Judges 6:12

KJV

And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD [is] with thee, thou mighty man of valour.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} appeared {H7200} unto him, and said {H559} unto him, The LORD {H3068} is with thee, thou mighty {H1368} man of valour {H2428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The angel of ADONAI appeared to him and said to him: "You valiant hero! ADONAI is with you!"

Berean Standard Bible

And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.”

American Standard Version

And the angel of Jehovah appeared unto him, and said unto him, Jehovah is with thee, thou mighty man of valor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:12 marks the dramatic divine encounter between Gideon and the Angel of the LORD, initiating Gideon's call to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression. In this pivotal moment, God's messenger addresses a fearful and hidden Gideon as a "mighty man of valour" and declares the divine presence, "The LORD is with thee." This verse powerfully encapsulates God's surprising perspective on human potential, His unwavering commitment to His people, and the transformative power of His empowering presence, setting the stage for Gideon's reluctant but ultimately victorious journey of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 6:12 is situated within the broader narrative of the book of Judges, which chronicles Israel's cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance through divinely appointed judges. Specifically, it follows seven years of severe Midianite oppression, described in [Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1-6 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression and Israel's Cry"), where the Midianites, Amalekites, and "people of the East" ravaged the land, destroying crops and livestock, leaving Israel impoverished and demoralized. Gideon, a member of the weak clan of Manasseh, is introduced in [Judges 6:11](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11 - Gideon Threshing Wheat in a Winepress") as a man consumed by fear, secretly threshing wheat in a winepress—a place typically used for pressing grapes, chosen for its concealment from the Midianite raiders. This act of desperation highlights the depth of Israel's plight and Gideon's personal timidity, making the divine address in verse 12 all the more striking and ironic. The immediate verses following [Judges 6:12](/judges/6-12 "Judges 6:12 - The Angel and Gideon") detail Gideon's initial skepticism and his subsequent requests for signs, revealing his struggle to reconcile the divine declaration with his perceived reality and demonstrating God's patience in commissioning His chosen instruments.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1200-1000 BC) was characterized by political decentralization, tribal autonomy, and frequent foreign incursions due to Israel's failure to fully dispossess the Canaanites and their adoption of idolatrous practices. The Midianites, nomadic desert tribes from the east, were known for their camel-mounted raids, which allowed them to strike swiftly and devastate agricultural regions before retreating. Their oppressive tactics, as described in [Judges 6:3-6](/judges/6-3-6 "Judges 6:3-6 - Midianite Raids and Devastation"), involved systematic destruction of crops and livestock, effectively starving the Israelites and preventing them from accumulating wealth or resources. Threshing wheat in a winepress, as Gideon was doing, was highly unusual and dangerous, underscoring the extreme measures taken by Israelites to evade detection and preserve meager provisions. This context of widespread fear, economic devastation, and national humiliation provides the backdrop against which God's surprising and empowering call to Gideon takes place, emphasizing that divine intervention often occurs when human strength is at its lowest ebb.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Presence and Empowerment**, as the declaration "The LORD is with thee" assures Gideon that his mission is not reliant on his own meager strength but on God's active, enabling presence. This echoes promises found throughout scripture, such as God's assurance to Joshua in [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous") or to His disciples in [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **God's Perspective vs. Human Reality**, where God sees beyond Gideon's current fear and inadequacy, recognizing the potential and divine calling within him. This divine foresight is a recurring motif, demonstrating God's ability to choose the weak and foolish to confound the strong and wise, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God chooses the weak and foolish"). Finally, Judges 6:12 serves as the **Inauguration of a Divine Call to Deliverance**, setting the stage for Gideon's transformation from a timid farmer into a courageous leader who, despite his initial doubts, would be instrumental in God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Midianite tyranny, underscoring the principle that God equips those He calls.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy, this term refers to a messenger, specifically of God. In many Old Testament contexts, the "Angel of the LORD" (mal'akh YHWH) denotes a unique divine messenger who speaks with the full authority of God Himself, sometimes even being identified directly as Yahweh. This suggests a manifestation of God's presence.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred covenant name of God, often rendered "Jehovah" or "Yahweh," derived from a root meaning "to be" or "to exist." It signifies the self-existent, eternal God, the one who is always present and faithful to His promises. The use of this name emphasizes the personal, covenantal nature of God's interaction with Gideon.
* **Mighty man of valour (Hebrew, _gibbôwr chayil'_):** This compound phrase combines two significant Hebrew words. _Gibbôwr_ (H1368) means "powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant; champion, chief, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man." _Chayil_ (H2428) means "a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength." When combined, _gibbôwr chayil_ describes a person of great ability, courage, and standing, often a valiant warrior or a person of noble character and capability. The divine address to Gideon, who is hiding in fear, is thus a prophetic declaration, speaking not to his present fearful state but to the valiant warrior God intended him to be and would enable him to become.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him,"**: This clause establishes the divine initiation of the encounter. The appearance of the "angel of the LORD" signifies a direct, supernatural intervention into Gideon's ordinary, fear-filled existence. It highlights God's sovereign choice and active involvement in the affairs of His people, even when they are in distress and seemingly forgotten. The suddenness of the appearance underscores the unexpected nature of God's call.
* **"and said unto him,"**: This simple phrase introduces the divine communication. The act of speaking indicates a personal, direct address from God to Gideon, signifying the beginning of a dialogue that will unfold Gideon's commission and God's plan for Israel's deliverance. It emphasizes that this is not a mere vision but a direct, verbal encounter.
* **"The LORD [is] with thee,"**: This is the core of the divine declaration, a profound statement of empowering presence. It is a promise that God Himself will accompany Gideon in his mission, providing the necessary strength, wisdom, and courage. This assurance directly counters Gideon's fear and sense of inadequacy, shifting the focus from his limitations to God's limitless power and unwavering support. It is the foundation upon which Gideon's future actions will be built.
* **"thou mighty man of valour."**: This final phrase is a striking and ironic declaration, given Gideon's current fearful state. It is a prophetic affirmation, speaking to Gideon not as he is, but as God sees him and as God intends to make him. It reveals God's perspective, which looks beyond outward appearances and present weaknesses to discern potential and to call forth the hidden courage and strength that God Himself will provide and activate within Gideon for His purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 6:12 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological and narrative impact. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the divine address "thou mighty man of valour" stands in stark contrast to Gideon's actions of secretly threshing wheat in a winepress to hide from the Midianites, an act indicative of fear and weakness. This ironic juxtaposition highlights God's unconventional methods and His ability to see potential where humans see only inadequacy. Closely related is **Prophetic Declaration**, where the Angel of the LORD speaks into existence what is not yet, calling Gideon what he is destined to become through divine enablement. This is not a description of Gideon's present state but a powerful, future-oriented statement of identity and calling. The appearance of the "angel of the LORD" itself can be understood as a **Theophany** or **Christophany**, a visible manifestation of God or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, imbuing the encounter with supreme divine authority and significance. The verse also employs **Direct Address**, creating an immediate and personal connection between the divine messenger and Gideon, drawing the reader into the intimacy and gravity of this pivotal moment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:12 is a profound theological statement on God's nature and His interaction with humanity. It underscores God's sovereignty in choosing His instruments, often selecting the most unlikely individuals to accomplish His grand purposes, thereby ensuring that the glory redounds to Him alone. The declaration "The LORD is with thee" is a foundational biblical promise, echoing throughout scripture as an assurance of divine presence and empowerment for those called to serve. It transforms human weakness into divine strength, reminding believers that their capacity for service is derived not from personal merit or ability, but from God's enabling presence. Furthermore, the divine address of "mighty man of valour" reveals God's redemptive vision, where He sees individuals not as they are in their fallen state or current limitations, but as they can become through His transformative power and calling. This verse thus serves as a powerful testament to God's grace, His commitment to His covenant people, and His unwavering faithfulness to deliver them, even through reluctant and fearful agents.

* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak and Foolish")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 6:12 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. In a world that often values strength, confidence, and visible achievements, this verse reminds us that God's perspective is radically different. Like Gideon, we often find ourselves in situations of fear, inadequacy, or hidden struggle, feeling ill-equipped for the challenges before us or the callings God might place on our lives. Yet, this passage reveals that God sees beyond our present limitations and insecurities; He sees the potential He has placed within us and the person He is calling us to become. The declaration "The LORD is with thee" is not just a historical statement to Gideon but a timeless promise to all who follow Christ. Our true strength and courage do not originate from within ourselves but from the active, empowering presence of God. Embracing this truth allows us to step out of fear and into faith, trusting that God will equip us for whatever He calls us to do, transforming our weaknesses into platforms for His glory. This verse invites us to reconsider our self-perception in light of God's divine vision and to walk confidently in the assurance of His unfailing presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most inadequate or fearful, similar to Gideon threshing wheat in a winepress?**
* **How does the declaration "The LORD is with thee" challenge your understanding of your own capabilities and potential?**
* **What "mighty man of valour" or "valiant woman" might God be calling you to be, despite your current self-perception?**
* **How can you more fully lean into the promise of God's presence to overcome fear and step into His purposes for your life?**

### FAQ
**Was Gideon truly a "mighty man of valour" when the Angel of the LORD appeared to him?**

Answer: No, not in the conventional sense of his current actions or self-perception. When the Angel of the LORD appeared, Gideon was hiding and secretly threshing wheat in a winepress out of fear of the Midianites, an act indicative of timidity and desperation. The divine address "thou mighty man of valour" was not a description of Gideon's present state but a prophetic declaration. It was God's statement of who Gideon was called to be and who he would become through divine empowerment and presence. God saw his potential and purpose, speaking into existence the warrior Gideon was destined to be under God's guidance, rather than merely acknowledging his current fearful reality. This highlights God's ability to choose and transform the weak for His mighty purposes, as seen throughout scripture (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "God Chooses the Weak and Foolish")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 6:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "Angel of the LORD," often understood as a Christophany, foreshadows the incarnate Christ, who is God with us—Immanuel ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")). Just as the Angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, bringing a divine call and the promise of God's presence, so Jesus, in His earthly ministry, personally called His disciples, empowering them with His Spirit and assuring them of His perpetual presence: "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). Furthermore, the divine declaration "thou mighty man of valour" spoken to a fearful Gideon finds its parallel in Christ's ability to transform ordinary, weak, and even broken individuals into powerful instruments for His kingdom. Through Christ, believers are made "more than conquerors" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")) and are empowered by His strength, for His "power is made perfect in weakness" ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")). Jesus is the ultimate source of valor and strength, enabling His followers to live out their divine calling, not by their own might, but by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which He poured out upon His church ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 1:28

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] highly favoured, the Lord [is] with thee: blessed [art] thou among women.

Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Judges 2:18

And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Judges 13:3

And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou [art] barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.

Luke 1:11

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

Exodus 3:12

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this [shall be] a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.