Judges 9:4 So they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired some worthless and reckless men to follow him.

◄ Judges 9:4 ►

New International Version
They gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith, and Abimelek used it to hire reckless scoundrels, who became his followers.

New Living Translation
They gave him seventy silver coins from the temple of Baal-berith, which he used to hire some reckless troublemakers who agreed to follow him.

English Standard Version
And they gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows, who followed him.

Berean Standard Bible
So they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired some worthless and reckless men to follow him.

King James Bible
And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.

New King James Version
So they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith, with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless men; and they followed him.

New American Standard Bible
And they gave him seventy pieces of silver from the house of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless men, and they followed him.

NASB 1995
They gave him seventy pieces of silver from the house of Baal-berith with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows, and they followed him.

NASB 1977
And they gave him seventy pieces of silver from the house of Baal-berith with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows, and they followed him.

Legacy Standard Bible
So they gave him seventy pieces of silver from the house of Baal-berith with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows, and they followed him.

Amplified Bible
And they gave him seventy pieces of silver from the house of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired worthless and undisciplined men, and they followed (supported) him.

Christian Standard Bible
So they gave him seventy pieces of silver from the temple of Baal-berith. Abimelech used it to hire worthless and reckless men, and they followed him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So they gave him 70 pieces of silver from the temple of Baal-berith. Abimelech hired worthless and reckless men with this money, and they followed him.

American Standard Version
And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light fellows, who followed him.

Contemporary English Version
Then they gave Abimelech 70 pieces of silver from the temple of their god Baal Berith. Abimelech used the silver to hire a gang of rough soldiers who would do anything for money.

English Revised Version
And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light fellows, which followed him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So they gave him 70 pieces of silver from the temple of Baal Berith. With the silver, Abimelech hired worthless and reckless men to follow him.

Good News Translation
They gave him seventy pieces of silver from the temple of Baal-of-the-Covenant, and with this money he hired a bunch of worthless scoundrels to join him.

International Standard Version
and they gave him 70 silver coins from the temple that they had built to Baal-berith. Abimelech hired some worthless and useless men, who followed him

Majority Standard Bible
So they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired some worthless and reckless men to follow him.

NET Bible
They paid him seventy silver shekels out of the temple of Baal-Berith. Abimelech then used the silver to hire some lawless, dangerous men as his followers.

New Heart English Bible
They gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal Berith, with which Abimelech hired vain and light fellows, who followed him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired vain and light persons, who followed him.

World English Bible
They gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal Berith, with which Abimelech hired vain and reckless fellows who followed him.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and they give seventy [pieces] of silver out of the house of Ba‘al-Berith to him, and Abimelech hires vain and unstable men with them, and they go after him;

Young's Literal Translation
and they give to him seventy silverings out of the house of Baal-Berith, and Abimelech hireth with them men, vain and unstable, and they go after him;

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will give him seventy of silver from the house of Baal of the covenant, and Abimelech will hire with them men empty and vain-glorious, and they will go after him.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they gave him seventy weight of silver out of the temple of Baalberith: wherewith he hired to himself men that were needy, and vagabonds, and they followed him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they gave to him the weight of seventy silver coins from the shrine of Baal-berith. With this, he hired for himself indigent and wandering men, and they followed him.

New American Bible
They also gave him seventy pieces of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired worthless men and outlaws as his followers.

New Revised Standard Version
They gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the temple of Baal-berith with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows, who followed him.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And they gave him seventy pieces of silver from the house of Baal-kiama, with which Abimeleck hired vain and wanton persons, who followed him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they gave him seventy pieces of silver from the house of Baal Qima, and Abimelek hired worthless and lewd men with them, and they went after him

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light fellows, who followed him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith; and Abimelech hired for himself vain and cowardly men, and they went after him.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Abimelech's Conspiracy
…3And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem, their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.” 4So they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired some worthless and reckless men to follow him. 5He went to his father’s house in Ophrah, and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived, because he hid himself.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Samuel 15:12
While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.

1 Kings 21:10
But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.”

1 Samuel 22:2
And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.

2 Samuel 16:23
Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.

1 Kings 12:20
When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David.

2 Kings 10:6-7
Then Jehu wrote them a second letter and said: “If you are on my side, and if you will obey me, then bring the heads of your master’s sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow.” Now the sons of the king, seventy in all, were being brought up by the leading men of the city. / And when the letter arrived, they took the sons of the king and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu at Jezreel.

1 Samuel 8:3
But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.

1 Samuel 9:2
And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people.

1 Samuel 10:27
But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it.

1 Samuel 25:3
His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings.

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 Kings 1:5
At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.

1 Kings 16:9
However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him.

2 Chronicles 13:7
Then worthless and wicked men gathered around him to resist Rehoboam son of Solomon when he was young, inexperienced, and unable to resist them.

Matthew 26:15
and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver.

Treasury of Scripture

And they gave him three score and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith, with which Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.

house

Judges 9:46-49
And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith…

Judges 8:33
And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god.

vain.

Judges 11:3
Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him.

1 Samuel 22:2
And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.

2 Chronicles 13:7
And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.

Jump to Previous

Abimelech Abim'elech Adventurers Baal Baalberith Baal-Berith Ba'al-Be'rith Berith Hire Hired House Light Persons Pieces Reckless Seventy Shekels Silver Support Temple Ten Threescore Uncontrolled Used Vain Wherewith Worthless

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Judges 9

1. Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king
7. 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.

Berean Study Bible

They gave him
This phrase indicates an act of provision and support. The "they" refers to the leaders of Shechem, who are complicit in Abimelech's rise to power. This act of giving signifies a transfer of resources and allegiance, highlighting the communal involvement in Abimelech's schemes. In a broader biblical context, giving often reflects the heart's alignment, whether towards God or towards idolatry and self-interest.

seventy shekels of silver
The specific amount of "seventy shekels" is significant, as it reflects a substantial sum, indicating the seriousness of the transaction. In ancient times, silver was a common medium of exchange, and the use of "seventy" may symbolize completeness or fullness in Hebrew numerology. This financial backing underscores the weight of the conspiracy and the depth of corruption, as resources meant for worship are diverted for personal ambition.

from the temple of Baal-berith
"Baal-berith" means "Lord of the Covenant," a Canaanite deity worshiped in Shechem. The use of temple funds for Abimelech's purposes highlights the syncretism and spiritual apostasy prevalent in Israel at the time. This act of taking sacred funds for political machinations illustrates the moral decay and the blending of pagan practices with Israelite culture, a recurring theme in the Book of Judges.

and Abimelech used it
Abimelech's use of the funds demonstrates his agency and ambition. His actions are deliberate and calculated, reflecting a desire for power at any cost. This phrase underscores the personal responsibility and moral choices that define Abimelech's character, serving as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and wealth.

to hire worthless and reckless men
The description of the men as "worthless and reckless" (Hebrew: "reka" and "pachaz") conveys their lack of moral integrity and their propensity for violence. These men are not just idle or unemployed; they are morally bankrupt and dangerous. This choice of companions reveals Abimelech's willingness to align with those who share his disregard for righteousness, further illustrating the theme of moral decline.

who followed him
The phrase "who followed him" indicates loyalty and allegiance, albeit to a corrupt leader. This following is not based on noble ideals but on shared depravity and ambition. It serves as a reminder of the power of influence and the ease with which people can be led astray when they lack a firm foundation in godly principles. This following also foreshadows the destructive path that Abimelech and his followers will tread, emphasizing the consequences of aligning with unrighteousness.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(4) Pieces.--Rather, shekels, which is the word normally understood in similar phrases (Judges 8:26). "Neither the citizens of Shechem nor the ignobly-ambitious bastard understood what true monarchy was, and still less what it ought to be in the commonwealth of Jehovah" (Ewald, ii. 389).

Out of the house of Baal-berith.--Like most temples in ancient days (e.g., that of Venus on Mount Eryx, the Parthenon, and that of Jupiter Latiaris), this served at once as a sanctuary, a fortress, and a bank. Similarly the treasures amassed at Delphi enabled the three Phocian brothers, Phayllus, Phalaekus, and Onomarchus, to support the whole burden of the sacred war (Diodor. xvi. 30; comp. Thuc. i. 121, 2:13). (Comp. also 1Kings 15:18.)

Vain and light persons.--These are exactly analogous to the doruphoroi--a body-guard of spear-bearers, which an ambitious Greek always hired as the first step to setting up a tyranny (Diog. Laert. 1:49). We find Jephthah (Judges 11:3), and David (1Samuel 22:2), and Absalom (2Samuel 15:1), and Rezon (1Kings 11:24), and Adonijah (1Kings 1:5), and Jeroboam (2Chronicles 13:7) doing exactly the same thing. Who these "vain" persons were is best defined in 1Samuel 22:2. They were like the condottieri, or free-lances. The word vain (rikim) is from the same root as Raca; it means vauriens. The word for "light persons" (pochazim) occurs in Genesis 49:4 (applied to Reuben) and Zephaniah 3:4. It is from a root which means to boil over. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. - Threescore and ten of silver, i.e. shekels, which is always understood. Equal in value to about seven pounds; quite enough with which to hire a band of "vain and light persons," who would afterwards maintain themselves by plunder. Out of the house of Baal-berith. The custom of collecting treasures at the temple, both that of the true God and of idols, whether they were offerings and gifts for the service of the temple, or treasures deposited there for safety, was very general (see Joshua 6:19; 1 Kings 15:18; 1 Chronicles 29:8; Daniel 1:2, etc.). The treasures belonging to the temple of Apollo at Delphi were very great, and excited the cupidity of Xerxes, who sent an army to plunder the temple, but was foiled in the attempt. The Phocians are related to have seized 10,000 talents from the treasury of Delphi, nearly two and a half millions sterling. The temple of Diana at Ephesus had considerable treasures in money, as well as other valuable articles. Many other notices of the riches of temple treasures occur in classical writers. Vain and light persons. Of. Judges 11:3; 1 Samuel 22:2; 2 Samuel 15:1; 2 Chronicles 13:7. Vain, literally, empty; light, literally, boiling over. Applied to the false prophets (Zephaniah 3:4). In German, sprudel-kopf is a hot-headed, hasty man.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So they gave
וַיִּתְּנוּ־ (way·yit·tə·nū-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

him
לוֹ֙ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

seventy [shekels]
שִׁבְעִ֣ים (šiḇ·‘îm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 7657: Seventy (a cardinal number)

of silver
כֶּ֔סֶף (ke·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

from the temple
מִבֵּ֖יתּ‪‬ (mib·bêṯ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of
בַ֣עַל‪‬ (ba·‘al)
Preposition
Strong's Hebrew

Baal-berith,
בְּרִ֑ית (bə·rîṯ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1170: Baal of (the) covenant', a Shechemite god

with which
בָּהֶ֜ם (bā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

Abimelech
אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name

hired
וַיִּשְׂכֹּ֨ר (way·yiś·kōr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7936: To hire

some worthless
רֵיקִים֙ (rê·qîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7386: Empty, worthless

and reckless
וּפֹ֣חֲזִ֔ים (ū·p̄ō·ḥă·zîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6348: To bubble up, froth, to be unimportant

men
אֲנָשִׁ֤ים (’ă·nā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 582: Man, mankind

to follow
וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

him.
אַחֲרָֽיו׃ (’a·ḥă·rāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

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OT History: Judges 9:4 They gave him seventy pieces of silver (Jd Judg. Jdg)