Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your big talk now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelek that we should be subject to him?’ Aren’t these the men you ridiculed? Go out and fight them!” New Living Translation Then Zebul turned on him and asked, “Now where is that big mouth of yours? Wasn’t it you that said, ‘Who is Abimelech, and why should we be his servants?’ The men you mocked are right outside the city! Go out and fight them!” English Standard Version Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your mouth now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Are not these the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them.” Berean Standard Bible “Where is your gloating now?” Zebul replied. “You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the people you ridiculed? Go out now and fight them!” Berean Literal Bible And Zebul said to him, “Where now is your mouth, with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people whom you have despised? Go out, please, now, and fight against it.” King James Bible Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them. New King James Version Then Zebul said to him, “Where indeed is your mouth now, with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Are not these the people whom you despised? Go out, if you will, and fight with them now.” New American Standard Bible Then Zebul said to him, “Where then is your boasting with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people whom you rejected? Go out now and fight them!” NASB 1995 Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your boasting now with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them!” NASB 1977 Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your boasting now with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them!” Legacy Standard Bible Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your boasting now with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people whom you rejected? Go out now and fight with them!” Amplified Bible Then Zebul said to Gaal, “Where is your [boasting] mouth now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them!” Berean Annotated Bible “Where is your gloating now? Zebul (exalted) replied. “You said, ‘Who is Abimelech (my father is king) that we should serve him? Are these not the people you ridiculed? Go out now and fight them! Christian Standard Bible Zebul replied, “What do you have to say now? You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him? ’ Aren’t these the troops you despised? Now go and fight them! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Zebul replied, “Where is your mouthing off now? You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Aren’t these the people you despised? Now go and fight them!” American Standard Version Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, that thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out now, I pray, and fight with them. Contemporary English Version Then Zebul replied, "What good is all of your bragging now? You were the one who said Abimelech shouldn't be the ruler of Shechem. Out there is the army that you made fun of. So go out and fight them!" English Revised Version Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, that thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out now, I pray, and fight with them. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Zebul said to him, "Where is your big mouth now? You were the one who said, 'Who's Abimelech that we should serve him?' Aren't these the troops [whose ruler] you despised? Now go out and fight him." Good News Translation Then Zebul said to him, "Where is all your big talk now? You were the one who asked why we should serve this man Abimelech. These are the men you were making fun of. Go on out now and fight them." International Standard Version So Zebul replied, "Right... So where's your boasting now? You said, 'Who is Abimelech? Should we serve him?' Isn't this the army that you insulted? So go out right now and fight them!" NET Bible Zebul said to him, "Where now are your bragging words, 'Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?' Are these not the men you insulted? Go out now and fight them!" New Heart English Bible Then Zebul said to him, "Where is now your mouth, that you said, 'Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?' Is not this the people that you have despised? Please go out now and fight with them." Webster's Bible Translation Then said Zebul to him, Where is now thy mouth, with which thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? are not these the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Where is your gloating now?” Zebul replied. “You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the people you ridiculed? Go out now and fight them!” World English Bible Then Zebul said to him, “Now where is your mouth, that you said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Isn’t this the people that you have despised? Please go out now and fight with them.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Zebul says to him, “Where [is] your mouth now, in that you say, Who [is] Abimelech that we serve him? Is this not the people against which you have kicked? Please go out now and fight against it.” Berean Literal Bible And Zebul said to him, “Where now is your mouth, with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people whom you have despised? Go out, please, now, and fight against it.” Young's Literal Translation And Zebul saith unto him, 'Where is now thy mouth, in that thou sayest, Who is Abimelech that we serve him? is not this the people against which thou hast kicked? go out, I pray thee now, and fight against it.' Smith's Literal Translation And Zebul will say to him, Where now thy mouth with which thou wilt say, Who Abimelech, that we shall serve him? is not this the people which thou despised it? now go forth now, and fight with it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Zebul said to him: Where is now thy mouth wherewith thou saidst? Who is Abimelech that we should serve him? Is not this the people which thou didst despise? Go out, and fight against him. Catholic Public Domain Version And Zebul said to him: “Where is your mouth now, with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people that you were despising? Go out and fight against him.” New American Bible Zebul said to him, “Where now is your boast, when you said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the troops for whom you expressed contempt? Go out now and fight with them.” New Revised Standard Version Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your boast now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Are not these the troops you made light of? Go out now and fight with them.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Zebul said to him, Where is now your mouth with which you said, Who is Abimeleck that we should serve him? Are not these the people whom you have despised? Go out now and fight with them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Zabal said to him: “Where is your mouth which was saying, ‘Who is Abimelek, that we should serve him?’ Was this not the people that you despised? Go out now and fight with him!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then said Zebul unto him: 'Where is now thy mouth, that thou saidst: Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out now, I pray, and fight with them.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Zebul said to him, And where is thy mouth as thou spokest, Who is Abimelech that we should serve him? Is not this the people whom thou despisedst? go forth now, and set the battle in array against him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Fall of Shechem…37Then Gaal spoke up again, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming by way of the Diviners’ Oak.” 38“Where is your gloating now?” Zebul replied. “You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the people you ridiculed? Go out now and fight them!” 39So Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought against Abimelech,… Cross References “Where is your gloating now?” Obadiah 1:12 But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress. Proverbs 17:5 He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished. Psalm 52:1-2 For the choirmaster. A Maskil of David. After Doeg the Edomite went to Saul and told him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long. / Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. Zebul replied. 1 Samuel 17:45-47 But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Kings 18:27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!” Proverbs 26:4-5 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. / Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes. “You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ 1 Kings 12:16 When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, 2 Samuel 20:1 Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” 1 Samuel 8:7 And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. Are these not the people you ridiculed? Psalm 44:13-14 You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, a mockery and derision to those around us. / You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples. Psalm 79:4 We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to those around us. Psalm 123:3-4 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. / We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud. Go out now and fight them!” 2 Samuel 10:12 Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.” Deuteronomy 20:4 For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” Joshua 8:1 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. See, I have delivered into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. 1 Samuel 17:26 David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” Treasury of Scripture Then said Zebul to him, Where is now your mouth, with which you said, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that you have despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them. Judges 9:28,29 And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him? … 2 Samuel 2:26,27 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren? … 2 Kings 14:8-14 Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face… Jump to Previous Abimelech Abim'elech Big Boasting Despised Kicked Loud Mouth Ridiculed Servants Serve Subject Talk Wherewith Who ZebulJump to Next Abimelech Abim'elech Big Boasting Despised Kicked Loud Mouth Ridiculed Servants Serve Subject Talk Wherewith Who ZebulJudges 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. “Where is your gloating now?” This phrase is a direct challenge from Zebul to Gaal, highlighting the shift in circumstances. Gloating, or boasting, is often condemned in Scripture as prideful (Proverbs 16:18). Zebul's question underscores the futility of Gaal's earlier arrogance and serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall. Zebul replied. “You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the people you ridiculed? Go out now and fight them!” Persons / Places / Events 1. ZebulThe governor of Shechem and a supporter of Abimelech. He plays a crucial role in the events leading up to the conflict between Abimelech and Gaal. 2. Gaal A man who opposed Abimelech and sought to lead a rebellion against him. He is the one being addressed by Zebul in this verse. 3. Abimelech The son of Gideon (Jerubbaal) who declared himself king over Shechem and its surrounding areas. His rule is marked by treachery and violence. 4. Shechem An ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history. It becomes a focal point of conflict in this account. 5. The Conflict The tension between Abimelech and the people of Shechem, particularly Gaal, who challenges Abimelech's authority. Teaching Points The Danger of PrideGaal's arrogance leads to his downfall. Pride often precedes destruction, and humility is a safeguard against such outcomes. The Consequences of Rebellion Gaal's challenge to Abimelech without God's guidance results in failure. Rebellion against authority, especially without divine direction, can lead to chaos and defeat. God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs Despite human schemes, God's purposes prevail. The events in Shechem demonstrate that God can use even flawed leaders to accomplish His will. The Importance of Wise Counsel Zebul's role as a counselor to Abimelech shows the impact of advice, whether for good or ill. Seeking godly counsel is crucial in decision-making. The Role of Accountability Zebul holds Gaal accountable for his words, reminding us of the importance of being responsible for what we say and do. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 9:38?2. How does Judges 9:38 challenge us to confront our own fears today? 3. What does Judges 9:38 reveal about God's justice and human accountability? 4. How can we apply the lessons from Judges 9:38 in our daily lives? 5. In what ways does Judges 9:38 connect with themes of divine retribution in Scripture? 6. How does Judges 9:38 encourage us to trust God's timing in difficult situations? 7. How does Judges 9:38 challenge our understanding of divine justice and human responsibility? 8. What historical context is essential to fully grasp the events in Judges 9:38? 9. How does the theme of betrayal in Judges 9:38 relate to broader biblical narratives? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 9? 11. How could Abimelech have murdered seventy of Gideon's sons without immediate opposition (Judges 9:5)? 12. Why would God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:23)? 13. Does the account of Abimelech's violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22-24)? 14. Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible? What Does Judges 9:38 Mean Where is your gloating now?- Zebul throws Gaal’s own swagger back at him, exposing the emptiness of self-confidence when God is not honored (Proverbs 16:18; 1 Samuel 2:3; James 4:16). - Gaal’s earlier boasting had seemed impressive, yet at the first sight of real danger it evaporates—showing how quickly human pride crumbles under divine providence (Judges 7:2). Zebul replied. - Zebul, governor of Shechem under Abimelech, openly rebukes the rebel he once tolerated. Loyalty to his appointed ruler outweighs personal irritation (Proverbs 17:17; Romans 13:1). - His response also reveals God’s hidden hand: the ruler of the city prevents a coup that would have plunged Israel into deeper chaos, preserving order long enough for God’s judgment to unfold exactly as prophesied (Judges 9:22-24). You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ - Gaal’s disdain echoes Pharaoh’s “Who is the LORD…?” (Exodus 5:2) and Nabal’s “Who is David…?” (1 Samuel 25:10). Such contempt consistently precedes downfall. - The statement illustrates Israel’s cycle in Judges: rejecting God-ordained leadership invites disorder and oppression (Jude 1:8). Are these not the people you ridiculed? - Zebul points to the very troops Gaal mocked—now marching against him. The taunt highlights the principle that mockery invites recompense (Galatians 6:7). - Like Sennacherib’s blasphemous boasts later silenced by the Angel of the LORD (2 Kings 19:10-13, 35-37), Gaal’s scorn rebounds upon his own head, fulfilling Jotham’s earlier curse that fire would come from Abimelech to consume Shechem (Judges 9:20). Go out now and fight them! - Zebul forces Gaal to act on his words—no retreat, no excuses. Empty bravado must face reality (1 Kings 20:11). - The command exposes the difference between bold speech and true courage grounded in faith (1 Samuel 17:45). Without the LORD, even a large following is powerless (Proverbs 24:21-22). - The ensuing battle ends with Gaal’s defeat and expulsion (Judges 9:39-41), proving that God vindicates authority He permits and humbles those who exalt themselves. summary Judges 9:38 captures the turning point where proud words meet God-arranged consequences. Zebul’s sharp challenge unmasks Gaal’s arrogance, compels accountability, and advances divine judgment foretold against Shechem. The verse reminds that boasting apart from God is short-lived, authority matters, and every idle taunt is answered—often by the very circumstances once despised. (38) Where is now thy mouth . . .?--"Mouth" here means boastfulness. This is usually taken as a bitter taunt, as though Zebul could now safely throw off his deceitful acquiescence in Gaal's plans. It may be so, for the narrative gives us no further details; but unless Zebul was in some way secured by his own adherents from Gaal's immediate vengeance, it seems better to take it as a sort of expostulation against Gaal's past rashness.Verse 38. - Then said Zebul, etc. Zebul now throws off the mask, and dares Gaal to carry out his boast in ver. 28.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Whereאַיֵּ֨ה (’ay·yêh) Interrogative Strong's 346: Where? is your gloating פִ֙יךָ֙ (p̄î·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to now?” אֵפ֥וֹא (’ê·p̄ō·w) Conjunction Strong's 645: Here, now, then Zebul זְבֻ֗ל (zə·ḇul) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2083: Zebul -- an officer of Abimelech replied. וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “You said, תֹּאמַ֔ר (tō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Who מִ֥י (mî) Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix is Abimelech אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name that כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction we should serve him?’ נַעַבְדֶ֑נּוּ (na·‘aḇ·ḏen·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave Are these not הֲלֹ֨א (hă·lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no the people הָעָם֙ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock you ridiculed? מָאַ֣סְתָּה (mā·’as·tāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3988: To spurn, to disappear Go out צֵא־ (ṣê-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim now עַתָּ֖ה (‘at·tāh) Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time and fight them!” וְהִלָּ֥חֶם (wə·hil·lā·ḥem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle Links Judges 9:38 NIVJudges 9:38 NLT Judges 9:38 ESV Judges 9:38 NASB Judges 9:38 KJV Judges 9:38 BibleApps.com Judges 9:38 Biblia Paralela Judges 9:38 Chinese Bible Judges 9:38 French Bible Judges 9:38 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 9:38 Then said Zebul to him Where (Jd Judg. 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