Judges 4:20
Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any man doth come and inquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here? that thou shalt say, No.
Judges 4:20 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the Bible, we see a specific instruction given to a woman to stand in the door of the tent and respond in a certain way when asked if there is any man present. This instruction is part of a larger narrative in which the woman plays a crucial role in deceiving an enemy. The meaning of this particular verse lies in the idea of strategic deception and protection. By instructing the woman to deny the presence of any man in the tent, the person giving the instructions is aiming to safeguard the individuals inside by misleading potential intruders. This verse highlights the importance of discretion and quick thinking in potentially dangerous situations. It also emphasizes the significance of trusting in a higher power for guidance and protection. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the complexities of human interactions and the need for wisdom in navigating tricky situations.
Theological Overview
One possible theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the theme of protection and safety. In this particular instance, the woman is instructed to stand in the door of the tent and deny the presence of any man when asked. This can be seen as a way to ensure the safety and protection of both the woman and the inhabitants of the tent. By following this command, the woman is able to safeguard herself and those around her from potential harm or danger. This interpretation highlights the importance of being cautious and vigilant in times of potential threat, as well as the role of faith in trusting in God's guidance for protection.
Judges 4:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any man doth come and inquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here? that thou shalt say, No.
World English Bible
He said to her, “Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any man comes and inquires of you, and says, ‘Is there any man here?’ that you shall say, ‘No.’”
Douay-Rheims
And Sisara said to her: Stand before the door of the tent, and when any shall come and inquire of thee, saying: Is there any man here? thou shalt say: There is none.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Againe he sayde vnto her, Stande in the doore of the tent, and when any man doth come and enquire of thee, saying, Is any man there? thou shalt say, Nay.