Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Come, do it yourself. ‘As is the man, so is his strength.’” So Gideon stepped forward and killed them, and took the ornaments off their camels’ necks. New Living Translation Then Zebah and Zalmunna said to Gideon, “Be a man! Kill us yourself!” So Gideon killed them both and took the royal ornaments from the necks of their camels. English Standard Version Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise yourself and fall upon us, for as the man is, so is his strength.” And Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments that were on the necks of their camels. Berean Standard Bible Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels. Berean Literal Bible And Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise yourself and kill us, for as the man, is his strength.” And Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments that were on the necks of their camels. King James Bible Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks. New King James Version So Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise yourself, and kill us; for as a man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent ornaments that were on their camels’ necks. New American Standard Bible Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise up yourself, and attack us; for as the man, so is his strength.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent amulets which were on their camels’ necks. NASB 1995 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise up yourself, and fall on us; for as the man, so is his strength.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent ornaments which were on their camels’ necks. NASB 1977 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise up yourself, and fall on us; for as the man, so is his strength.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent ornaments which were on their camels’ necks. Legacy Standard Bible Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise up yourself, and smite us; for as the man, so is his might.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna and took the crescent ornaments which were on their camels’ necks. Amplified Bible Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise up yourself and strike us; for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent amulets that were on their camels’ necks. Berean Annotated Bible Then Zebah (deprived of protection) and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for as the man is, so is his strength. So Gideon (hewer) got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels. Christian Standard Bible Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and strike us down yourself, for a man is judged by his strength.” So Gideon got up, killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent ornaments that were on the necks of their camels. Holman Christian Standard Bible Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for a man is judged by his strength.” So Gideon got up, killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent ornaments that were on the necks of their camels. American Standard Version Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us; for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels' necks. Contemporary English Version "What's the matter, Gideon?" Zebah and Zalmunna asked. "Do it yourself, if you're not too much of a coward!" Gideon jumped up and killed them both. Then he took the gold ornaments from the necks of their camels. English Revised Version Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels' necks. GOD'S WORD® Translation Zebah and Zalmunna said, "Get up and do it yourself! It's a man's job!" So Gideon got up and killed them. Then he took the half-moon ornaments that were on their camels' necks. Good News Translation Then Zebah and Zalmunna said to Gideon, "Come on, kill us yourself. It takes a man to do a man's job." So Gideon killed them and took the ornaments that were on the necks of their camels. International Standard Version Then Zebah and Zalmunna responded, "Get up and attack us yourself, since a man's valor is only as good as the man himself." So Gideon got up, killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the crescent-shaped necklaces that adorned the necks of their camels. NET Bible Zebah and Zalmunna said to Gideon, "Come on, you strike us, for a man is judged by his strength." So Gideon killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent-shaped ornaments which were on the necks of their camels. New Heart English Bible Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, "Rise up yourself, and kill us, for a man is judged by his strength." Gideon arose, and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent ornaments that were on their camels' necks. Webster's Bible Translation Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels. World English Bible Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “You rise and fall on us; for as the man is, so is his strength.” Gideon arose, and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels’ necks. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Zebah and Zalmunna say, “Rise and fall on us; for as the man—his might”; and Gideon rises, and slays Zebah and Zalmunna, and takes the crescents which [are] on the necks of their camels. Berean Literal Bible And Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise yourself and kill us, for as the man, is his strength.” And Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments that were on the necks of their camels. Young's Literal Translation And Zebah saith -- also Zalmunna -- 'Rise thou, and fall upon us; for as the man -- his might;' and Gideon riseth, and slayeth Zebah and Zalmunna, and taketh their round ornaments which are on the necks of their camels. Smith's Literal Translation And Zebah will say, and Zalmunna, Arise, and fall upon us: for as a man, his strength. And Gideon will rise and kill Zebah and Zalmunna, and he will take the little moons upon their camels' necks. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Zebee and Salmana said: Do thou rise, and run upon us: because the strength of a man is according to his age: Gedeon rose up and slew Zebee and Salmana: and he took the ornaments and bosses, with which the necks of the camels of kings are wont to be adorned. Catholic Public Domain Version And Zebah and Zalmunna said: “You should rise up and rush against us. For the strength of a man is in accord with his age.” Gideon rose up, and he killed Zebah and Zalmunna. And he took the ornaments and studs, with which the necks of the royal camels are usually adorned. New American Bible Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Come, kill us yourself, for as a man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon stepped forward and killed Zebah and Zalmunna. He also took the crescents that were on the necks of their camels. New Revised Standard Version Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “You come and kill us; for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon proceeded to kill Zebah and Zalmunna; and he took the crescents that were on the necks of their camels. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise yourself, and fall upon us; for as the man is, so is his might. And Gideon arose and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Zebakh and Tsalmenna said: “You arise and fall on us, and as the man, so is his manliness.” And Gedun arose and he killed Zebakh and Tsalmenna, and he took the crescent ornaments that were on the necks of their camels OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then Zebah and Zalmunna said: 'Rise thou, and fall upon us; for as the man is, so is his strength.' And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels' necks. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Zebee and Salmana said, Rise thou and fall upon us, for thy power is as that of a man; and Gedeon arose, and slew Zebee and Salmana: and he took the round ornaments that were on the necks of their camels. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna…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. 21Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels. Cross References Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Psalm 83:11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, Numbers 31:7-8 Then they waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male. / Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword. “Get up and kill us yourself, 1 Samuel 31:4 Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. 2 Samuel 1:9-10 Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.’ / So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.” for as the man is, so is his strength.” Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength. Psalm 33:16-17 No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, Joshua 10:24-26 When they had brought the kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had accompanied him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So the commanders came forward and put their feet on their necks. / “Do not be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua said. “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight.” / After this, Joshua struck down and killed the kings, and he hung their bodies on five trees and left them there until evening. 1 Samuel 15:33 But Samuel declared: “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal. and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels. Isaiah 3:18-23 In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents; / their pendants, bracelets, and veils; / their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms; … Isaiah 60:6-7 Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. / All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house. 1 Samuel 17:51 David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. 1 Kings 2:25 So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died. 1 Kings 2:34 So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness. 1 Kings 2:46 Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon. 2 Samuel 1:10 So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.” 2 Samuel 4:12 So David commanded his young men, and they killed Rechab and Baanah. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies by the pool in Hebron, but they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in Abner’s tomb in Hebron. Treasury of Scripture Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise you, and fall on us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks. rise thou. Judges 9:54 Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died. 1 Samuel 31:3,5 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers… Revelation 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. slew Psalm 83:1 A Song or Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. ornaments. Isaiah 3:18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, Jump to Previous Camels Crescent Crescents Death Killed Necks Ornaments Rise Riseth Round Slayeth Slew Stepped Strength Zalmunna Zalmun'na ZebahJump to Next Camels Crescent Crescents Death Killed Necks Ornaments Rise Riseth Round Slayeth Slew Stepped Strength Zalmunna Zalmun'na ZebahJudges 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 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Zebah and Zalmunna were kings of Midian, a people who had oppressed Israel. Their mention here highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Midian, which began earlier in the Book of Judges. The Midianites were nomadic and often raided Israel, leading to significant hardship for the Israelites. “Get up and kill us yourself, for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels. 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 obedience to God, yet also for his human flaws. 2. Zebah and Zalmunna Kings of Midian who were defeated by Gideon. Their capture and execution mark the culmination of Gideon's military campaign against the Midianites. 3. Midian A region and people who were adversaries of Israel during the time of the Judges. The Midianites oppressed Israel until Gideon, empowered by God, led a successful campaign against them. 4. Crescent Ornaments Decorative items taken from the camels of Zebah and Zalmunna, symbolizing the wealth and status of the Midianite kings. 5. The Battle The broader context of Gideon's campaign against the Midianites, which was marked by divine intervention and strategic warfare. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsGideon's actions demonstrate the importance of complete obedience to God's instructions, even when they involve difficult decisions. Strength in God The statement "for as the man is, so is his strength" reflects a worldly view of strength. True strength for believers comes from reliance on God, not merely human ability. Consequences of Leadership Leaders are often called to make tough decisions. Gideon's execution of Zebah and Zalmunna shows the weight of leadership responsibilities. Symbolism of Victory The crescent ornaments symbolize the spoils of victory and God's deliverance. Believers are reminded to attribute their successes to God's provision. Legacy and Influence Gideon's actions had lasting impacts on Israel. Our actions and decisions can influence others and shape our legacy. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 8:21?2. How does Judges 8:21 demonstrate God's justice through Gideon's actions? 3. What lessons on courage can we learn from Gideon's response to Zebah and Zalmunna? 4. How does Gideon's victory in Judges 8:21 connect to God's promises in Scripture? 5. In what ways can we apply Gideon's boldness to our spiritual battles today? 6. What does Gideon's leadership in Judges 8:21 teach about fulfilling God's calling? 7. Why did Gideon refuse to kill Zebah and Zalmunna himself in Judges 8:21? 8. What does Judges 8:21 reveal about the concept of leadership in the Bible? 9. How does Judges 8:21 reflect the cultural practices of ancient Israel? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 8? 11. What happened to Zebah and Zalmunna in the Bible? 12. Judges 8:20: Why would Gideon command his young son to kill captives, and is there any historical precedent for such practices? 13. Judges 8:4-5: Could 300 men realistically pursue thousands of Midianites without proper resources or logistical support? 14. In Judges 1:8 versus 1:21, why does it say Judah captured Jerusalem but Benjamin couldn't drive out the Jebusites, leading to conflicting accounts about Jerusalem's conquest? What Does Judges 8:21 Mean Then Zebah and Zalmunna said- These two Midianite kings have been captured after the Lord gave Gideon victory (Judges 8:10–12). - Their words come in response to Gideon’s son Jether hesitating to execute them (Judges 8:20). - They speak willingly, accepting that their defeat is final, much as Sisera’s downfall was final in Judges 4:22–24. Get up and kill us yourself - In the ancient Near East, dying at the hand of a respected warrior was considered more honorable than at the hand of a youth (cf. 1 Samuel 31:4). - By asking Gideon to act personally, the kings acknowledge his authority and God-given leadership (Judges 7:15). - Their request highlights a contrast: the enemy seeks an honorable death, yet previously showed no mercy (Judges 8:18–19). For “as the man is, so is his strength” - They admit that a man’s proven character is measured by his deeds. - Gideon’s strength has been displayed through faith in the Lord (Judges 7:2-7; Psalm 18:32). - Their statement unwittingly echoes Proverbs 24:10—true strength is revealed in action, not title. So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna - Gideon fulfills justice for the murder of his brothers (Judges 8:19; Genesis 9:6). - The execution ends Midianite oppression, as foretold when God called Gideon a “mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12). - Similar decisive judgment appears in Numbers 31:8 and 1 Samuel 15:33, showing that God’s deliverers must complete the mission given. He took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels - Crescents were symbols of Midianite royalty and possibly lunar worship (Isaiah 3:18). - Removing them is both practical spoil (Judges 8:26) and theological: stripping idolatrous power before the Lord, much like the captured idols of 1 Samuel 5:2–4. - The action also foreshadows Gideon’s later misstep of making an ephod from the gold (Judges 8:27), reminding us that even God’s servants must guard against misplaced glory. summary Judges 8:21 records Gideon’s completion of God’s judgment on Midian’s kings. Their plea for an honorable death underscores Gideon’s God-given strength and authority. By executing them himself and seizing their pagan ornaments, Gideon vindicates his slain brothers, ends Midian’s tyranny, and publicly demonstrates that the Lord—not Midian’s moon-gods—rules Israel’s destiny. (21) Rise thou, and fall upon us.--They deprecated the pain and shame of falling by the irresolute hands of a boy.For as the man . . . his strength.--Deuteronomy 33:25. "As thy days, so shall thy strength be." Ornaments.--Saharonim, "little moons," crescent-shaped ornaments of gold and silver, still in common use to decorate animals. Isaiah 3:18, "round tires like the moon." "Niveo lunata monilia dente" (Stat. Theb. ix. 689). After one of his battles Mohammed found a slain camel adorned with these lunul? and with strings of emeralds. The Roman senators (for another reason) wore silver crescents on their shoes. Verse 21. - The ornaments. Literally, little moons, crescent-shaped ornaments of gold and silver, which as well as "chains" (ver. 26) were hung as ornaments on their camels' necks (cf. Judges 5:30). It would seem from ver. 26 that the kings themselves also wore these ornaments; and in Isaiah 3:18 they are enumerated among the articles of female attire - round tires like the moon, A.V. CHAPTER 8:22-35 Hebrew Then Zebahזֶ֣בַח (ze·ḇaḥ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2078: Zebah -- a Midianite king and Zalmunna וְצַלְמֻנָּ֗ע (wə·ṣal·mun·nā‘) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6759: Zalmunna -- a king of Midian said, וַיֹּ֜אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Get up ק֤וּם (qūm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand and kill וּפְגַע־ (ū·p̄ə·ḡa‘-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 6293: To impinge, by accident, violence, by importunity us yourself, אַתָּה֙ (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you for כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction as the man is, כָאִ֖ישׁ (ḵā·’îš) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person so is his strength.” גְּבוּרָת֑וֹ (gə·ḇū·rā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1369: Force, valor, victory So Gideon גִּדְע֗וֹן (giḏ·‘ō·wn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1439: Gideon -- a judge of Israel arose וַיָּ֣קָם (way·yā·qām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand and killed וַֽיַּהֲרֹג֙ (way·ya·hă·rōḡ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent Zebah זֶ֣בַח (ze·ḇaḥ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2078: Zebah -- a Midianite king and Zalmunna, צַלְמֻנָּ֔ע (ṣal·mun·nā‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6759: Zalmunna -- a king of Midian and he took וַיִּקַּח֙ (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take the crescent ornaments הַשַּׂ֣הֲרֹנִ֔ים (haś·śa·hă·rō·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7720: A round pendant for, the neck from the necks בְּצַוְּארֵ֥י (bə·ṣaw·wə·rê) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 6677: The back of the neck of their camels. גְמַלֵּיהֶֽם׃ (ḡə·mal·lê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1581: A camel Links Judges 8:21 NIVJudges 8:21 NLT Judges 8:21 ESV Judges 8:21 NASB Judges 8:21 KJV Judges 8:21 BibleApps.com Judges 8:21 Biblia Paralela Judges 8:21 Chinese Bible Judges 8:21 French Bible Judges 8:21 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 8:21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said Rise you (Jd Judg. 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