Judges 8:32
And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the sepulchre of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֛מָת
died
H4191
וַיָּ֛מָת
died
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
1 of 13
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
טוֹבָ֑ה
in a good
H2896
טוֹבָ֑ה
in a good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
6 of 13
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
אָבִ֔יו
his father
H1
אָבִ֔יו
his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
10 of 13
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
Cross References
Genesis 25:8Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.Job 5:26Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.Genesis 15:15And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.Judges 6:24Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
Historical Context
Family burial tombs (קֶבֶר, qever) were typically caves or hewn chambers where multiple generations were interred. Being 'gathered to one's fathers' represented an important cultural value. The Abiezrites were a clan within Manasseh (6:11). Gideon likely died around 1151 BC after forty years of judgeship and some years of retirement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's grace cover failures even while their consequences ripple through generations?
- What legacy are you creating that will outlast your lifetime, for good or ill?
- Can you die peacefully while knowing your spiritual compromises will harm your descendants?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age—the phrase טוֹבָה שֵׂיבָה (tovah seivah, 'good old age') typically indicates divine blessing, used of Abraham (Genesis 15:15) and Job (Job 42:17). Despite his spiritual failures, Gideon died peacefully, buried in the sepulchre of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites—receiving honorable burial in the family tomb.
This creates theological tension: How does a man who created an idolatrous snare receive such an honorable end? The answer reveals grace. God judges by faith, not perfection—Gideon is later listed in Hebrews 11:32's 'faith hall of fame' despite his flaws. Yet the phrase 'good old age' cannot erase the coming judgment on his house. His death marks the end of an era; verse 33 immediately describes Israel's return to Baal worship. Personal blessing does not guarantee generational legacy. A man can die well yet leave behind spiritual devastation.