Judges 18:9 They answered, "Come on, let us go up against them, for we have seen the land, and it is very good. Why would you fail to act? Do not hesitate to go there and take possession of the land!

◄ Judges 18:9 ►

New International Version
They answered, “Come on, let’s attack them! We have seen the land, and it is very good. Aren’t you going to do something? Don’t hesitate to go there and take it over.

New Living Translation
The men replied, “Come on, let’s attack them! We have seen the land, and it is very good. What are you waiting for? Don’t hesitate to go and take possession of it.

English Standard Version
They said, “Arise, and let us go up against them, for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good. And will you do nothing? Do not be slow to go, to enter in and possess the land.

Berean Standard Bible
They answered, “Come on, let us go up against them, for we have seen the land, and it is very good. Why would you fail to act? Do not hesitate to go there and take possession of the land!

King James Bible
And they said, Arise, that we may go up against them: for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land.

New King James Version
So they said, “Arise, let us go up against them. For we have seen the land, and indeed it is very good. Would you do nothing? Do not hesitate to go, and enter to possess the land.

New American Standard Bible
And they said, “Arise, and let’s go up against them; for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good. And will you sit still? Do not hesitate to go, to enter, to take possession of the land.

NASB 1995
They said, “Arise, and let us go up against them; for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good. And will you sit still? Do not delay to go, to enter, to possess the land.

NASB 1977
And they said, “Arise, and let us go up against them; for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good. And will you sit still? Do not delay to go, to enter, to possess the land.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they said, “Arise, and let us go up against them; for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good. And will you be silent? Do not delay to go, to enter, to possess the land.

Amplified Bible
They said, “Arise, let us go up against them; for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good (fertile). Will you sit still and do nothing? Do not hesitate to go, to enter, to take possession of the land.

Christian Standard Bible
They answered, “Come on, let’s attack them, for we have seen the land, and it is very good. Why wait? Don’t hesitate to go and invade and take possession of the land!

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They answered, “Come on, let’s go up against them, for we have seen the land, and it is very good. Why wait? Don’t hesitate to go and invade and take possession of the land!

American Standard Version
And they said, Arise, and let us go up against them; for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? be not slothful to go and to enter in to possess the land.

English Revised Version
And they said, Arise, and let us go up against them: for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? be not slofthful to go and to enter in to possess the land.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They replied, "Get up, let's attack Laish. We saw the land. It's very good! "Don't just sit there! Go at once and take the land.

Good News Translation
"Come on," they replied. "Let's attack Laish. We saw the land, and it's very good. Don't stay here doing nothing; hurry! Go on in and take it over!

International Standard Version
They replied, "Let's get going and attack them. We've scouted out the land—and look!—it's a very good one. Why should we sit still? We can't wait to go back, invade, and take over the land.

Majority Standard Bible
They answered, “Come on, let us go up against them, for we have seen the land, and it is very good. Why would you fail to act? Do not hesitate to go there and take possession of the land!

NET Bible
They said, "Come on, let's attack them, for we saw their land and it is very good. You seem lethargic, but don't hesitate to invade and conquer the land.

New Heart English Bible
They said, "Arise, and let us go up against them, for we have entered and journeyed in the land as far as Laish, and we saw the people how they lived in security, after the manner of the Sidonians, and they were far from the Sidonians, and they had no dealings with Aram. But arise, and let us go up against them; for we have seen the land, and look, it is very good. Will you do nothing? Do not hesitate to go and to enter in to possess the land.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they said, Arise, that we may go up against them: for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good: and are ye still? be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land.

World English Bible
They said, “Arise, and let’s go up against them; for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good. Do you stand still? Don’t be slothful to go and to enter in to possess the land.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And they say, “Rise, and we go up against them, for we have seen the land, and behold—very good; and you are keeping silent! Do not be slothful to go—to enter to possess the land.

Young's Literal Translation
And they say, 'Rise, and we go up against them, for we have seen the land, and lo, very good; and ye are keeping silent! be not slothful to go -- to enter to possess the land.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will say, Arise, and we will go up upon them: for we saw the land, and behold, exceedingly good: and ye being still, ye shall not neglect to go, to come to inherit the land.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Arise, and let us go up to them: for we have seen the land which is exceeding rich and fruitful: neglect not, lose no time: let us go and possess it, there will be no difficulty.

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Rise up. Let us ascend to them. For we have seen that the land is very wealthy and fruitful. Do not delay; do not refrain. Let us go out and possess it. There will be no difficulty.

New American Bible
They replied, “Come, let us attack them, for we have seen the land and it is very good. Are you going to hesitate? Do not be slow to go in and take possession of the land!

New Revised Standard Version
They said, “Come, let us go up against them; for we have seen the land, and it is very good. Will you do nothing? Do not be slow to go, but enter in and possess the land.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
They said to them, Even from Laish. Now arise, let us go up against them; for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good; and do not hesitate, nor tarry to go and to take possession of the land.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they were saying: “From Lish; arise now, we will go up against them, because we have seen the land, and it is very good, and you shall not be still, neither falter to go and to enter and to possess the land!

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And they said: 'Arise, and let us go up against them; for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good; and are ye still? be not slothful to go and to enter in to possess the land.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they said, Arise, and let us go up against them, for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good, yet ye are still: delay not to go, an to enter in to possess the land.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Danites Settle in Laish
…8When the men returned to Zorah and Eshtaol, their brothers asked them, “What did you find?” 9They answered, “Come on, let us go up against them, for we have seen the land, and it is very good. Why would you fail to act? Do not hesitate to go there and take possession of the land! 10When you enter, you will come to an unsuspecting people and a spacious land, for God has delivered it into your hand. It is a place where nothing on earth is lacking.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Numbers 13:30
Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!”

Deuteronomy 1:21
See, the LORD your God has placed the land before you. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 18:3
So Joshua said to the Israelites, “How long will you put off entering and possessing the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?

1 Samuel 14:6-7
Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” / His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”

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.”

2 Kings 7:9
Finally, they said to one another, “We are not doing what is right. Today is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until morning light, our sin will overtake us. Now, therefore, let us go and tell the king’s household.”

1 Chronicles 22:13
Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

1 Chronicles 28:20
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.

Nehemiah 2:18
I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.

Matthew 9:37-38
Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. / Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.”

Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Luke 10:2
And He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.

Treasury of Scripture

And they said, Arise, that we may go up against them: for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are you still? be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land.

arise

Numbers 13:30
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

Numbers 14:7-9
And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land…

Joshua 2:23,24
So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them: …

are ye still

1 Kings 22:23
Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.

be not

Joshua 18:3
And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?

1 Samuel 4:9
Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.

2 Samuel 10:12
Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.

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Judges 18

1. The Danites send five men to seek out an inheritance
3. At the house of Micah they consult with Jonathan, and are encouraged
7. They search Laish, and bring back news of good hope
11. Six hundred men are sent to surprise it
16. In their way they rob Micah of his priest and his consecrated things
27. They win Laish, and call it Dan
30. They set up idolatry, wherein Jonathan inherits the priesthood.

Berean Study Bible

They answered
This phrase indicates a response from the spies sent by the tribe of Dan. In the Hebrew context, the word for "answered" (עָנָה, 'anah) often implies a thoughtful or deliberate response. It suggests that the spies had carefully considered their report and were confident in their assessment. This reflects the importance of communal decision-making in ancient Israelite society, where leaders and representatives played crucial roles in guiding the tribe.

Come on, let us go up against them
The phrase "let us go up" (נַעֲלֶה, na'aleh) is a call to action, often used in military contexts. It reflects the urgency and determination of the Danites to claim their inheritance. Historically, the tribe of Dan struggled to secure their allotted territory, as described earlier in the Book of Judges. This call to action underscores their resolve to find a new homeland, highlighting the challenges faced by the Israelites in fully possessing the Promised Land.

for we have seen the land
The act of seeing (רָאָה, ra'ah) in Hebrew often implies understanding or perceiving beyond mere physical sight. The spies' report is based on firsthand observation, lending credibility to their claim. This echoes the earlier narrative of the twelve spies sent by Moses, where seeing the land was crucial in assessing its potential. The emphasis on seeing underscores the importance of direct experience and evidence in making decisions.

and indeed, it is very good
The description "very good" (טוֹבָה מְאֹד, tovah me'od) echoes the language of Genesis, where God declares His creation "very good." This suggests that the land is not only fertile and desirable but also divinely appointed for the Danites. The goodness of the land is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing God's provision and blessing. It serves as a reminder of the abundance and promise inherent in God's plans for His people.

Will you do nothing?
This rhetorical question challenges the Danites to take action. It reflects a sense of urgency and impatience, urging the tribe not to miss the opportunity before them. The question implies that inaction would be a failure to trust in God's provision. In the broader biblical narrative, such calls to action often serve as tests of faith and obedience, prompting the Israelites to rely on God's promises.

Do not hesitate
The command "do not hesitate" (אַל־תֵּעָצְלוּ, al-te'atzlu) is a direct exhortation against procrastination or fear. In the Hebrew context, hesitation can imply a lack of faith or courage. This command encourages the Danites to move forward with confidence, trusting in God's guidance. It serves as a reminder that faith often requires decisive action and trust in God's timing.

to go there and take possession of the land
The phrase "take possession" (וִירִשְׁתֶּם, virishtem) is a legal term in Hebrew, often used in the context of inheritance. It implies not just occupying the land but establishing rightful ownership as ordained by God. This reflects the covenantal promise given to the Israelites, where the land is both a gift and a responsibility. The call to take possession underscores the active role the Israelites must play in fulfilling God's promises, balancing divine provision with human agency.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(9) Behold, it is very good.--Comp. Numbers 14:7; Joshua 2:23-24. The beauty of the site well bears out the description--"the rich and beautiful seclusion of that loveliest of the scenes of Palestine" (Stanley). It was by a similar statement that Anaxilaus of Rhegium persuaded the Messenians to seize Zankle (Pausan. 4:23, quoted by Cassel).

Are ye still?--1Kings 22:3; 2Kings 7:9.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 9. - To go, and to enter. The exact meaning is, Be not slothful to go (i.e. to go on your way from hence), so as to enter in and possess the land. This would be expressed by leaving out to before enter - to go and enter.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

They answered,
וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Come on,
ק֚וּמָה (qū·māh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

let us go up
וְנַעֲלֶ֣ה (wə·na·‘ă·leh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

against them,
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם (‘ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

for
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

we have seen
רָאִ֙ינוּ֙ (rā·’î·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 7200: To see

the land,
הָאָ֔רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

and it is very
מְאֹ֑ד (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

good.
טוֹבָ֖ה (ṭō·w·ḇāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

Why would you fail to act?
וְאַתֶּ֣ם (wə·’at·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

hesitate
תֵּעָ֣צְל֔וּ (tê·‘ā·ṣə·lū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6101: To lean idly, to be indolent, slack

to go there
לָלֶ֥כֶת (lā·le·ḵeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and take possession of
לָרֶ֥שֶׁת (lā·re·šeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3423: To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin

the land!
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

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OT History: Judges 18:9 They said Arise and let us go (Jd Judg. Jdg)