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⇱ Judges 9:13 But the grapevine replied, 'Should I stop giving my wine that cheers both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?'

Bible > Judges > Chapter 9 > Verse 13
◄ Judges 9:13 ►
New International Version
“But the vine answered, ‘Should I give up my wine, which cheers both gods and humans, to hold sway over the trees?’

New Living Translation
But the grapevine also refused, saying, ‘Should I quit producing the wine that cheers both God and people, just to wave back and forth over the trees?’

English Standard Version
But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I leave my wine that cheers God and men and go hold sway over the trees?’

Berean Standard Bible
But the grapevine replied, ‘Should I stop giving my wine that cheers both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’

King James Bible
And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

New King James Version
But the vine said to them, ‘Should I cease my new wine, Which cheers both God and men, And go to sway over trees?’

New American Standard Bible
But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I give up my new wine, which cheers God and mankind, and go to wave over the trees?’

NASB 1995
“But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I leave my new wine, which cheers God and men, and go to wave over the trees?’

NASB 1977
“But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I leave my new wine, which cheers God and men, and go to wave over the trees?’

Legacy Standard Bible
But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I leave my new wine, which makes God and men glad, and go to wave over the trees?’

Amplified Bible
And the vine replied, ‘Should I give up my new wine, which makes God and men happy, and go to wave over the trees?’

Christian Standard Bible
But the grapevine said to them, “Should I stop giving my wine that cheers both God and man, and rule over trees? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the grapevine said to them,” Should I stop giving my wine that cheers both God and man, and rule over trees?”

American Standard Version
And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my new wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to wave to and fro over the trees?

Contemporary English Version
But the grape vine replied, "My wine brings cheer to people and gods. I won't stop making wine, just so my branches can wave above the other trees."

English Revised Version
And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to wave to and fro over the trees?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But the grapevine responded, 'Should I stop producing my wine, which makes gods and humans happy, in order to rule the trees?'

Good News Translation
But the vine answered, 'In order to govern you, I would have to stop producing my wine, that makes gods and human beings happy.'

International Standard Version
But the grape vine asked them, 'Should I leave my new wine, which cheers God and man, and go take dominion over trees?'

NET Bible
But the grapevine said to them, 'I am not going to stop producing my wine, which makes gods and men so happy, just to sway above the other trees!'

New Heart English Bible
"The vine said to them, 'Should I leave my new wine, which cheers God and man, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?'

Webster's Bible Translation
And the vine said to them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But the grapevine replied, ‘Should I stop giving my wine that cheers both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’

World English Bible
“The vine said to them, ‘Should I leave my new wine, which cheers God and man, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the vine says to them, Have I ceased from my new wine, which is making gods and men glad, that I have gone to stagger over the trees?

Young's Literal Translation
And the vine saith to them, Have I ceased from my new wine, which is rejoicing gods and men, that I have gone to stagger over the trees?

Smith's Literal Translation
And the vine will say to them, Left I my new wine-making, rejoicing God and men, and went I to wander about over the trees?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And it answered them: Can I forsake my wine, that cheereth God and men, and be promoted among the other trees?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And it responded to them, ‘How could I abandon my wine, which gives joy to God and men, and be promoted among the other trees?’

New American Bible
But the vine answered them, ‘Must I give up my wine that cheers gods and human beings, and go off to hold sway over the trees?’

New Revised Standard Version
But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I stop producing my wine that cheers gods and mortals, and go to sway over the trees?’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the vine said to them, I am not going to leave my wine which cheers the hearts of gods and men, to be abominated for reigning over the trees.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The vine said to them: ‘I will not leave my fruit that cheers the heart of gods and men, and am I going to be an abomination for the trees?’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the vine said unto them: Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to hold sway over the trees?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the vine said to them, Shall I leave my wine that cheers God and men, and go to be promoted over the trees?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jotham's Parable
…12Then the trees said to the grapevine, ‘Come and reign over us.’ 13But the grapevine replied, ‘Should I stop giving my wine that cheers both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’ 14Finally all the trees said to the thornbush, ‘Come and reign over us.’…

Cross References
Psalm 104:15
wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart.

Deuteronomy 32:14
with curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, with rams from Bashan, and goats, with the choicest grains of wheat. From the juice of the finest grapes you drank the wine.

Isaiah 65:8
This is what the LORD says: “As the new wine is found in a cluster of grapes, and men say, ‘Do not destroy it, for it contains a blessing,’ so I will act on behalf of My servants; I will not destroy them all.

Hosea 14:7
They will return and dwell in his shade; they will grow grain and blossom like the vine. His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon.

John 15:1-5
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. / He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. / You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ...

Matthew 26:27-29
Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. / This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. / I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

Luke 22:17-18
After taking the cup, He gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves. / For I tell you that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”

1 Corinthians 11:25-26
In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” / For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

Genesis 49:11-12
He ties his donkey to the vine, his colt to the choicest branch. He washes his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. / His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk.

Numbers 6:20
The priest shall then wave them as a wave offering before the LORD. This is a holy portion for the priest, in addition to the breast of the wave offering and the thigh that was presented. After that, the Nazirite may drink wine.

1 Kings 4:25
Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree.

Nehemiah 5:11
Please restore to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses, along with the percentage of the money, grain, new wine, and oil that you have been assessing them.”

Jeremiah 31:12
They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD—the grain, new wine, and oil, and the young of the flocks and herds. Their life will be like a well-watered garden, and never again will they languish.

Ezekiel 27:17
Judah and the land of Israel traded with you; they exchanged wheat from Minnith, cakes and honey, oil and balm for your merchandise.

Joel 2:19
And the LORD answered His people: “Behold, I will send you grain, new wine, and oil, and by them you will be satisfied. I will never again make you a reproach among the nations.


Numbers 15:5,7,10
And the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering shalt thou prepare with the burnt offering or sacrifice, for one lamb…

Psalm 104:15
And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.

Proverbs 31:6
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

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Ceased Cheers Hold Leave Makes New Promoted Rejoicing Stagger Sway Trees Vine Wave Waving Wine
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Ceased Cheers Hold Leave Makes New Promoted Rejoicing Stagger Sway Trees Vine Wave Waving Wine
Judges 9
1. Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king
7. Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin
22. Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him
30. Zebul reveals it
34. Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt
46. He burns the hold of the god Berith
50. At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone
56. Jotham's curse is fulfilled.














But the grapevine replied
In the context of Judges 9, this phrase is part of Jotham's parable, which he uses to address the men of Shechem. The grapevine, or vine, is personified, symbolizing a refusal to abandon its purpose. The vine is often a symbol of Israel (Psalm 80:8-16) and represents fruitfulness and blessing. The reply indicates a sense of purpose and contentment in fulfilling its God-given role.

Should I stop giving my wine
Wine in biblical times was a staple of the diet and a symbol of joy and celebration (Psalm 104:15). It was used in religious ceremonies and offerings (Leviticus 23:13). The rhetorical question highlights the absurdity of abandoning a beneficial and divinely appointed role. The vine's wine is a metaphor for the blessings and joy that come from fulfilling one's purpose.

that cheers both God and man
Wine was used in offerings to God, symbolizing joy and fellowship with Him (Numbers 15:5-10). It also brought joy to people, being a central part of feasts and celebrations (Ecclesiastes 10:19). This dual aspect underscores the vine's importance in both divine and human contexts, suggesting that fulfilling one's role brings joy to both God and humanity.

to hold sway over the trees?
The phrase "to hold sway" implies ruling or having authority. The parable contrasts the vine's contentment in its role with the ambition of Abimelech, who seeks power at any cost. The trees represent the people of Shechem and their desire for a king. The vine's refusal to rule highlights the folly of seeking power for its own sake, a theme echoed in Jesus' teachings on servanthood and humility (Mark 10:42-45).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Vine
In this parable, the vine represents a character that is offered a position of leadership but declines, valuing its current role and contributions.

2. Jotham
The speaker of the parable, Jotham is the youngest son of Gideon (Jerubbaal) who survived the massacre of his brothers by Abimelech. He uses this parable to criticize Abimelech's leadership.

3. Abimelech
The son of Gideon who killed his brothers to become king. The parable indirectly critiques his illegitimate rule.

4. Shechem
The location where Abimelech was made king and where Jotham delivered his parable from Mount Gerizim.

5. The Trees
Symbolic of the people of Shechem seeking a king, representing the search for leadership.
Teaching Points
Understanding Purpose and Calling
The vine's refusal to abandon its purpose teaches us the importance of recognizing and valuing our God-given roles and contributions.

The Dangers of Ambition
The parable warns against the pursuit of power for its own sake, as seen in Abimelech's destructive ambition.

Contentment in Service
The vine's contentment in its role encourages believers to find joy and fulfillment in serving where God has placed them.

The Role of Leadership
True leadership is not about seeking power but about serving others and fulfilling one's God-given purpose.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Judges 9:13?

2. How does Judges 9:13 illustrate the importance of humility in leadership roles?

3. What does the vine's response in Judges 9:13 teach about God's purpose for us?

4. How can we apply the vine's wisdom in Judges 9:13 to our daily lives?

5. In what ways does Judges 9:13 connect to Jesus' teachings on servanthood?

6. How does Judges 9:13 challenge us to prioritize God's calling over worldly ambitions?

7. What is the significance of wine in Judges 9:13 within biblical symbolism?

8. How does Judges 9:13 reflect the cultural importance of vineyards in ancient Israel?

9. Why does the vine refuse kingship in Judges 9:13, and what does it symbolize?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 9?

11. What foods are mentioned in the Bible?

12. Amos 9:13 - Is the prophecy of the plowman overtaking the reaper a literal farming impossibility, and does it conflict with more realistic agricultural references elsewhere in scripture?

13. Joshua 24:13 - Is there any archaeological proof supporting the idea that the Israelites inherited cities and vineyards they did not build or plant?

14. What is the Nazirite vow?
What Does Judges 9:13 Mean
But the grapevine replied

• In Jotham’s parable (Judges 9:7-12), the vine is approached after the olive tree and the fig tree decline the throne.

• The reply highlights a humble refusal to abandon a God-given role, echoing the principle that faithful service matters more than grasping power (1 Samuel 12:24; Matthew 20:25-28).

• Scripture often pictures nature “speaking” to make truth memorable (Psalm 96:11-12; Isaiah 55:12).

Should I stop giving my wine

• The vine sees its daily fruitfulness as indispensable: to cease producing wine would rob others of blessing (John 15:8; Galatians 6:9).

• Wine was required in the drink offerings (Numbers 15:5-10) and for covenant meals (Deuteronomy 14:26); the vine’s question underlines that obedience to God’s design outweighs personal advancement.

That cheers both God and man

• “Wine that cheers God” points to its use in offerings rising as a pleasing aroma to Him (Exodus 29:40-41; Philippians 4:18).

• “And man” recalls wine’s role in joy-filled fellowship (Psalm 104:15; John 2:1-10).

• Together, the phrase stresses that the vine’s fruit serves vertical worship and horizontal community—an ideal picture of a believer’s influence (Romans 14:17).

To hold sway over the trees?

• Rulership here implies leaving the vine’s appointed place to dominate others—a trade-off the vine judges unwise (Proverbs 16:32; 1 Timothy 3:1-7).

• The question exposes the folly of Abimelech’s grasping for kingship (Judges 9:22-24) and warns that selfish ambition forfeits greater good (James 3:16).

• True leadership flows from fruitful character, not from seizing authority (John 13:13-15).

summary

Judges 9:13 pictures the vine refusing a crown because abandoning its God-given ministry would rob both heaven and earth of joy. The verse urges believers to prize faithful, fruitful service over power, recognizing that when we remain in the place God assigns, our lives bring delight to Him and blessing to others.

(13) My wine.--The Hebrew word is tirosh which sometimes means merely "grape-cluster."

Which cheereth God and man.--For explanation, see Exodus 29:40; Numbers 15:7; Numbers 15:10, &c. If Elohim be here understood of God, the expression is, of course, of that simply anthropomorphic character which marks very ancient literature.

Verse 13. - Which cheereth God and man. The wine is said to cheer, or make to rejoice, God because the drink offering which accompanied the meat offering consisted of wine (Numbers 15:7, 10), and God was well pleased with the offerings of his people (cf. Genesis 8:21; Philippians 4:18; Hebrews 13:16). The idea in this verse, as in vers. 9 and 11, is, that while the olive, the fig, and the vine were occupied in waving their branches over the other trees, in token of their superiority, they would necessarily be neglecting., their own proper gift and office, which was to produce oil, and figs, and grapes.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But the grapevine
הַגֶּ֔פֶן (hag·ge·p̄en)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1612: A vine, the grape

replied,
וַתֹּ֤אמֶר (wat·tō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘Should I stop giving
הֶחֳדַ֙לְתִּי֙ (he·ḥo·ḏal·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2308: To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle

my wine
תִּ֣ירוֹשִׁ֔י (tî·rō·wō·šî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8492: Must, fresh grape-juice, fermented wine

that cheers
הַֽמְשַׂמֵּ֥חַ (ham·śam·mê·aḥ)
Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8055: To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome

[both] God
אֱלֹהִ֖ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

and man,
וַאֲנָשִׁ֑ים (wa·’ă·nā·šîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

to hold
וְהָ֣לַכְתִּ֔י (wə·hā·laḵ·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

sway
לָנ֖וּעַ (lā·nū·a‘)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5128: To quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter

over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the trees?’
הָעֵצִֽים׃ (hā·‘ê·ṣîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood


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OT History: Judges 9:13 The vine said to them Should (Jd Judg. Jdg)