Judges 8:2

KJV

And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? [Is] not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto them, What have I done {H6213} now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning {H5955} of the grapes of Ephraim {H669} better {H2896} than the vintage {H1210} of Abiezer {H44}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered by saying to them, "How can what I have done be compared with what you have done? Aren't the grapes Efrayim leaves on the vines better than the ones Avi'ezer harvests?

Berean Standard Bible

But Gideon answered them, “Now what have I accomplished compared to you? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer?

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, What have I now done in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 8:2 captures Gideon's masterful diplomatic response to the indignant men of Ephraim. Following his decisive victory over the Midianites, the powerful tribe of Ephraim confronted Gideon, feeling slighted for not being called to the initial battle. Gideon, instead of defending himself, humbly de-escalates the tension by rhetorically asking if their "gleaning" of the Midianite princes was not superior to his own clan's "vintage" of the main battle. This profound act of humility and flattery averted potential inter-tribal conflict, showcasing a leader prioritizing unity and peace over personal pride or vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 8:2 immediately follows the dramatic account of Gideon's divinely orchestrated victory over the Midianites with only 300 men, detailed in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory Over Midian"). As the Midianite army fled, Gideon called upon other tribes, including Ephraim, to pursue them. The men of Ephraim successfully intercepted the fleeing Midianites, capturing and killing their princes, Oreb and Zeeb, as recorded in [Judges 7:25](/judges/7-25 "Judges 7:25 - Ephraim Captures Midianite Princes"). Despite this crucial contribution, the tribe of Ephraim felt a profound sense of slight and wounded pride for not having been summoned to the initial battle. Their angry confrontation with Gideon is described in [Judges 8:1](/judges/8-1 "Judges 8:1 - Ephraim's Complaint to Gideon"), setting the stage for Gideon's remarkable response in verse 2, which successfully de-escalates the potentially destructive inter-tribal conflict, allowing Gideon to continue his pursuit of the Midianite kings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a decentralized Israel, where tribal loyalties often overshadowed national unity. Ephraim was a particularly prominent and proud tribe, descended from Joseph, and frequently asserted its preeminence, as seen in later conflicts like that with Jephthah in [Judges 12](/judges/12 "Judges 12 - Ephraim's Conflict with Jephthah"). Their indignation stemmed from a deep-seated sense of honor and their perceived right to lead or be involved in major national undertakings. Gideon, from the less prominent clan of Abiezer within Manasseh, understood the delicate balance of tribal pride. The agricultural metaphors of "gleaning" and "vintage" were deeply resonant in ancient Israel's agrarian society. Gleaning, the collection of leftover produce after the main harvest, was typically associated with the poor or marginalized, while the vintage represented the full, abundant, and most valuable harvest. Gideon's inversion of these terms was a culturally astute and disarming compliment.
* **Key Themes:** Gideon's response in this verse highlights several crucial themes. Firstly, it underscores the importance of **humility and diplomacy** in leadership, especially in navigating inter-tribal or communal disputes. Gideon's self-effacing approach contrasts sharply with Ephraim's pride and prevents a potentially devastating internal conflict. Secondly, the narrative emphasizes the value of **unity and peacemaking** within God's people. In a fragmented society, maintaining cohesion was paramount for Israel's survival and success against external threats. Gideon's wisdom prioritizes the collective good over personal vindication. Finally, it subtly points to the theme of **God's sovereignty** working through human interactions. While God had already secured the victory through Gideon's small army ([Judges 7:7](/judges/7-7 "Judges 7:7 - God Reduces Gideon's Army")), Gideon's subsequent diplomatic skill ensures that the human element does not derail the divine purpose through internal strife.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gleaning (Hebrew, עוֹלְלֹת, _'ol'lōth'_):** This term refers to the small, leftover grapes after the main harvest. Symbolically, it represents a seemingly less significant or secondary effort. In this context, Gideon uses it to refer to Ephraim's pursuit and capture of the Midianite princes, Oreb and Zeeb. By calling this crucial "mop-up" operation a "gleaning," Gideon humbly diminishes his own primary victory while simultaneously elevating Ephraim's contribution, making their "leftovers" seem more valuable than his "main harvest."
* **Vintage (Hebrew, בָּצִיר, _bātsîr'_):** This signifies the main, full, and abundant grape harvest, representing the primary, most significant effort or achievement. Gideon applies this to his own clan, Abiezer's, initial and decisive victory over Midian. By rhetorically asking if Ephraim's "gleaning" was better than Abiezer's "vintage," Gideon employs a profound act of self-abasement to flatter Ephraim and disarm their anger, suggesting his main effort was less significant than their secondary one.
* **Abiezer (Hebrew, אֲבִיעֶזֶר, _'Ăḇî'ezer'_):** This was Gideon's own family clan within the tribe of Manasseh. By explicitly naming his own clan, Gideon personalizes his humble comparison, making it clear that he is speaking of his own accomplishments in relation to Ephraim's. This direct self-effacement adds weight to his diplomatic words, demonstrating genuine humility rather than mere political maneuvering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you?":** Gideon initiates his response with a rhetorical question that immediately defuses the tense situation. Instead of defending himself against Ephraim's accusations or asserting his authority as the victorious general, he humbly asks what his accomplishments could possibly compare to theirs. This opening sets a tone of deference and respect, implicitly acknowledging Ephraim's perceived importance and disarming their initial anger by refusing to engage in a defensive or confrontational manner.
* **"[Is] not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?":** This is the heart of Gideon's masterful diplomacy, employing a vivid agricultural metaphor. He compares Ephraim's "gleaning" (their pursuit and capture of the Midianite princes, Oreb and Zeeb, a crucial final act of the battle) to his own clan Abiezer's "vintage" (the initial, main battle victory). By rhetorically suggesting that Ephraim's seemingly secondary action was "better" or more significant than his own primary achievement, Gideon offers an extreme compliment. This profound validation of Ephraim's pride and contribution effectively diffuses their resentment, prevents a tribal conflict, and showcases Gideon's wisdom in prioritizing unity.

#### Literary Devices
Gideon's response in Judges 8:2 is a masterclass in rhetorical and literary skill. The most prominent device is **Metaphor/Analogy**, specifically the agricultural comparison of "gleaning" (Ephraim's contribution) to "vintage" (Abiezer's main effort). This analogy, deeply relatable to an agrarian society, vividly conveys Gideon's point. Complementing this is **Hyperbole**, as Gideon's claim that Ephraim's "gleaning" was "better" than his own "vintage" is a deliberate exaggeration, designed to flatter and pacify the proud tribe. The verse also opens with a **Rhetorical Question** ("What have I done now in comparison of you?"), which serves to immediately engage Ephraim, shift the focus from Gideon's defense to Ephraim's perceived superiority, and set a humble tone. Finally, there is a subtle **Irony** in the victorious general humbling himself before the complaining tribe, a counter-intuitive response that proves to be the most effective strategy for achieving peace and unity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Gideon's response in Judges 8:2 transcends a mere diplomatic maneuver; it embodies profound theological principles of humility, reconciliation, and valuing others. His willingness to humble himself, even in victory, reflects a spirit that prioritizes corporate unity and God's greater purpose over personal recognition or tribal pride. This act foreshadows New Testament teachings on peacemaking and considering others better than oneself, demonstrating that true strength in leadership often lies not in asserting power, but in self-effacing service and a genuine appreciation for the contributions of all members of the community of faith. It reminds us that God often uses the "lesser" to shame the "greater," and that human pride is a constant barrier to divine work and communal harmony.

* [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath")
* [Romans 12:10](/romans/12-10 "Romans 12:10 - Outdo One Another in Showing Honor")
* [Philippians 2:3](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3 - Humility and Valuing Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Gideon's exemplary response in Judges 8:2 offers timeless lessons for navigating conflict and fostering healthy relationships in all spheres of life—personal, professional, and spiritual. In a world often characterized by defensiveness, competition, and the pursuit of personal credit, Gideon demonstrates the transformative power of humility and genuine affirmation. His approach teaches us that de-escalation often begins not with justification, but with empathy and a willingness to acknowledge the feelings and contributions of others, even when their criticisms seem unfounded. By prioritizing peace and unity over personal vindication, Gideon illustrates a leadership model rooted in wisdom and self-sacrifice, urging us to consider how we might diffuse tension and build bridges rather than walls, always seeking the greater good of the community or cause we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when my contributions are overlooked or when I face unwarranted criticism?**
* **In what situations might adopting Gideon's humble and affirming approach help de-escalate conflict in my own life?**
* **How can I genuinely value and affirm the "gleaning" contributions of others, even if they seem less significant than my own "vintage" efforts?**
* **What personal pride or desire for recognition might I need to lay aside for the sake of unity and peace in my relationships or community?**

### FAQ
**Why were the men of Ephraim so angry?**

Answer: The men of Ephraim were a powerful and prominent tribe within Israel, often taking a leading role in military affairs. They felt deeply insulted and their tribal honor was wounded because Gideon had not called them to join the initial, decisive battle against the Midianites. Their anger stemmed from a perceived slight to their prestige and importance, despite their crucial role in intercepting and capturing the Midianite princes Oreb and Zeeb later in the pursuit, as described in [Judges 7:25](/judges/7-25 "Judges 7:25 - Ephraim Captures Midianite Princes"). Their pride was wounded by not being involved from the very beginning of what was clearly a significant victory for Israel.

**What is the significance of the "gleaning" and "vintage" metaphor?**

Answer: The metaphor draws from agricultural practices familiar to ancient Israel. "Gleaning" refers to the small amount of grapes left after the main harvest, typically gathered by the poor or gleaners. "Vintage" refers to the full, abundant, and primary harvest. By saying Ephraim's "gleaning" (their capture of the Midianite princes) was "better" than Abiezer's "vintage" (Gideon's clan's initial victory), Gideon uses hyperbole to profoundly flatter Ephraim. He is essentially saying that even Ephraim's secondary effort was more significant than his own primary one, effectively disarming their pride and anger. This clever comparison highlights Gideon's diplomatic skill in [resolving conflict](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath") through humility and affirmation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon's humble diplomacy in Judges 8:2, prioritizing unity and peace over personal vindication, profoundly foreshadows the character and mission of Jesus Christ. While Gideon's act was a strategic human effort to de-escalate tribal conflict, Christ's humility is the very essence of His divine nature and redemptive work. The Lord Jesus, though [He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Incarnation"). He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to [give His life as a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve and Give His Life"). Where Gideon averted a minor tribal dispute through flattery, Christ bridged the infinite chasm between God and humanity through ultimate self-abasement, becoming obedient to the point of [death on a cross](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death on a Cross"). His entire ministry was a "gleaning" of the lost and marginalized, which, in God's economy, proved infinitely "better" than any "vintage" of human accomplishment. He continually uplifted the humble and shamed the proud, demonstrating that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in [serving others](/matthew/20-26-28 "Matthew 20:26-28 - Greatness Through Service") and making peace, ultimately reconciling all things to Himself through [the blood of His cross](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood").

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

James 3:13

¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Judges 6:11

¶ And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which [was] in Ophrah, that [pertained] unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide [it] from the Midianites.

Judges 6:34

But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.

James 1:19

¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

James 1:20

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

1 Corinthians 13:4

¶ Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,