Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But on reaching the stone images near Gilgal he himself went back to Eglon and said, “Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you.” The king said to his attendants, “Leave us!” And they all left. New Living Translation But when Ehud reached the stone idols near Gilgal, he turned back. He came to Eglon and said, “I have a secret message for you.” So the king commanded his servants, “Be quiet!” and he sent them all out of the room. English Standard Version But he himself turned back at the idols near Gilgal and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And he commanded, “Silence.” And all his attendants went out from his presence. Berean Standard Bible But upon reaching the idols near Gilgal, he himself turned back and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” “Silence,” said the king, and all his attendants left him. Berean Literal Bible And he himself turned back from the stone images that were at Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And He said, “Silence!” And all attending him went out from him. King James Bible But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him. New King James Version But he himself turned back from the stone images that were at Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” He said, “Keep silence!” And all who attended him went out from him. New American Standard Bible But he himself turned back from the idols which were at Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And the king said, “Silence!” And all who were attending him left him. NASB 1995 But he himself turned back from the idols which were at Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And he said, “Keep silence.” And all who attended him left him. NASB 1977 But he himself turned back from the idols which were at Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And he said, “Keep silence.” And all who attended him left him. Legacy Standard Bible But he himself turned back from the graven images which were at Gilgal and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And he said, “Keep silence.” And all who stood by him left him. Amplified Bible But Ehud himself turned back from the sculptured stones at Gilgal, [and he returned to Eglon] and said [to him], “I have a secret message for you, O king.” Eglon said “Keep silence.” And all who attended him left him. Berean Annotated Bible But upon reaching the idols near Gilgal (a wheel), he himself turned back and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king. “Silence, said the king, and all his attendants left him. Christian Standard Bible At the carved images near Gilgal he returned and said, “King Eglon, I have a secret message for you.” The king said, “Silence! ” and all his attendants left him. Holman Christian Standard Bible At the carved images near Gilgal he returned and said, “King Eglon, I have a secret message for you.” The king called for silence, and all his attendants left him. American Standard Version But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king. And he said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him. English Revised Version But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king. And he said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him. GOD'S WORD® Translation However, Ehud turned around at the stone idols near Gilgal [and returned to Eglon]. He said, "Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you." The king replied, "Keep quiet!" Then all his advisers left the room. Good News Translation But Ehud himself turned back at the carved stones near Gilgal, went back to Eglon, and said, "Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you." So the king ordered his servants, "Leave us alone!" And they all went out. International Standard Version He had turned away from the idols that were at Gilgal. So he told Eglon, "I have a secret message for you, king." King Eglon responded "Silence!" and all of his attendants left him. NET Bible But he went back once he reached the carved images at Gilgal. He said to Eglon, "I have a secret message for you, O king." Eglon said, "Be quiet!" All his attendants left. New Heart English Bible But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret message for you, O king." The king said, "Keep silence." All who stood by him went out from him. Webster's Bible Translation But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand to thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut upon reaching the idols near Gilgal, he himself turned back and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” “Silence,” said the king, and all his attendants left him. World English Bible But he himself turned back from the stone idols that were by Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” The king said, “Keep silence!” All who stood by him left him. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he himself has turned back from the carved images which [are] at Gilgal and says, “I have a secret word for you, O king”; and he says, “Hush!” And all those standing by him go out from him. Berean Literal Bible And he himself turned back from the stone images that were at Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And He said, “Silence!” And all attending him went out from him. Young's Literal Translation and he himself hath turned back from the graven images which are at Gilgal, and saith, 'A secret word I have unto thee, O king;' and he saith, 'Hush!' and go out from him do all those standing by him. Smith's Literal Translation And he turned back from the carved images which were at Gilgal, and he will say, A hidden word to me for thee, O king: and he will say, Silence! And all standing by him will go forth from him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen returning from Galgal, where the idols were, be said to the king: I have a secret message to thee, O king. And he commanded silence: and all being gone out that were about him, Catholic Public Domain Version And then, returning from Gilgal where the idols were, he said to the king, “I have a secret word for you, O king.” And he ordered silence. And when all those who were around him had departed, New American Bible But he himself turned back at the sculptured stones near Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And the king said, “Silence!” Then when all his attendants had left his presence, New Revised Standard Version But he himself turned back at the sculptured stones near Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” So the king said, “Silence!” and all his attendants went out from his presence. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret message to impart to you, O king; and the king said to those who were present, Get away from here. And all that stood by him went out. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he returned from the sculptures that were upon the side of Galgala and said to him: “I have a secret that I will say to you, oh King, between me and you”, and the King said: “Go out from there”, and all who were standing with him departed OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said: 'I have a secret errand unto thee, O king.' And he said: 'Keep silence.' And all that stood by him went out from him. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he himself returned from the quarries that are by Galgal; and Aod said, I have a secret errand to thee, O king! and Eglom said to him, Be silent: and he sent away from his presence all who waited upon him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ehud…18After Ehud had finished presenting the tribute, he ushered out those who had carried it. 19But upon reaching the idols near Gilgal, he himself turned back and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” “Silence,” said the king, and all his attendants left him. 20Then Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in the coolness of his upper room. “I have a word from God for you,” Ehud said, and the king rose from his seat.… Cross References But upon reaching the idols near Gilgal, Hosea 9:15 All their evil appears at Gilgal, for there I hated them. I will drive them from My house for the wickedness of their deeds. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious. Hosea 4:15 Though you prostitute yourself, O Israel, may Judah avoid such guilt! Do not journey to Gilgal, do not go up to Beth-aven, and do not swear on oath, ‘As surely as the LORD lives!’ Amos 4:4-5 “Go to Bethel and transgress; rebel even more at Gilgal! Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days. / Offer leavened bread as a thank offering, and loudly proclaim your freewill offerings. For that is what you children of Israel love to do,” declares the Lord GOD. he himself turned back 1 Kings 13:18-19 Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” The old prophet was lying to him, / but the man of God went back with him, ate bread in his house, and drank water. 2 Samuel 3:27 When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. John 6:66 From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” 2 Kings 6:12 But one of his servants replied, “No one, my lord the king. For Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” 1 Kings 14:5-6 But the LORD had said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to ask you about her son, for he is ill. You are to say such and such to her, because when she arrives, she will be disguised.” / So when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet entering the door, he said, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam! Why are you disguised? For I have been sent to you with bad news. Daniel 2:27-28 Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. / But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these: “Silence,” said the king, 2 Kings 2:3 Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.” Zephaniah 1:7 Be silent in the presence of the Lord GOD, for the Day of the LORD is near. Indeed, the LORD has prepared a sacrifice; He has consecrated His guests. Habakkuk 2:20 But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him. and all his attendants left him. Genesis 45:1 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me!” So none of them were with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. Matthew 14:23 After He had dismissed them, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, Mark 7:33 So Jesus took him aside privately, away from the crowd, and put His fingers into the man’s ears. Then He spit and touched the man’s tongue. Judges 4:18-21 Jael went out to greet Sisera and said to him, “Come in, my lord. Come in with me. Do not be afraid.” So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. / Sisera said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she opened a container of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him again. / “Stand at the entrance to the tent,” he said, “and if anyone comes and asks you, ‘Is there a man here?’ say, ‘No.’” … Treasury of Scripture But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand to you, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him. quarries. Joshua 4:20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal. a secret Judges 3:20 And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat. 2 Kings 9:5,6 And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto which of all us? And he said, To thee, O captain… Acts 23:18,19 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee… and all that Genesis 45:1 Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. Jump to Previous Attendants Attended Commanded Errand Idols Images Message Presence Quarries Quiet Sculptured Secret Silence Something Stone Stones Stood Turned Turning WaitingJump to Next Attendants Attended Commanded Errand Idols Images Message Presence Quarries Quiet Sculptured Secret Silence Something Stone Stones Stood Turned Turning WaitingJudges 3 1. The nations which were left to prove Israel5. By communion with them they commit idolatry 8. Othniel delivered them from Chushan-Rishathaim 12. Ehud from Eglon 31. and Shamgar from the Philistines But upon reaching the idols near Gilgal The mention of "idols" indicates the presence of pagan worship, which was prevalent in Canaanite culture and often a snare for the Israelites. Gilgal is significant as the first campsite of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 4:19-20). It was a place of covenant renewal and circumcision (Joshua 5:2-9), symbolizing Israel's commitment to God. The presence of idols here highlights the spiritual decline and syncretism that had infiltrated Israelite society. he himself turned back and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” “Silence,” said the king, and all his attendants left him. Persons / Places / Events 1. EhudA left-handed judge of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin, chosen by God to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression. 2. Eglon The king of Moab who oppressed Israel for eighteen years. He is the recipient of Ehud's secret message. 3. Gilgal A location near the Jordan River, significant in Israel's history as a place of encampment and worship, but here noted for its idols. 4. Idols Representing the false gods and pagan practices that Israel was warned against but often fell into. 5. Secret Message A ruse used by Ehud to gain private access to King Eglon, leading to Eglon's assassination. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry is a recurring issue for Israel, symbolizing a departure from God. Believers today must guard against modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism or self-worship. God's Deliverance through Unlikely Means Ehud, a left-handed man, was an unexpected deliverer. God often uses unexpected people and methods to accomplish His purposes, reminding us to remain open to His leading. Courage and Obedience Ehud's boldness in approaching King Eglon demonstrates the courage required to follow God's call. Believers are encouraged to act with courage and obedience in their own lives. The Importance of Secrecy and Strategy in God's Work Ehud's strategic approach to Eglon shows that wisdom and planning are vital in fulfilling God's missions. Christians should seek God's guidance in planning and executing His work. Repentance and Turning Away from Sin Ehud's turning back from the idols symbolizes repentance. Believers are called to turn away from sin and return to God wholeheartedly. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 3:19?2. How does Judges 3:19 demonstrate God's use of unexpected individuals for His purposes? 3. What can we learn about obedience from Ehud's actions in Judges 3:19? 4. How does Ehud's courage in Judges 3:19 inspire us to face challenges today? 5. What scriptural connections exist between Judges 3:19 and God's deliverance in Exodus? 6. How can we apply Ehud's strategic thinking in Judges 3:19 to our lives? 7. Why did Ehud choose to deliver the message privately in Judges 3:19? 8. What is the significance of the idols mentioned in Judges 3:19? 9. How does Judges 3:19 reflect God's sovereignty in delivering Israel? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 3? 11. What are the family idols mentioned in the Bible? 12. What are teraphim? 13. Who is Ehud in historical or biblical context? 14. Micah 1:7 - How does the text's condemnation of idol worship align with other passages that appear to offer different perspectives or degrees of tolerance for pagan practices? What Does Judges 3:19 Mean But upon reaching the idols near Gilgal• Gilgal had once been a place of covenant remembrance (Joshua 4:19–24), yet by Ehud’s day it was scarred by “idols” (lit. carved images), highlighting Israel’s tragic slide into syncretism (Judges 2:11–13). • Ehud’s pause here is purposeful. Passing those pagan pillars likely stirs righteous resolve; he decides to act rather than accept oppression (Judges 3:12–15). • The scene shows the contrast between false gods that cannot save (Psalm 115:4–7) and the living God who is about to deliver His people through an obedient servant. • Practical note: God’s deliverance often begins when His people confront the idols—both literal and figurative—standing between them and wholehearted loyalty (1 John 5:21). he himself turned back and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” • Ehud “turned back,” risking his life after already gaining safe distance. Courage and faith trump self-preservation (Hebrews 11:32–34). • “Secret message” is deliberately ambiguous. To Eglon it hints at privileged intelligence; to Ehud it points to the dagger strapped to his thigh (Judges 3:16). God sometimes uses surprising methods and people—here, a left-handed Benjamite—to shame the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27). • The strategy recalls other moments when God’s servants request private audience to deliver weighty words (1 Samuel 15:16; Acts 23:18–19). In each case, divine truth—or judgment—must be heard without distraction. • Application: obedience may call for unconventional steps, yet the motive remains pure—fulfilling God’s purpose for His people’s freedom (Galatians 5:1). “Silence,” said the king, and all his attendants left him. • Eglon’s command removes every witness, fulfilling Proverbs 16:18: pride precedes destruction. Trusting the enemy, he isolates himself from protection. • The attendants’ exit demonstrates how God can turn even an oppressor’s protocols to serve His plan (Psalm 33:10–11). • With the room cleared, Ehud stands alone with the tyrant. The moment illustrates the principle that the Lord can reduce daunting power structures to one-on-one encounters (2 Kings 19:35). • For believers, it’s a reminder that circumstances aligning “too perfectly” are often providential, inviting faith to act (Romans 8:28). summary Judges 3:19 portrays the decisive turning point in Israel’s deliverance. At pagan Gilgal, Ehud’s holy resolve is ignited; his request for a “secret message” masks God’s judgment on Eglon; the king’s command for silence paves the way for that judgment. The verse teaches that God confronts idolatry, empowers courageous obedience, and sovereignly orchestrates events to liberate His people. (19) But he himself turned again.--The plan of Ehud was deeply laid. He wished (1) to secure his end, which would be more difficult amid the soldiers and attendants who would guard the king during the presentation of the tribute; (2) to avoid endangering his comrades; (3) to provide, if possible, for his own escape. By going away with the deputation of serfswhich he had introduced, he would still more lull suspicion asleep. From the quarries.--The Hebrew word is pesilim. The LXX., followed by our margin, render it "graven images;" and the Vulgate, "from Gilgal, where were idols." (Luther, G”tzen.) Such is the meaning of pesilim in Deuteronomy 7:5; 2Kings 17:41; Psalm 97:7, &c. The rendering, "stone quarries," is derived from the Chaldee and Rabbi Jarchi; but it probably means idols of some kind--probably those of Moab. Some explain it of the twelve stones which were taken out of Jordan, and pitched at Gilgal (Joshua 4:2). The LXX. (in some MSS.) make it mean that Eglon returned, but this is clearly a mistake. Gilgal was near Jericho, and when Ehud had accompanied his comrades to some well-known landmark at Gilgal, he returned to Jericho. Josephus says he had "two attendants" with him; but the word "people" in Judges 3:18 implies that many more had accompanied him. . . . Verse 19. - The quarries. It is uncertain whether this is the meaning of the Hebrew word. Its common meaning is images, as Deuteronomy 7:25, and elsewhere.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But upon reachingמִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the idols הַפְּסִילִים֙ (hap·pə·sî·lîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6456: An idol, image near אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Preposition Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among Gilgal, הַגִּלְגָּ֔ל (hag·gil·gāl) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1537: Gilgal -- 'circle (of stones)', the name of several places in Palestine he himself וְה֣וּא (wə·hū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are turned back שָׁ֗ב (šāḇ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again and said, וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “I have a secret סֵ֥תֶר (sê·ṯer) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5643: A covering, hiding place, secrecy message דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause for you, אֵלֶ֖יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to O king.” הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king “Silence,” הָ֔ס (hās) Interjection Strong's 2013: Hush! keep silence! said the king, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say and all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every his attendants הָעֹמְדִ֖ים (hā·‘ō·mə·ḏîm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations left him. וַיֵּֽצְאוּ֙ (way·yê·ṣə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim Links Judges 3:19 NIVJudges 3:19 NLT Judges 3:19 ESV Judges 3:19 NASB Judges 3:19 KJV Judges 3:19 BibleApps.com Judges 3:19 Biblia Paralela Judges 3:19 Chinese Bible Judges 3:19 French Bible Judges 3:19 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 3:19 But he himself turned back (Jd Judg. 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