Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Gideon replied, “Those were my brothers, the sons of my own mother. As surely as the LORD lives, if you had spared their lives, I would not kill you.” New Living Translation “They were my brothers, the sons of my own mother!” Gideon exclaimed. “As surely as the LORD lives, I wouldn’t kill you if you hadn’t killed them.” English Standard Version And he said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the LORD lives, if you had saved them alive, I would not kill you.” Berean Standard Bible “They were my brothers,” Gideon replied, “the sons of my mother! As surely as the LORD lives, if you had let them live, I would not kill you.” Berean Literal Bible And he said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As YHWH lives, if you⁺ had let them live, I would not kill you⁺.” King James Bible And he said, They were my brethren, even the sons of my mother: as the LORD liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you. New King James Version Then he said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the LORD lives, if you had let them live, I would not kill you.” New American Standard Bible And he said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the LORD lives, if only you had let them live, I would not kill you.” NASB 1995 He said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the LORD lives, if only you had let them live, I would not kill you.” NASB 1977 And he said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the LORD lives, if only you had let them live, I would not kill you.” Legacy Standard Bible And he said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As Yahweh lives, if only you had let them live, I would not kill you.” Amplified Bible He said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the LORD lives, if only you had let them live, I would not kill you.” Berean Annotated Bible “They were my brothers, Gideon replied, “the sons of my mother! As surely as the LORD {YHWH} lives, if you⁺ had let them live, I would not kill you⁺. Christian Standard Bible So he said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother! As the LORD lives, if you had let them live, I would not kill you.” Holman Christian Standard Bible So he said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother! As the LORD lives, if you had let them live, I would not kill you.” American Standard Version And he said, They were my brethren, the sons of my mother: as Jehovah liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you. Contemporary English Version "They were my very own brothers!" Gideon said. "I swear by the living LORD that if you had let them live, I would let you live." English Revised Version And he said, They were my brethren, the sons of my mother: as the LORD liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you. GOD'S WORD® Translation Gideon replied, "They were my brothers, my mother's sons. I solemnly swear, as the LORD lives, if you had let them live, I would not have to kill you now." Good News Translation Gideon said, "They were my brothers, my own mother's sons. I solemnly swear that if you had not killed them, I would not kill you." International Standard Version Gideon replied, "They were my brothers—sons from my own mother. As the LORD lives, if you had let them live, I wouldn't be killing you." NET Bible He said, "They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. I swear, as surely as the LORD is alive, if you had let them live, I would not kill you." New Heart English Bible He said, "They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the LORD lives, if you had saved them alive, I would not kill you." Webster's Bible Translation And he said, They were my brethren, even the sons of my mother: as the LORD liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“They were my brothers,” Gideon replied, “the sons of my mother! As surely as the LORD lives, if you had let them live, I would not kill you.” World English Bible He said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As Yahweh lives, if you had saved them alive, I would not kill you.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says, “They [were] my brothers—sons of my mother; YHWH lives, if you had kept them alive—I would not kill you.” Berean Literal Bible And he said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As YHWH lives, if you⁺ had let them live, I would not kill you⁺.” Young's Literal Translation And he saith, 'My brethren -- sons of my mother -- they; Jehovah liveth, if ye had kept them alive -- I had not slain you.' Smith's Literal Translation And he will say, My brethren, the sons of my mother: Jehovah lives, would that ye preserved them alive, and I had not slain you. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe answered them: They were my brethren, the sons of my mother. As the Lord liveth, if you had saved them, I would not kill you. Catholic Public Domain Version He answered them: “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the Lord lives, if you had preserved them, I would not kill you.” New American Bible “They were my brothers, my mother’s sons,” he said. “As the LORD lives, if you had spared their lives, I would not kill you.” New Revised Standard Version And he replied, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother; as the LORD lives, if you had saved them alive, I would not kill you.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said, They were my brothers, the sons of my mother; as the LORD lives, if you had saved them alive, I would not slay you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said: they are my brothers, the sons of my mother! LORD JEHOVAH God is living, for if you had saved them, I would not kill you!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said: 'They were my brethren, the sons of my mother; as the LORD liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Gedeon said, They were my brethren and the sons of my mother: as the Lord lives, if ye had preserved them alive, I would not have slain you. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna…18Next, Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men did you kill at Tabor?” “Men like you,” they answered, “each one resembling the son of a king.” 19“They were my brothers,” Gideon replied, “the sons of my mother! As surely as the LORD lives, if you had let them live, I would not kill you.” 20So he said to Jether, his firstborn, “Get up and kill them.” But the young man did not draw his sword; he was fearful because he was still a youth.… Cross References “They were my brothers,” Judges 9:5 He went to his father’s house in Ophrah, and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived, because he hid himself. 2 Samuel 19:12 You are my brothers, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to restore the king?’ Genesis 37:4 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Gideon replied, 1 Samuel 24:11 See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. Genesis 42:22 And Reuben responded, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen. Now we must account for his blood!” 2 Samuel 1:14-16 So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” / Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” “the sons of my mother! Deuteronomy 13:6 If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known, Psalm 50:20 You sit and malign your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. Songs 1:6 Do not stare because I am dark, for the sun has gazed upon me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me a keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have neglected. As surely as the LORD lives, 1 Samuel 14:39 As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word. Ruth 3:13 Stay here tonight, and in the morning, if he wants to redeem you, good. Let him redeem you. But if he does not want to redeem you, as surely as the LORD lives, I will. Now lie here until morning.” 1 Samuel 20:3 But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.” if you had let them live, 1 Samuel 24:10 Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’ 1 Samuel 26:11 But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” Genesis 45:5 And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. I would not kill you.” Numbers 35:19 The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him. Treasury of Scripture And he said, They were my brothers, even the sons of my mother: as the LORD lives, if you had saved them alive, I would not slay you. Jump to Previous Alive Death Kept Kill Live Mother Mother's Safe Saved Slain Slay Spared SurelyJump to Next Alive Death Kept Kill Live Mother Mother's Safe Saved Slain Slay Spared SurelyJudges 8 1. Gideon pacifies the Ephraimites4. Succoth and Penuel refuse to deliver Gideon's army 10. Zebah and Zalmunna are taken 13. Succoth and Penuel are destroyed 17. Gideon revenges his brothers's death on Zebah and Zalmunna 22. He refuses government 24. His ephod the cause of idolatry 28. Midian subdued 29. Gideon's children, and death 33. The Israelites' idolatry and ingratitude They were my brothers, Gideon identifies the men killed by Zebah and Zalmunna as his brothers, indicating a close familial bond. In ancient Israel, family ties were significant, and avenging a family member's death was a duty. This reflects the tribal and familial loyalty prevalent in the culture. The concept of brotherhood extends beyond blood relations in Scripture, often symbolizing unity and shared purpose among God's people. Gideon replied, the sons of my mother! As surely as the LORD lives, if you had let them live, I would not kill you. Persons / Places / Events 1. GideonA judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Known for his faith and leadership, yet also for his human flaws and struggles. 2. Zebah and Zalmunna Kings of Midian who were captured by Gideon. They were responsible for the death of Gideon's brothers, which led to their execution by Gideon. 3. Gideon's Brothers The sons of Gideon's mother, who were killed by Zebah and Zalmunna. Their death is a pivotal reason for Gideon's actions against the Midianite kings. 4. Midian A region and people often in conflict with Israel. The Midianites oppressed Israel until Gideon, under God's guidance, led a successful campaign against them. 5. Ophrah Gideon's hometown, where he was called by God and where he returned after his military victories. Teaching Points The Complexity of Justice and VengeanceGideon's actions remind us of the complexity of justice and the human tendency towards vengeance. While Gideon sought justice for his brothers, his actions also reflect personal revenge. Christians are called to seek justice but leave vengeance to God. The Importance of Brotherhood and Family The murder of Gideon's brothers highlights the deep bonds of family and the pain of loss. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing and protecting our relationships. The Consequences of Sin The death of Gideon's brothers and the subsequent execution of the Midianite kings illustrate the destructive cycle of sin and violence. Believers are encouraged to break this cycle through forgiveness and reconciliation. Faith Amidst Flaws Gideon is a complex character who demonstrates great faith but also significant flaws. His account encourages believers to trust in God's strength despite their weaknesses and imperfections. God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs Despite human actions and motives, God's purposes prevail. Gideon's victory over the Midianites was ultimately part of God's plan to deliver Israel, reminding us of God's sovereignty in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 8:19?2. How does Gideon's response in Judges 8:19 reflect justice and righteousness? 3. What does Judges 8:19 teach about the consequences of breaking God's covenant? 4. How can we apply Gideon's commitment to justice in our daily lives? 5. What other biblical examples show God's justice for His people? 6. How does Judges 8:19 challenge us to uphold truth and justice today? 7. Why did Gideon prioritize avenging his brothers' deaths in Judges 8:19? 8. How does Judges 8:19 reflect on the concept of justice in the Bible? 9. What does Judges 8:19 reveal about family loyalty in biblical times? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 8? 11. Who was Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, in the Bible? 12. What happened to Zebah and Zalmunna in the Bible? 13. Does the cyclical pattern of God sending deliverers (Judges 3:7-11) conflict with the notion of human free will or moral responsibility? 14. Judges 8:22-23: How do Gideon's actions after insisting he would not rule Israel align with his refusal of kingship? What Does Judges 8:19 Mean “They were my brothers,” Gideon repliedGideon’s opening words overflow with personal grief and righteous anger. The men Zebah and Zalmunna had slain (Judges 8:18) were not distant Israelites but Gideon’s own flesh and blood. • Scripture treats the shedding of a brother’s blood as a crime demanding swift justice (Genesis 4:9-10; Numbers 35:19). • David’s lament for Abner, “Should Abner die as a fool dies?” (2 Samuel 3:33-34), shows that killing a fellow Israelite was viewed as a horrendous breach of covenant loyalty. • The very mention of “brothers” brings to mind the family solidarity God expects among His people (Leviticus 25:48-49; 1 John 3:14-15). “the sons of my mother!” Gideon sharpens the point: these were full-blood siblings, not merely clan relatives. • Joseph called Benjamin “my brother, the son of my mother” to highlight special affection (Genesis 43:29). • Abimelech appealed to “my mother’s brothers” for support (Judges 9:1-2), underscoring that maternal ties carried intense loyalty within Israelite society. • By stressing this relationship, Gideon underlines the moral weight of the crime; to strike at his brothers was to strike at the very heart of his family line. As surely as the LORD lives, This oath formula invokes the living God as witness and judge. • The phrase appears often when God’s servants certify the absolute truth of their words (Ruth 3:13; 1 Samuel 20:3; 2 Kings 2:2). • Calling on the LORD’s life emphasizes that God actively presides over human justice (Jeremiah 10:10). • Because Yahweh is the living God, His moral standards are not theoretical; they demand real-world accountability. Gideon’s vow hinges on that certainty. if you had let them live, I would not kill you. Gideon states a clear principle of measured retribution. • “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood will be shed” (Genesis 9:6). • The Law provided for an “avenger of blood” when innocent life was taken (Numbers 35:19, 31). • Gideon’s condition—had Zebah and Zalmunna spared his brothers, they would themselves be spared—shows he is not driven by blind vengeance but by covenant justice (Exodus 21:23). • Their admission of guilt (Judges 8:18) sealed their fate; Gideon fulfills his duty before God and Israel to remove bloodguilt from the land (Deuteronomy 19:13). summary Judges 8:19 reveals Gideon acting as lawful avenger, not personal vigilante. His brothers, the “sons of my mother,” were murdered; therefore, under God’s living authority, the murderers must die. The verse affirms God’s unwavering demand for justice, the sacredness of family bonds, and the certainty that every act of violence against God’s people will ultimately be answered in kind. (19) The sons of my mother.--Comp. Genesis 43:29.As the Lord liveth.--Ruth 3:13; 1Samuel 14:41. (Comp. 'n. xii. 949.) Hebrew “Theyהֵ֑ם (hêm) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They were my brothers,” אַחַ֥י (’a·ḥay) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) Gideon replied, וַיֹּאמַ֕ר (way·yō·mar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “the sons בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of my mother! אִמִּ֖י (’im·mî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 517: A mother, ) As surely as the LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel lives, חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life if ל֚וּ (lū) Preposition Strong's 3863: If, would that! you had let them live, הַחֲיִתֶ֣ם (ha·ḥă·yi·ṯem) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 2421: To live, to revive I would not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no kill הָרַ֖גְתִּי (hā·raḡ·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent you.” אֶתְכֶֽם׃ (’eṯ·ḵem) Direct object marker | second person masculine plural Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case Links Judges 8:19 NIVJudges 8:19 NLT Judges 8:19 ESV Judges 8:19 NASB Judges 8:19 KJV Judges 8:19 BibleApps.com Judges 8:19 Biblia Paralela Judges 8:19 Chinese Bible Judges 8:19 French Bible Judges 8:19 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 8:19 He said They were my brothers (Jd Judg. 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