Judges 6:22
And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.
Original Language Analysis
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I have seen
H7200
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 20
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
an angel
H4397
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
an angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
4 of 20
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ה֑וּא
H1931
ה֑וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 20
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֤ן
for because
H3651
כֵּ֤ן
for because
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I have seen
H7200
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
15 of 20
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
an angel
H4397
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
an angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
16 of 20
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
17 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Exodus 33:20And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.Genesis 32:30And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.Deuteronomy 5:26For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?
Historical Context
The belief that seeing God resulted in death pervaded Israelite theology based on God's holiness and human sinfulness. Previous encounters with the Angel of the LORD by Hagar (Genesis 16:13), Jacob (Genesis 32:30), and Moses (Exodus 3:6) all produced similar shock at surviving divine encounter. This theological understanding undergirded the high priest's annual entrance into the Holy of Holies with trepidation and elaborate preparation (Leviticus 16).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Gideon's fear upon recognizing God's presence reveal the seriousness of divine holiness?
- What does humanity's inability to see God and live teach about the necessity of Christ as mediator?
- How should awareness of God's holiness affect our approach to worship and prayer?
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Analysis & Commentary
Gideon recognizes he has seen the Angel of the LORD face to face and fears death: 'Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.' This terror reflects the consistent biblical teaching that sinful humans cannot see God and live (Exodus 33:20, Judges 13:22, Isaiah 6:5). The exclamation 'Alas!' (ahai, אֲהָהּ) expresses profound distress. Gideon's fear demonstrates growing theological awareness—he now understands the magnitude of his encounter. This crisis moment parallels Isaiah's temple vision ('Woe is me! for I am undone') and Peter's confession ('Depart from me; for I am a sinful man').