Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version the voice of the singers at the watering places. They recite the victories of the LORD, the victories of his villagers in Israel. “Then the people of the LORD went down to the city gates. New Living Translation Listen to the village musicians gathered at the watering holes. They recount the righteous victories of the LORD and the victories of his villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD marched down to the city gates. English Standard Version To the sound of musicians at the watering places, there they repeat the righteous triumphs of the LORD, the righteous triumphs of his villagers in Israel. “Then down to the gates marched the people of the LORD. Berean Standard Bible the voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates: Berean Literal Bible from the voice of the singers between the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of YHWH, the righteous acts for His villagers in Israel. Then shall go down to the gates the people of YHWH. King James Bible They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates. New King James Version Far from the noise of the archers, among the watering places, There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, The righteous acts for His villagers in Israel; Then the people of the LORD shall go down to the gates. New American Standard Bible “At the sound of those who distribute water among the watering places, There they will recount the righteous deeds of the LORD, The righteous deeds for His peasantry in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates. NASB 1995 “At the sound of those who divide flocks among the watering places, There they shall recount the righteous deeds of the LORD, The righteous deeds for His peasantry in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates. NASB 1977 “At the sound of those who divide flocks among the watering places, There they shall recount the righteous deeds of the LORD, The righteous deeds for His peasantry in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates. Legacy Standard Bible At the sound of those who divide flocks among the watering places, There they shall commemorate the righteous deeds of Yahweh, The righteous deeds for His peasantry in Israel. Then the people of Yahweh went down to the gates. Amplified Bible “At the sound of those who divide flocks among the watering places, There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, The righteous acts toward His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates. Berean Annotated Bible the voices of the singers (archers) at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD {YHWH}, the righteous deeds of His villagers (warriors) in Israel (he wrestles with God). Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates: Christian Standard Bible Let them tell the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of his villagers in Israel, with the voices of the singers at the watering places. Then the LORD’s people went down to the city gates. Holman Christian Standard Bible Let them tell the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His warriors in Israel, with the voices of the singers at the watering places. Then the LORD’s people went down to the gates.” American Standard Version Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water, There shall they rehearse the righteous acts of Jehovah, Even the righteous acts of his rule in Israel. Then the people of Jehovah went down to the gates. Contemporary English Version Even those who carry water to the animals will tell you, "The LORD has won victories, and so has Israel." Then the LORD's people marched down to the town gates English Revised Version Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts of his rule in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates. GOD'S WORD® Translation Listen to the voices of those singing at the wells. Over and over again they repeat the victories of the LORD, the victories for his villages in Israel. Then the LORD's people went down to the city gates. Good News Translation Listen! The noisy crowds around the wells are telling of the LORD's victories, the victories of Israel's people! Then the LORD's people marched down from their cities. International Standard Version From the sound of those who divide their work loads at the watering troughs, there they will retell the righteous deeds of the LORD, the righteous victories for his rural people in Israel." Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates. NET Bible Hear the sound of those who divide the sheep among the watering places; there they tell of the Lord's victorious deeds, the victorious deeds of his warriors in Israel. Then the LORD's people went down to the city gates-- New Heart English Bible Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water, there they will rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous acts of his rule in Israel. "Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates. Webster's Bible Translation They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts towards the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblethe voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates: World English Bible Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water, there they will rehearse Yahweh’s righteous acts, the righteous acts of his rule in Israel. “Then Yahweh’s people went down to the gates. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBy the voice of shouters "" Between the places of drawing water, "" There they give out righteous acts of YHWH, "" Righteous acts of His villages in Israel, "" Then the people of YHWH have gone down to the gates. Berean Literal Bible from the voice of the singers between the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of YHWH, the righteous acts for His villagers in Israel. Then shall go down to the gates the people of YHWH. Young's Literal Translation By the voice of shouters Between the places of drawing water, There they give out righteous acts of Jehovah, Righteous acts of His villages in Israel, Then ruled in the gates have the people of Jehovah. Smith's Literal Translation From the voice of arrows between the watering-troughs, There will they give the justices of Jehovah, The justices of his rule in Israel: Then will the people of Jehovah go down to the gates. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhere the chariots were dashed together, and the army of the enemies was choked, there let the justices of the Lord be rehearsed, and his clemency towards the brave men of Israel: then the people of the Lord went down to the gates, and obtained the sovereignty. Catholic Public Domain Version Where the chariots were struck together, and the army of the enemies was choked, in that place, let the justices of the Lord be described, and let his clemency be for the brave of Israel. Then did the people of the Lord descend to the gates, and obtain leadership. New American Bible to the sounds of musicians at the wells. There they recount the just deeds of the LORD, his just deeds bringing freedom to Israel. New Revised Standard Version To the sound of musicians at the watering places, there they repeat the triumphs of the LORD, the triumphs of his peasantry in Israel. “Then down to the gates marched the people of the LORD. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMeditate on the words of the inquirers, who are among the teachers; they shall execute the righteousness of the LORD, even his righteousness which he has multiplied in Israel; then shall the people of the LORD march to the gates. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Meditate on the words of inquirers who are among the Teachers; there they shall give the righteousness of LORD JEHOVAH, his righteousness that he multiplied in Israel; then the people shall go down to the gate of LORD JEHOVAH OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Louder than the voice of archers, by the watering-troughs! There shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, Even the righteous acts of His rulers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates. Brenton Septuagint Translation ye that are delivered from the noise of disturbers among the drawers of water; there shall they relate righteous acts: O Lord, increase righteous acts in Israel: then the people of the Lord went down to the cities. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Song of Deborah and Barak…10You who ride white donkeys, who sit on saddle blankets, and you who travel the road, ponder 11the voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates: 12‘Awake, awake, O Deborah! Awake, awake, sing a song! Arise, O Barak, and take hold of your captives, O son of Abinoam!’… Cross References the voices of the singers at the watering places. Numbers 21:17-18 Then Israel sang this song: “Spring up, O well, all of you sing to it! / The princes dug the well; the nobles of the people hollowed it out with their scepters and with their staffs.” From the wilderness the Israelites went on to Mattanah, Exodus 15:20-21 Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. / And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.” Isaiah 12:3 With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation, There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, Psalm 71:15-16 My mouth will declare Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, though I cannot know their full measure. / I will come in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will proclaim Your righteousness—Yours alone. Psalm 118:17 I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done. Isaiah 63:7 I will make known the LORD’s loving devotion and His praiseworthy acts, because of all that the LORD has done for us—the many good things for the house of Israel according to His great compassion and loving devotion. the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Micah 6:5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’” 1 Samuel 12:7 Now present yourselves, so that I may confront you before the LORD with all the righteous acts He has done for you and your fathers. Psalm 78:4-7 We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed. / For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children … Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates: Isaiah 28:6 a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate. Psalm 127:5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate. Genesis 22:17 I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. Exodus 15:1-21 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted. The horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. / The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. / The LORD is a warrior, the LORD is His name. … Psalm 66:1-4 For the choirmaster. A song. A Psalm. Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! / Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious. / Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You. … Psalm 81:1-3 For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. Of Asaph. Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob. / Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre. / Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and at the full moon on the day of our Feast. Psalm 105:2-5 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders. / Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. / Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. … Treasury of Scripture They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates. the noise Lamentations 5:4,9 We have drunken our water for money; our wood is sold unto us… in the places. Genesis 26:20-22 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him… Exodus 2:17-19 And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock… Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. righteous acts. 1 Samuel 12:7 Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers. Psalm 145:7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. Micah 6:5 O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD. villages Judges 5:7 The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. go down Deuteronomy 22:24 Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you. Job 29:7 When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street! Isaiah 28:6 And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate. Jump to Previous Acts Archers Deeds Delivered Divide Drawing Inhabitants Israel Louder Musicians Noise Peasantry Places Recite Recount Rehearse Repeat Righteous Rule Rulers Singers Sound Towards Triumphs Villages Voice Water Watering-TroughsJump to Next Acts Archers Deeds Delivered Divide Drawing Inhabitants Israel Louder Musicians Noise Peasantry Places Recite Recount Rehearse Repeat Righteous Rule Rulers Singers Sound Towards Triumphs Villages Voice Water Watering-TroughsJudges 5 1. The Song of Deborah and Barakthe voices of the singers at the watering places In ancient Israel, watering places were central gathering spots for communities, often serving as social and economic hubs. The mention of singers here suggests a celebration or recounting of significant events. Singing was a common way to remember and pass down stories and history, as seen in other biblical passages like Exodus 15:1-21, where Moses and Miriam lead the Israelites in song after crossing the Red Sea. This phrase indicates a communal acknowledgment of God's deliverance and blessings, similar to the role of psalms in worship. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates Persons / Places / Events 1. DeborahA prophetess and judge of Israel who, along with Barak, led Israel to victory over the Canaanite army. 2. Barak The military leader who, under Deborah's guidance, led the Israelites to defeat Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army. 3. Sisera The commander of the Canaanite army defeated by the Israelites. 4. The Watering Places Locations where people gathered, often serving as community centers for sharing news and recounting events. 5. The Gates Symbolic of the place of authority and decision-making in ancient cities, where leaders and elders would meet. Teaching Points The Power of TestimonySharing accounts of God's righteous acts strengthens faith and community. Just as the Israelites recounted God's deeds at the watering places, we should share testimonies of God's work in our lives. Remembering God's Faithfulness Regularly recounting God's past faithfulness helps us trust Him in present and future challenges. This practice can be a source of encouragement and strength. Community and Worship Gathering in community to worship and remember God's deeds is vital for spiritual growth. It fosters unity and collective remembrance of God's goodness. The Role of Leaders God uses leaders like Deborah and Barak to guide His people. We should pray for and support our leaders, recognizing their role in God's plan. Living Righteously The righteous acts of God's warriors remind us of our call to live righteously, acting justly and courageously in our own lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 5:11?2. How can we "recount the righteous acts" of God in our daily lives? 3. What does Judges 5:11 teach about remembering God's past deliverance? 4. How does this verse connect with Psalm 105:5 about remembering God's works? 5. In what ways can we encourage others to "recount the righteous acts"? 6. How can recalling God's deeds strengthen our faith during difficult times? 7. What historical events are referenced in Judges 5:11, and are they supported by archaeological evidence? 8. How does Judges 5:11 reflect the cultural context of ancient Israelite society? 9. What is the significance of the "watering places" mentioned in Judges 5:11? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 5? 11. What is the ritual for suspected adultery in Numbers? 12. How did Jesus interact with women? 13. What is the identity of the Holy Spirit? 14. What does the Bible say about alcohol consumption? What Does Judges 5:11 Mean The voices of the singers at the watering places• Picture the scene: ordinary Israelites meet at wells for water (Genesis 24:11; John 4:6–7). In the aftermath of victory over Sisera, those once silent for fear now sing openly. • Watering places symbolize refreshment. God’s salvation brings both physical safety and spiritual renewal (Isaiah 12:3). • Worship erupts in public, not hidden away. Just as Miriam led singing after the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20-21), Deborah celebrates a fresh deliverance. The events of Judges 4 become the content of their song. They shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD • Testimony is central: “One generation commends Your works to another” (Psalm 145:4-6). At the wells, parents retell how God routed iron chariots with a storm (Judges 4:14-16; 5:20-21). • The focus is Yahweh’s righteousness—His faithfulness to covenant promises (Deuteronomy 7:9). Telling the story preserves truth and fuels gratitude (Psalm 78:4). • Public remembrance guards against relapse into idolatry; when Israel forgets, bondage returns (Judges 2:10-12). Celebrating God’s acts is a safeguard. The righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel • God works through human obedience. Villagers—people with no military pedigree—answered Deborah’s call (Judges 5:2, 9). • Their “righteous deeds” are acts of faith: leaving fields, mustering beside Barak, risking everything (Hebrews 11:32-34). • Scripture often pairs divine initiative with willing servants (Philippians 2:13; 1 Samuel 17:45-50). The song honors both: God’s power and the people’s responsive courage. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates • City gates were centers of commerce and justice (Deuteronomy 16:18; Ruth 4:1-2). Returning there signals restored order and security. • Peace replaces oppression. Where Canaanite officers once controlled trade routes (Judges 5:6-7), covenant people now walk freely. • Gates also imply leadership responsibility. Having tasted deliverance, Israel must administer righteousness in daily life (Proverbs 31:23). summary Judges 5:11 pictures a healed nation. At the wells, joyful voices celebrate God’s mighty intervention, recounting both His righteous acts and the courageous faith of ordinary villagers. Freed from fear, the people resume life at the city gates, ready to steward the justice and peace He has provided. (11) They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water.--This is usually explained to mean that in the time of oppression the shepherds and the women could not go to the wells to draw water without being disturbed by the enemy's archers; and the construction in that case is changed in the middle of the verse, to remind them that they can now sing God's praises by the safe well-sides. The meaning is highly uncertain. The "they that are delivered" is a conjectural addition of our version. The Hebrew only has "from the noise." The Vulgate renders it, "where the chariots clashed together, and the army of the enemy was strangled." The LXX. (some MSS.) connect the clause with the last verse: "Sing;" or "tell it from (i.e. by) the voice of those who strike up their tunes in the midst of the water-drawers." The Chaldee is here utterly vague. Ewald renders it, "from the shoutings of the spoil-dividers between the water-troughs." Amid these uncertainties we have nothing better to offer than the conjecture of our translators.Righteous acts.--Where these words first occur, the Hebrew is Tsidkoth; but in the second recurrence of the English words, "even the righteous acts towards the inhabitants of the villages"--in which they are guided by the Chaldee Targum--we have only the Hebrew words, Tsidkoth pirzono. Here, as in Judges 5:7, the versions were perplexed by the word perazon; but it is now generally agreed that the meaning is either "the righteous acts of his governance in Israel" (Ewald), or "towards the leaders in Israel" (Rosenmller, &c.). Then shall the people of the Lord go down to the gates.--After singing the just deeds of God, they resumed their usual pursuits, unabashed and un-terrified. Verse 11. - A very difficult verse, and very variously rendered. For archers some give the interpretation dividers, i.e. MEN SHARING THE BOOTY THEY HAVE TAKEN; or, SINGING IN ALTERNATE VERSES. For They that are delivered from, some render far away from. Others again take the preposition from in the not uncommon sense of more than, meaning here louder than. The chief different senses which emerge are -(1) that of the A.V.: "Those that can now draw water from the wells without being molested by the hostile archers shall sing praises to God in the very spots where they were wont to be attacked." (2) "Far from the noise and tumult of those that divide the spoil among the water-troughs, there shall they sing, - etc. (3) "With a louder voice than that of the shepherds who sing among the water-troughs (while they are watering their flocks), there shall they rehearse," etc. Or, . . . Hebrew the voicesמִקּ֣וֹל (miq·qō·wl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6963: A voice, sound of the singers מְחַֽצְצִ֗ים (mə·ḥaṣ·ṣîm) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 2686: To chop into, pierce, sever, to curtail, to distribute, to shoot an arrow at בֵּ֚ין (bên) Preposition Strong's 996: An interval, space between the watering places. מַשְׁאַבִּ֔ים (maš·’ab·bîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4857: A trough for, cattle to drink from There שָׁ֤ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither they shall recount יְתַנּוּ֙ (yə·ṯan·nū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 8567: To ascribe, celebrate, commemorate the righteous acts צִדְק֣וֹת (ṣiḏ·qō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively of the LORD, יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel the righteous deeds צִדְקֹ֥ת (ṣiḏ·qōṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively of His warriors פִּרְזֹנ֖וֹ (pir·zō·nōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6520: Perhaps rural population in Israel. בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (bə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Then אָ֛ז (’āz) Adverb Strong's 227: At that time, place, therefore the people עַם־ (‘am-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock of the LORD יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel went down יָרְד֥וּ (yā·rə·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend to the gates: לַשְּׁעָרִ֖ים (laš·šə·‘ā·rîm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate Links Judges 5:11 NIVJudges 5:11 NLT Judges 5:11 ESV Judges 5:11 NASB Judges 5:11 KJV Judges 5:11 BibleApps.com Judges 5:11 Biblia Paralela Judges 5:11 Chinese Bible Judges 5:11 French Bible Judges 5:11 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 5:11 Far from the noise of archers (Jd Judg. 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