Contemporary English Version who were having to fight on all sides. The Israelite soldiers never let up their attack. They chased and killed the warriors of Benjamin as far as a place directly east of Gibeah, English Revised Version They enclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down at their resting place, as far as over against Gibeah toward the sunrising. GOD'S WORD® Translation They closed in on the men of Benjamin and pursued them without stopping. They overtook them east of Gibeah. Good News Translation The Israelites had the enemy trapped, and without stopping they pursued them as far as a point east of Gibeah, killing them as they went. International Standard Version They surrounded the army of Benjamin, pursuing them ceaselessly until they defeated them near the east-facing border of Gibeah. NET Bible They surrounded the Benjaminites, chased them from Nohah, and annihilated them all the way to a spot east of Geba. New Heart English Bible They surrounded Benjamin, and they pursued them from Nohah and overtook them near Gibeah toward the east. Webster's Bible Translation Thus they inclosed the Benjaminites on all sides, and chased them, and trod them down with ease over against Gibeah towards the sun-rising. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey surrounded the Benjamites, pursued them, and easily overtook them in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east. World English Bible They surrounded the Benjamites, chased them, and trod them down at their resting place, as far as near Gibeah toward the sunrise. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthey have surrounded the Benjamites—they have pursued them—they have trodden them down with ease as far as the front of Gibeah, at the sun-rising. Berean Literal Bible They surrounded Benjamin, chased them, and easily trampled them down as far as the front of Gibeah toward the rising of the sun. Young's Literal Translation they have compassed the Benjamites -- they have pursued them -- with ease they have trodden them down till over-against Gibeah, at the sun-rising. Smith's Literal Translation They surrounded Benjamin, pursuing him from Nohah, treading him down even to the front of Gibeah, from the rising of the sun. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd so it was, that they were slain on both sides by the enemies, and there was no rest of their men dying. They fell and were beaten down on the east side of the city Gabaa. Catholic Public Domain Version And so it happened that they were cut down on both sides by the enemies, nor was there any respite for the dying. They were killed and struck down on the eastern side of the city of Gibeah. New American Bible They surrounded the men of Benjamin, pursued them from Nohah and drove them along to a point east of Gibeah. New Revised Standard Version Cutting down the Benjaminites, they pursued them from Nohah and trod them down as far as a place east of Gibeah. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThus they pursued the Benjamites and drove them away, and smote them with ease, to the east beyond Gibeah. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they pursued Benyamin and they expelled him, and with ease they slew him unto Gebah from the dawning of the sun OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917They inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and overtook them at their resting-place, as far as over against Gibeah toward the sunrising. Brenton Septuagint Translation And they cut down Benjamin, and pursued him from Nua closely till they came opposite Gabaa on the east. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Civil War Against Benjamin…42So they fled before the men of Israel toward the wilderness, but the battle overtook them, and the men coming out of the cities struck them down there. 43They surrounded the Benjamites, pursued them, and easily overtook them in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east. 44And 18,000 Benjamites fell, all men of valor.… Cross References They surrounded the Benjamites, 1 Samuel 23:26 Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. 2 Kings 6:15-17 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” / Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Psalm 118:10-12 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. / They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. / They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. pursued them, Joshua 10:19 But you, do not stop there. Pursue your enemies and attack them from behind. Do not let them reach their cities, for the LORD your God has delivered them into your hand.” Exodus 14:23 And the Egyptians chased after them—all Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and horsemen—and followed them into the sea. 1 Samuel 17:52 Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. and easily overtook them 1 Samuel 30:8 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” 2 Kings 25:5 but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him. 1 Samuel 31:2 The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. in the vicinity of Gibeah 1 Samuel 14:16 Now when Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in Benjamin looked and saw the troops melting away and scattering in every direction, 1 Samuel 13:15 Then Samuel set out from Gilgal and went up to Gibeah in Benjamin. And Saul numbered the troops who were with him, about six hundred men. 1 Samuel 10:26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him. on the east. Ezekiel 43:2 and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of many waters, and the earth shone with His glory. Ezekiel 11:23 And the glory of the LORD rose up from within the city and stood over the mountain east of the city. Zechariah 14:4 On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half the mountain moving to the north and half to the south. Joshua 8:22 Meanwhile, those in the ambush came out of the city against them, and the men of Ai were trapped between the Israelite forces on both sides. So Israel struck them down until no survivor or fugitive remained. Treasury of Scripture Thus they enclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and stepped them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sun rise. inclosed Judges 8:20-22 And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth… Jump to Previous Benjamin Benjaminites Benjamites Chased Cutting Driving Ease Easily East Inclosed Nohah Opposite Overran Overtook Pursued Resting Resting-Place Round Sides Sunrise Sunrising Sun-Rising Surrounded Towards Trod Trodden TrodeJump to Next Benjamin Benjaminites Benjamites Chased Cutting Driving Ease Easily East Inclosed Nohah Opposite Overran Overtook Pursued Resting Resting-Place Round Sides Sunrise Sunrising Sun-Rising Surrounded Towards Trod Trodden TrodeJudges 20 1. The Levite in a general assembly declared his wrong8. The decree of the assembly 12. The Benjamites, being cited, make head against the Israelites 18. The Israelites in two battles lose forty thousand 26. They destroy by a plan all the Benjamites, except six hundred. They surrounded the Benjamites The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's youngest son, Benjamin. The surrounding of the Benjamites by the other Israelite tribes signifies a strategic military maneuver, indicating the severity of the conflict. This event is part of a larger narrative where the Israelites sought justice for a grievous crime committed in Gibeah, a Benjamite city. The surrounding of the Benjamites can be seen as a fulfillment of divine justice, as the Israelites sought to purge evil from among them, a recurring theme in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 13:5). pursued them and easily overtook them in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east Persons / Places / Events 1. The BenjamitesA tribe of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob. In this context, they are engaged in a civil war against the other Israelite tribes due to the grievous sin committed in Gibeah. 2. The Israelites The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who have gathered to execute judgment on the tribe of Benjamin for their refusal to hand over the perpetrators of a heinous crime. 3. Gibeah A city in the territory of Benjamin, where the crime that sparked the conflict took place. It is the focal point of the battle described in Judges 20. 4. The Battle A significant conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, resulting in the near annihilation of the Benjamites. 5. The Pursuit The Israelites' strategic encirclement and pursuit of the Benjamites, leading to their defeat. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinThe events in Judges 20 highlight the severe consequences of unrepentant sin and the importance of addressing wrongdoing within a community. Unity and Division The civil war among the Israelites serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of division within God's people and the need for unity in righteousness. Justice and Mercy While justice was served against the Benjamites, the broader account in Judges 20-21 also shows the need for mercy and restoration, as the Israelites later seek to preserve the tribe of Benjamin. The Role of Leadership The absence of strong, godly leadership in Israel during this period ("In those days Israel had no king") underscores the need for righteous leaders to guide God's people. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 20:43?2. How does Judges 20:43 demonstrate God's justice against sin and rebellion? 3. What lessons on obedience can we learn from the Israelites' actions in Judges 20:43? 4. How does Judges 20:43 connect with God's commands in Deuteronomy regarding justice? 5. How can we apply the principle of accountability from Judges 20:43 today? 6. What does Judges 20:43 teach about the consequences of turning away from God? 7. How does Judges 20:43 reflect God's justice in the Old Testament? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Judges 20:43? 9. How should Christians interpret the violence in Judges 20:43? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 20? 11. Judges 20:15 - How could only 26,000 men from Benjamin withstand the combined forces of Israel for so long, given the massive numerical imbalance? 12. Why does the text promote the abduction of women as a solution for the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:20-23)? 13. How could an all-knowing God condone vows leading to violence against families and communities (Judges 21:1-11)? 14. Judges 20:29-34 - Does the described ambush and subsequent slaughter align with known military strategies from this period, or does it reflect later editorial insertions? What Does Judges 20:43 Mean They surrounded the Benjamites“They surrounded the Benjamites” (Judges 20:43) pictures the tactical moment when Israel’s united tribes closed ranks around their brothers from Benjamin. • This enclosing maneuver fulfilled the strategy God had affirmed earlier (Judges 20:28), showing His sovereign direction in battle, just as He led Joshua to encircle Jericho (Joshua 6:2–5). • The phrase underscores accountability: sin isolates (Proverbs 5:22), and here the tribe that had refused to repent now finds itself literally hemmed in. • For believers today, the scene warns of the danger of unconfessed sin, which can leave a person surrounded by its consequences (Psalm 32:3–4). Pursued them The pursuit highlights determined obedience. Once God gave the order, Israel did not hesitate (Judges 20:35). • Similar zeal appears when Elijah pursued false prophets to complete the Lord’s judgment (1 Kings 18:40). • Pursuit also shows love for righteousness—chasing after what God has declared right (2 Timothy 2:22). • It reminds us that partial obedience isn’t obedience; free from vengeance, yet faithful to divine justice (Romans 12:19). And easily overtook them “Easily” signals the decisive nature of the victory God granted. • Earlier defeats (Judges 20:21, 25) kept Israel humble, but when their hearts aligned with God’s, victory became “easy” (Psalm 118:6–7). • David testifies, “By my God I can leap over a wall” (2 Samuel 22:30), echoing how divine empowerment turns impossibility into simplicity. • The ease does not trivialize the cost; it magnifies the Lord’s strength, not human prowess (Zechariah 4:6). In the vicinity of Gibeah Gibeah, the very place where the grievous sin began (Judges 19:22–30), becomes the stage of judgment. • God deals with sin at its source, as He did in Sodom (Genesis 19:24–25). • This locale-driven justice affirms that God is not distant; He steps into human settings to correct wrongs (Psalm 50:3–4). • For readers, it’s a call to let God address issues where they started—bringing light to hidden corners of the heart (1 John 1:7). On the east The eastern flank was traditionally vulnerable, symbolizing exposed weakness (Ezekiel 40:6). • Facing east also recalls the sunrise—a fresh start—yet for Benjamin it marked an ending of rebellion (Malachi 4:1–2). • The detail authenticates the narrative’s historicity; Scripture’s precision affirms its reliability (Luke 1:3–4). summary Judges 20:43 shows Israel, under God’s command, completely encircling, chasing, and subduing Benjamin at Gibeah’s eastern side. Every phrase testifies to God’s righteous judgment, the certainty of His word, and the urgency of wholehearted obedience. The passage warns against persistent sin and encourages believers to trust the Lord, who both disciplines and delivers with perfect justice and mercy. (43) A strong and poetic description of the total rout and massacre which ensued.With ease.--There is no "with" in the Hebrew, but perhaps it may be understood. The LXX. and Luther make it mean "from Noria." Others render it "in their rest," i.e., in the places to which they fled for refuge. The Vulg. paraphrases it: "Nor was there any repose of the dying." But the whole verse is obscure. Verse 43. - Thus they inclosed, etc. Another difficult passage, having all the appearance of being a quotation from some poetical description of the battle. The tenses of the verbs and the absence of any conjunctions in the Hebrew makes the diction like that of Judges 5:19. The italic words thus and the two ands ought to be omitted, to give the stately march of the original. "They inclosed, etc.; they chased them; they trod them down," etc. They inclosed seems to refer to the stratagem by which the Benjamites were surrounded by the ambush in their rear and the Israelites in front. Then came the pursuit - "they chased them;" then the massacre - "they trod them down." The three verbs describe the three stages of the battle. With ease. It does not seem possible that the Hebrew word menuchah can have this meaning. It means sometimes a place of rest, and sometimes a state of rest. Taking the latter meaning, the words they trod them into rest may mean they quieted them by crushing them to death under their feet, or in rest may mean unresisting. Some render it unto Menuchah, as if Menuchah was the name of a place, or from Nochah, as the Septuagint does. Others, at the place of rest, i.e. at every place where they halted to rest the enemy was upon them.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew They surroundedכִּתְּר֤וּ (kit·tə·rū) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3803: To enclose, to crown, to besiege, to wait the Benjamites, בִּנְיָמִן֙ (bin·yā·min) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites pursued them, הִרְדִיפֻ֔הוּ (hir·ḏî·p̄u·hū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute and easily מְנוּחָ֖ה (mə·nū·ḥāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4496: Repose, peacefully, consolation, an abode overtook them הִדְרִיכֻ֑הוּ (hiḏ·rî·ḵu·hū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 1869: To tread, to walk, to string a, bow in the vicinity עַ֛ד (‘aḏ) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while of Gibeah הַגִּבְעָ֖ה (hag·giḇ·‘āh) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1390: Gibeah -- 'hill', three cities in Palestine on the east. שָֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (šā·meš) Noun - common singular Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement Links Judges 20:43 NIVJudges 20:43 NLT Judges 20:43 ESV Judges 20:43 NASB Judges 20:43 KJV Judges 20:43 BibleApps.com Judges 20:43 Biblia Paralela Judges 20:43 Chinese Bible Judges 20:43 French Bible Judges 20:43 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 20:43 They surrounded the Benjamites chased them (Jd Judg. 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