Judges 6:36
New International Version
Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised—

New Living Translation
Then Gideon said to God, “If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised,

English Standard Version
Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said,

Berean Standard Bible
Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said,

King James Bible
And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,

New King James Version
So Gideon said to God, “If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said—

New American Standard Bible
Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel through me, as You have spoken,

NASB 1995
Then Gideon said to God, “If You will deliver Israel through me, as You have spoken,

NASB 1977
Then Gideon said to God, “If Thou wilt deliver Israel through me, as Thou hast spoken,

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Gideon said to God, “If You will save Israel by my hand, as You have spoken,

Amplified Bible
Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to rescue Israel through me, as You have spoken,

Christian Standard Bible
Then Gideon said to God, “If you will deliver Israel by me, as you said,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Gideon said to God, “If You will deliver Israel by my hand, as You said,

American Standard Version
And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast spoken,

English Revised Version
And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast spoken,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Gideon said to God, "You said that you would rescue Israel through me.

Good News Translation
Then Gideon said to God, "You say that you have decided to use me to rescue Israel.

International Standard Version
Then Gideon told God, "If you intend to deliver Israel by my efforts as you've said,

Majority Standard Bible
Then Gideon said to God, ?If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said,

NET Bible
Gideon said to God, "If you really intend to use me to deliver Israel, as you promised, then give me a sign as proof.

New Heart English Bible
Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken,

Webster's Bible Translation
And Gideon said to God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast said,

World English Bible
Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Gideon says to God, “If You are Savior of Israel by my hand, as You have spoken,

Young's Literal Translation
And Gideon saith unto God, 'If Thou art Saviour of Israel by my hand, as Thou hast spoken,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Gideon will say to God, If thou art saving Israel by my hand, as thou spakest,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Gedeon said to God: If thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast said,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Gideon said to God: “If you will save Israel by my hand, just as you have said:

New American Bible
Gideon said to God, “If indeed you are going to save Israel through me, as you have said,

New Revised Standard Version
Then Gideon said to God, “In order to see whether you will deliver Israel by my hand, as you have said,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Gideon said to God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast said,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Gedun said to LORD JEHOVAH: “If it is that you will save Israel by my hands, just as you said
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Gideon said unto God: 'If Thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as Thou hast spoken,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Gedeon said to God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast said,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Sign of the Fleece
35Calling them to arms, Gideon sent messengers throughout Manasseh, as well as Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, so that they came up to meet him. 36Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said, 37then behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said.”…

Cross References
Hebrews 11:32-34
And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

Exodus 4:1-5
Then Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to my voice? For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’” / And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. / “Throw it on the ground,” said the LORD. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it. ...

1 Samuel 14:8-10
“Very well,” said Jonathan, “we will cross over toward these men and show ourselves to them. / If they say, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stay where we are and will not go up to them. / But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.”

2 Kings 20:8-11
Now Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the LORD will heal me and that I will go up to the house of the LORD on the third day?” / And Isaiah had replied, “This will be a sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: Would you like the shadow to go forward ten steps, or back ten steps?” / “It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.” ...

Matthew 12:38-39
Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” / Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

Luke 1:18-20
“How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” / “I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. / And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”

John 20:24-29
Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. / So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands, and put my finger where the nails have been, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe.” / Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside with the doors locked, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ...

Genesis 15:8
But Abram replied, “Lord GOD, how can I know that I will possess it?”

Isaiah 7:11-14
“Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.” / But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.” / Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God as well? ...

1 Kings 18:36-39
At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. / Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.” / Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench. ...

2 Corinthians 12:12
The marks of a true apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance.

Acts 2:22
Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.

Romans 15:18-19
I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, / by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:22
Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom,

Mark 16:17-18
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; / they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Gideon said to God, If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said,

if thou wilt

Judges 6:14,17-20
And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? …

Exodus 4:1-9
And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee…

2 Kings 20:9
And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?

Jump to Previous
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Judges 6
1. The Israelites for their sin are oppressed by Midian
8. A prophet rebukes them
11. An angel sends Gideon for their deliverance
17. Gideon's present is consumed with fire
24. Gideon destroys Baal's altar; offers a sacrifice upon the altar Jehovah-shalom
28. Joash defends his son, and calls him Jerubbaal
33. Gideon's army
36. Gideon's signs














Then Gideon said to God
Gideon, a judge of Israel, is speaking directly to God, which indicates a personal relationship and communication with the divine. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israel during the time of the Judges, where God directly intervened in the affairs of His people. Gideon's dialogue with God is reminiscent of other biblical figures like Moses and Abraham, who also communicated directly with God. This phrase sets the stage for Gideon's request for confirmation of God's will, highlighting his need for reassurance.

If You are going to save Israel by my hand
Gideon acknowledges God's power and sovereignty in delivering Israel, yet he seeks confirmation of his role in this divine plan. This reflects a common theme in the Bible where God uses unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes, emphasizing that the true power and glory belong to God. Gideon's hesitance and need for assurance can be compared to Moses' reluctance in Exodus 3-4. The phrase also foreshadows the deliverance that God will bring through Gideon, which is a type of the ultimate salvation brought by Jesus Christ.

as You have said
This phrase underscores the importance of God's word and promises. Gideon is recalling God's previous assurance of victory over the Midianites, which is found earlier in Judges 6:14-16. It highlights the faithfulness of God to His promises, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. This reliance on God's word is a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's promises even when circumstances seem daunting. The phrase also connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, which is ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gideon
A judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Known for his initial hesitance and need for reassurance from God.

2. God
The sovereign Lord who calls and empowers Gideon to lead Israel to victory over their enemies. His communication with Gideon is direct and personal.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, at this time suffering under the oppression of the Midianites due to their disobedience and idolatry.

4. Midianites
A nomadic people who oppressed Israel, leading to the Israelites' cry for deliverance and God's subsequent raising of Gideon as a judge.

5. The Fleece Test
An event where Gideon seeks confirmation from God through a sign involving a fleece, demonstrating his need for assurance of God's promise.
Teaching Points
God's Patience with Our Doubts
God understands our human frailty and is patient with our need for reassurance, as seen in His response to Gideon's request for a sign.

Faith Requires Action
While Gideon sought confirmation, he eventually acted on God's command, demonstrating that true faith leads to obedience.

God's Strength in Our Weakness
Gideon's account reminds us that God often chooses the unlikely and the weak to accomplish His purposes, so that His power is made perfect in our weakness.

Seeking God's Will
Like Gideon, we should seek God's guidance and confirmation in our decisions, but also be ready to act when He provides clarity.

The Importance of Remembering God's Promises
Gideon's request for a sign was rooted in a desire to be sure of God's promise. We should hold fast to God's promises in Scripture as our assurance.(36) If thou wilt save Israel.--This diffidence and hesitation show the seriousness of the crisis. Gideon saw that by human strength alone he would be utterly helpless to repel the countless hosts of the marauders. He had already shown his faith, but now he needed fresh encouragement in his dangerous task.

Verse 36. - If thou wilt save, etc. There is something touching in Gideon's diffidence of himself, even now that he found himself at the head of a large force. The thought that he was "the least in his father's house" seems still to possess him, and he can hardly believe it possible that he is to save Israel. In his humility he craves a sign that he is indeed chosen and called.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Gideon
גִּדְע֖וֹן (giḏ·‘ō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1439: Gideon -- a judge of Israel

said
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

God,
הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

“If
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

You will deliver
מוֹשִׁ֧יעַ (mō·wō·šî·a‘)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

by my hand,
בְּיָדִ֛י (bə·yā·ḏî)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

as
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר (ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

You have said,
דִּבַּֽרְתָּ׃ (dib·bar·tā)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue


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OT History: Judges 6:36 Gideon said to God If you will (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 6:35
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