Judges 8:35
Neither shewed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shewed unto Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָשָׂ֖ה
Neither shewed
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
Neither shewed
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
חֶ֔סֶד
they kindness
H2617
חֶ֔סֶד
they kindness
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
3 of 13
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בֵּ֥ית
to the house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
to the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 13
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
כְּכָל
H3605
כְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
according to all the goodness
H2896
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
according to all the goodness
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
9 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
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֖ה
Neither shewed
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
Neither shewed
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
Gratitude toward deliverers and protection of their families was expected in ancient Near Eastern culture. The brutal treatment of Gideon's sons by Abimelech, aided by Shechemites (chapter 9), represents a shocking violation of honor codes. This ingratitude parallels Israel's later rejection of Samuel's leadership and his sons (1 Samuel 8), and ultimately their crucifixion of Messiah.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your relationship with God affect your treatment of others who have served you?
- In what ways do you receive benefits from God and others but fail to show loyal love in return?
- What does biblical <em>chesed</em> (covenant loyalty) require in your relationships with spiritual leaders and their families?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Neither shewed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon—chesed (חֶסֶד), the great covenant word meaning 'loyal love, steadfast kindness,' appears here in its absence. According to all the goodness which he had shewed unto Israel—despite Gideon's deliverance of the nation from Midianite oppression, Israel failed to show gratitude or protect his descendants. This ingratitude foreshadows Abimelech's murder of Gideon's seventy sons (9:5).
The double failure—forgetting God (v. 34) and betraying Gideon's house (v. 35)—demonstrates that those who fail in vertical relationship with God inevitably fail in horizontal relationships with others. Love for God and love for neighbor cannot be separated (Matthew 22:37-40). Israel's treatment of Gideon's family mirrors their treatment of God: both received their benefits gladly but betrayed them afterward. This chapter concludes on a note of tragic irony: the man who wouldn't be king dies peacefully, but his family receives no honor, and the nation for which he fought immediately abandons God. Victory without transformation leads to greater tragedy.