Judges 4:4

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

American King James Version (AKJV)

And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

American Standard Version (ASV)

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

Now Deborah, a woman prophet, the wife of Lapidoth, was judge of Israel at that time.

Webster's Revision

And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

World English Bible

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

English Revised Version (ERV)

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

Clarke's Judges 4:4 Bible Commentary

Deborah, a prophetess - One on whom the Spirit of God descended, and who was the instrument of conveying to the Israelites the knowledge of the Divine will, in things sacred and civil.

She judged Israel - This is, I believe, the first instance of gynaecocrasy, or female government, on record. Deborah seems to have been supreme both in civil and religious affairs; and Lapidoth, her husband, appears to have had no hand in the government. But the original may as well be translated a woman of Lapidoth, as the wife of Lapidoth.

Barnes's Judges 4:4 Bible Commentary

Deborah, a prophetess - Her name, meaning a bee, is the same as that of Rebekah's nurse (marginal reference). The reason of her preeminence is added. She was "a woman, a prophetess," like Miriam Exodus 15:20; Huldah 2 Kings 22:14, etc. In Judges 4:6, Judges 4:9,Judges 4:14, we have examples of her prophetic powers, and in Judges 5 a noble specimen of prophetic song. Though the other Judges are not called prophets, yet they all seem to have had direct communications from God, either of knowledge or power, or both (compare Judges 3:10 note).

Wesley's Judges 4:4 Bible Commentary

4:4 A prophetess - As there were men - prophets, so there were also women - prophetesses, as Miriam, Exodus 15:20 .Huldah, 22:14 , and divers others; but the word prophets or prophetesses is ambiguous, sometimes being used of persons extraordinarily inspired by God, and endowed with the power of working miracles, and foretelling things to come; and sometimes of persons endowed with special gifts or graces, for the better understanding and discoursing about the word and mind of God.Of this sort were the sons of the prophets, or such as were bred in the schools of the prophets. who are often called prophets, as 10:5 ,10.And because we read nothing of Deborah's miraculous actions, perhaps she was only a woman of eminent holiness, and knowledge of the holy scriptures, by which she was singularly qualified for judging the people according to the laws of God. Judged Israel - That is, determined causes and controversies arising among the Israelites, as is implied, ver. 5 .And this Jabin might suffer to be done, especially by a woman. Yet the frequent discharge of this part of the judge's office, whereby she gained great power and authority with the people, did notably (though not observed by the tyrant) prepare the way for her sliding into the other part of her office, which was to defend and rescue the people from their enemies.