BibleWord.ai› Bible› Judges› Chapter 9› Verse 3

Judges 9:3

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Judges 9:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And his mother`s brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And his mother`s brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.
Judges 9:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Judges 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother`s brethren, and spake with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother`s father, saying,
2Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are threescore and ten persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.
3And his mother`s brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.
4And 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.
5And he went unto his father`s house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: but Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.
6And all the men of Shechem assembled themselves together, and all the house of Millo, and went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar that was in Shechem.
← Judges 9:2Judges 9:4 →
← Full Chapter 9 Judges Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And his mother’s brethren spake of him in the ears of the men of Shechem all these words, etc.] Got them together in some certain place, and laid before them all that Abimelech had suggested to them, and spake in his favour to them: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, he is our brother; being fond of kingly government, as the Israelites generally were, it seemed most agreeable to them to have one king over them, and none more acceptable than one so nearly related to them, who they doubted not, from his alliance to them, would be ready to oblige them on all occasions.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The Ephraimite pride revolted from Abi-ezrite rulers, and inclined them to one who was a Shechemite by birth. (Compare the same spirit in the time of David and Rehoboam, 2 Samuel 20:1; 1 Kings 12:16.) return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Brethren - That is, kinsmen. He is our brother - They were easily persuaded to believe what served their own interest. Judges 9:4”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“spake: Psa 10:3; Pro 1:11-14 to follow: Heb. after our brother: Gen 29:15 Judges 9:4”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Judges 9 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification