Translation commentary on Judges 8:7

The answer from the leaders of Succoth greatly angers Gideon, so he promises to punish them severely when he is finally victorious.

And Gideon said: Given the context, the verb said is better rendered “replied” (New International Version) or “retorted” (New Jerusalem Bible). Since Gideon is issuing a threat, we could also say “declared” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “threatened.” In Hebrew the recipients are not specified, but it is clear Gideon is responding to the leaders of Succoth.

Well then renders a Hebrew word that normally means “therefore.” There is a slight possibility that this word modifies the verb said. If so, the beginning of this verse may be rendered “Therefore Gideon replied….” However, most versions take this word as an interjection that is part of Gideon’s response, for example, “All right!” (Good News Translation) or “Just wait!” (Contemporary English Version). We might even say “OK, then.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “I swear,” which conveys the emotion but may be adding too much to the text.

When the LORD has given Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand: When introduces this time clause that shows Gideon is confident of victory. We might also begin with “Once” or “After.” Here Gideon uses Yahweh’s name (the LORD) to make his solemn declaration. Though this event has not yet occurred, Revised Standard Version uses the perfect tense (has given) to indicate it will certainly happen. Many languages will have a similar tense or aspect to express an action that is sure to take place. For given … into my hand, see the comments on verse 1.2. Gideon echoes here the use of the Hebrew idiom involving the word hand by the leaders of Succoth (verse 8.6). Many languages will have similar idioms, so a more literal rendering may be possible. If not, translators should use the same expression here as used to render the words of Succoth’s leaders. If an independent clause is preferred here, translators can say “The LORD will give me victory over Zebah and Zalmunna and then….”

I will flail your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers: Here Gideon threatens to punish either the leaders or all the inhabitants of Succoth severely. Most take these words as a figurative threat. However, the means of punishment described here was attested at that time. Flail renders a Hebrew verb that often means “thresh,” that is, to beat stalks of grain to remove the seeds, either by hand or with a threshing sledge. Here it has the sense of “beat” (Good News Translation) or “whip.” The object of this verb is literally your flesh, referring to the people’s bodies. Gideon was going to physically punish the people by giving them a painful and severe beating. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh keeps the literal expression “thresh your bodies,” but in most languages it will be better to use an idiomatic expression that conveys the tone and emotion of this threat. Thorns of the wilderness and briers are two kinds of plants that can scratch or make deep cuts in the skin when dried. They thus describe the severity of the beating. The Hebrew word for thorns refers to any type of bushes that have thorny branches. For wilderness see the comments on verse 1.16. Contemporary English Version omits this detail, which is acceptable. The Hebrew word for briers, occurring only here and in verse 8.16, refers to a type of thistle plant. There is little difference between the two plants in terms of the pain they inflict. Translators may combine them into one if necessary. In many cultures it will be hard to understand how thorns and briers are used to inflict pain. Contemporary English Version makes this explicit by saying “I’ll make a whip out of thorns and rip the flesh from your bones.” If necessary, a more general expression may be used, such as “I will tear you to bits” or “I will rip you to shreds.” The expression chosen should reflect Gideon’s anger and his intent to do real harm.

Translation models for this verse are:

• At that Gideon replied, “OK, but I’m telling you, when Zebah and Zalmunna are in my hands, I will come back here and whip you with thorns and thistles.”

• So Gideon said, “Very well. But when I capture Zebah and Zalmunna, I’ll be back to tear you all to bits.”

Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

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