Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then Jotham fled, escaping to Beer, and he lived there because he was afraid of his brother Abimelek. New Living Translation Then Jotham escaped and lived in Beer because he was afraid of his brother Abimelech. English Standard Version And Jotham ran away and fled and went to Beer and lived there, because of Abimelech his brother. Berean Standard Bible Then Jotham ran away, escaping to Beer, and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech. Berean Literal Bible And Jotham ran away and fled, and he went to Beer and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. King James Bible And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. New King James Version And Jotham ran away and fled; and he went to Beer and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. New American Standard Bible Then Jotham escaped and fled, and went to Beer; and he stayed there because of his brother Abimelech. NASB 1995 Then Jotham escaped and fled, and went to Beer and remained there because of Abimelech his brother. NASB 1977 Then Jotham escaped and fled, and went to Beer and remained there because of Abimelech his brother. Legacy Standard Bible Then Jotham escaped and fled and went to Beer and remained there because of Abimelech his brother. Amplified Bible Then Jotham escaped and fled, and went to Beer and lived there because of Abimelech his brother. Berean Annotated Bible Then Jotham (YHWH is perfect) ran away, escaping to Beer (well), and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech (my father is king). Christian Standard Bible Then Jotham fled, escaping to Beer, and lived there because of his brother Abimelech. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Jotham fled, escaping to Beer, and lived there because of his brother Abimelech. American Standard Version And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. Contemporary English Version Jotham ran off and went to live in the town of Beer, where he could be safe from his brother Abimelech. English Revised Version And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Jotham ran away quickly. He went to Beerah and lived there [to avoid] his brother Abimelech. Good News Translation Then because he was afraid of his brother Abimelech, Jotham ran away and went to live at Beer. International Standard Version Then Jotham escaped by running away. He went to Beer and remained there because of his brother Abimelech. NET Bible Then Jotham ran away to Beer and lived there to escape from Abimelech his half-brother. New Heart English Bible And Jotham escaped and fled and went to Beer and lived there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. Webster's Bible Translation And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Jotham ran away, escaping to Beer, and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech. World English Bible Jotham ran away and fled, and went to Beer and lived there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jotham hurries, and flees, and goes to Beer, and dwells there, from the face of his brother Abimelech. Berean Literal Bible And Jotham ran away and fled, and he went to Beer and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. Young's Literal Translation And Jotham hasteth, and fleeth, and goeth to Beer, and dwelleth there, from the face of Abimelech his brother. Smith's Literal Translation And Jotham will flee, and break away, and he will go to the well and will dwell there from the face of Abimelech his brother. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when he had said thus he fled, and went into Bera: and dwelt there for fear of Abimelech his brother. Catholic Public Domain Version And when he had said these things, he fled and went away to Beer. And he lived in that place, out of fear of Abimelech, his brother. New American Bible Then Jotham fled and escaped to Beer, where he remained for fear of his brother Abimelech. New Revised Standard Version Then Jotham ran away and fled, going to Beer, where he remained for fear of his brother Abimelech. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Jotham ran away and escaped, and went to Debir, and dwelt there, the place where Abimeleck had lived before. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yutham fled and he escaped and he went to Debir and dwelt there, where Abimelek was dwelling from former time OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Joatham fled, and ran away, and went as far as Baeer, and dwelt there out of the way of his brother Abimelech. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jotham's Parable…20But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech.” 21Then Jotham ran away, escaping to Beer, and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech. Cross References Then Jotham ran away, Genesis 27:43 So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. Exodus 2:15 When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well. 1 Samuel 19:18 So David ran away and escaped. And he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there. escaping to Beer, Numbers 21:16 From there they went on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people so that I may give them water.” Numbers 21:18 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, Numbers 21:19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth, and he lived there 1 Samuel 27:5-7 Then David said to Achish, “If I have found favor in your eyes, let me be assigned a place in one of the outlying towns, so I can live there. For why should your servant live in the royal city with you?” / That day Achish gave him Ziklag, and to this day it still belongs to the kings of Judah. / And the time that David lived in Philistine territory amounted to a year and four months. 1 Kings 17:5-6 So Elijah did what the LORD had told him, and he went and lived by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan. / The ravens would bring him bread and meat in the morning and evening, and he would drink from the brook. 1 Kings 19:9 There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” for fear of his brother Abimelech. Genesis 27:41-45 Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” / When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. / So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. … Genesis 32:7-11 In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels. / He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.” / Then Jacob declared, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, the LORD who told me, ‘Go back to your country and to your kindred, and I will make you prosper,’ … Genesis 33:1-4 Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. / But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. … Genesis 19:17 As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” 1 Samuel 19:12 So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. 1 Kings 19:3 And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, Matthew 2:13 When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” Treasury of Scripture And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelled there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. Beer. Numbers 21:16 And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water. Joshua 19:8 And all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. 2 Samuel 20:14 And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him. Jump to Previous Abimelech Abim'elech Afraid Beer Dwelleth Dwelt Escaped Escaping Hasteth Jotham Ran StraightJump to Next Abimelech Abim'elech Afraid Beer Dwelleth Dwelt Escaped Escaping Hasteth Jotham Ran StraightJudges 9 1. Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king7. Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin 22. Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him 30. Zebul reveals it 34. Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt 46. He burns the hold of the god Berith 50. At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone 56. Jotham's curse is fulfilled. Then Jotham ran away Jotham's flight is a direct response to the threat posed by his brother Abimelech, who had just orchestrated the murder of their seventy brothers to secure his rule over Shechem. This act of running away is a common biblical motif where individuals flee from danger, as seen with David fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel 19:10) and Moses fleeing from Pharaoh (Exodus 2:15). It highlights the immediate danger and the need for self-preservation. escaping to Beer and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech Persons / Places / Events 1. JothamThe youngest son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), who survived the massacre of his brothers by Abimelech. He is known for his parable of the trees, which he delivered from Mount Gerizim. 2. Abimelech The son of Gideon and a concubine from Shechem, who killed his seventy brothers to become king. His rule is marked by treachery and violence. 3. Beer A location where Jotham fled to escape Abimelech. The name "Beer" means "well" in Hebrew, indicating a place with a water source, possibly a refuge or a place of safety. 4. Mount Gerizim The mountain from which Jotham delivered his parable. It holds historical and religious significance in Israelite history. 5. Shechem A city of great historical importance, where Abimelech was made king. It is a central location in the account of Judges 9. Teaching Points The Consequences of AmbitionAbimelech's account warns against unchecked ambition and the lengths to which people might go to achieve power. It serves as a reminder to seek God's will rather than personal gain. The Power of Words Jotham's parable is a powerful example of using words to convey truth and warn others. Believers are encouraged to speak truth courageously, even in the face of danger. Seeking Refuge in God Jotham's flight to Beer symbolizes seeking refuge and safety. In times of trouble, believers are reminded to find their refuge in God, who is our ultimate protector. The Importance of Righteous Leadership The account highlights the need for leaders who are righteous and just. It challenges believers to pray for and support godly leadership in their communities. God's Justice Prevails Despite the temporary success of the wicked, God's justice ultimately prevails. This encourages believers to trust in God's timing and justice. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 9:21?2. How does Judges 9:21 illustrate the consequences of Abimelech's actions? 3. What can we learn from Jotham's response to Abimelech's rise to power? 4. How does Judges 9:21 connect to God's justice throughout the Bible? 5. How should Christians respond to injustice, as seen in Judges 9:21? 6. What does Jotham's escape teach about trusting God's protection in adversity? 7. Why did Jotham flee to Beer in Judges 9:21? 8. What historical significance does Beer hold in Judges 9:21? 9. How does Jotham's escape reflect God's protection in Judges 9:21? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 9? 11. Who was Abimelech in the Bible? 12. How could Abimelech have murdered seventy of Gideon's sons without immediate opposition (Judges 9:5)? 13. Why would God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:23)? 14. Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible? What Does Judges 9:21 Mean Then Jotham ran away• Jotham’s immediate flight shows practical wisdom. Proverbs 22:3 says, “The prudent see danger and take cover.” • His running does not contradict courage; he had just proclaimed God’s warning from Mount Gerizim (Judges 9:7–20). After fulfilling that duty, retreating preserved his life so the prophecy could unfold. • Scripture often commends strategic withdrawal: 1 Samuel 19:10–12 (David), Matthew 10:23 (Jesus to the disciples), and Acts 9:25 (Paul). God’s people trust Him while using the means He provides. Escaping to Beer • Beer was a small settlement far from Shechem’s political center, similar to the “Beer” mentioned in Numbers 21:16. Moving away limited Abimelech’s reach. • God repeatedly shelters His servants in out-of-the-way places—Elijah at Cherith (1 Kings 17:3) and Joseph with Mary in Egypt (Matthew 2:13). • The verse stresses that escape was successful; no pursuit or capture is recorded, underscoring God’s preserving hand (Psalm 121:7-8). And he lived there • “Lived” points to an extended stay, not a brief hiding place. Like Moses in Midian (Exodus 2:15), Jotham settled until the Lord’s timing brought justice (Judges 9:56-57). • Long-term refuge often shapes character: David at Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1-2) and John on Patmos (Revelation 1:9). Waiting seasons are part of God’s plan (Psalm 27:14). • Stability in Beer shows God provides not only escape but also ongoing daily needs (Philippians 4:19). For fear of his brother Abimelech • The fear was well-founded; Abimelech had murdered 70 brothers (Judges 9:5). Proverbs 29:25 warns, “The fear of man is a snare,” yet pairing fear with faith-filled action—flight and trust—keeps the believer safe. • Family hostility is a recurring biblical theme: Jacob fled Esau (Genesis 27:41-43), and Jesus’ own brothers doubted Him (John 7:5). Loyalty to God may require distance from blood relatives when they oppose His purposes. • Jotham’s survival allowed God’s prophetic curse (Judges 9:7-20) to stand as a witness. In time, Abimelech’s violence turned back on him (Judges 9:53-55), fulfilling Galatians 6:7. summary Judges 9:21 records prudent, God-directed self-preservation. Jotham, having boldly spoken truth, fled to an obscure place, found long-term refuge, and lived under God’s protection because Abimelech’s murderous ambition made staying impossible. His escape preserved both his life and the prophetic word, illustrating that God safeguards His messengers while He orchestrates justice in His perfect time. (21) Went to Beer.--Since Beer means a "well," it. was naturally a very common name in Palestine. There is nothing to show with certainty whether this Beer is Beeroth in Benjamin (Joshua 9:17), now el Bireh, about. six miles north of Jerusalem (see my Life of Christ, i. 73), or the el Bireh which lies on the road from Shechem to Askalon, or the el Bireh near Endor. Probably Jotham would be safe anywhere in the territories of Judah or Benjamin, without going, as Ewald supposes, to the Beer of Numbers 21:16, on the frontiers of Moab, an ancient sanctuary on the other side of the Jordan, possibly the Beer-elim (palm-well) of Isaiah 15:8.For fear of Abimelech.--Literally, from the face of Abimelech. Verse 21. - Jotham ran away. Being close to the top of Gerizim, Jotham had the open country before him. It would take the men of Shechem twenty minutes to ascend the hill, by which time Jotham would be out of sight, and two or three miles on his way. Beer, to which he fled, is thought to be either the same as Beeroth, among the heights of the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 9:17), now El-Birch, "the first halting-place for caravans on the northern road from Jerusalem" ('Sinai and Palestine,' p. 210); or a place called by Eusebius Beta, now El-Birch, eight Roman miles from Eleutheropolis (now Beit Jibrin), and possibly the same as the place of the same name described by Maundrell as four hours from Jerusalem, and two hours west of Bethel; or, as Ewald thinks, Beer beyond Jordan (Numbers 21:16). It is impossible to decide which, or whether any, of these is the place designated as Jotham s place of refuge. CHAPTER 9:22-57 Hebrew Then Jothamיוֹתָ֔ם (yō·w·ṯām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3147: Jotham -- 'the LORD is perfect', three Israelites ran away, וַיָּ֣נָס (way·yā·nās) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away escaping וַיִּבְרַ֖ח (way·yiḇ·raḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1272: To bolt, to flee suddenly to Beer, בְּאֵ֑רָה (bə·’ê·rāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 876: Beer -- 'well', a place in the desert, also one in Palestine and he lived וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry there שָׁ֔ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither for fear מִפְּנֵ֖י (mip·pə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face of his brother אָחִֽיו׃ (’ā·ḥîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) Abimelech. אֲבִימֶ֥לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name Links Judges 9:21 NIVJudges 9:21 NLT Judges 9:21 ESV Judges 9:21 NASB Judges 9:21 KJV Judges 9:21 BibleApps.com Judges 9:21 Biblia Paralela Judges 9:21 Chinese Bible Judges 9:21 French Bible Judges 9:21 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 9:21 Jotham ran away and fled and went (Jd Judg. 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