This verse highlights how Gideon demonstrates humility and fosters unity by praising Ephraim’s victory as greater than his own.
“But he said to them, ‘What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?’” (v.2)
In this verse, Gideon speaks to the tribe of Ephraim after a major battle. Historically, Gideon served as a judge and military leader of Israel around the late 12th century BC. He was of the clan of Abiezer (Judges 6:11), located in the territory of Manasseh. Ephraim, by contrast, was one of the most prominent tribes of Israel, located in the central highlands of Canaan. The phrase Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better uses an image of harvest: gleanings are the leftover clusters after grapes have been gathered, yet Gideon declares that even Ephraim’s “leftovers” far surpass the primary harvest (or vintage) of his own clan, Abiezer.
“But he said to them…” (v.2) shows Gideon’s humble response to Ephraim’s dissatisfaction at not being summoned sooner to fight the Midianites. Instead of highlighting his personal glory, Gideon gives credit to Ephraim for capturing and killing key Midianite princes, Oreb and Zeeb (Judges 7:24-25). By likening Ephraim’s accomplishment to a bountiful gleaning, Gideon is saying that even their smaller role produced a greater victory than what Gideon’s own clan had achieved. This posture resonates with the biblical principle of unity found elsewhere in Scripture, where God’s people are encouraged to ultimately credit His power for victories (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).
In spiritual terms, Gideon’s words remind us that God uses each tribe or individual in a unique way to complete His purposes, and that a faithful heart of humility leads to peace and mutual respect. Gideon’s measured, gracious response helps diffuse potential tensions. It also illustrates how God honors collaboration and genuine service above personal pride. The gleaning and vintage metaphor can also call to mind Jesus’s teaching about fruitfulness, reminding believers that each part of the body of Christ has value and distinct purpose (John 15:5).
Set to dark mode
Judges 8:2 meaning
“But he said to them, ‘What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?’” (v.2)
In this verse, Gideon speaks to the tribe of Ephraim after a major battle. Historically, Gideon served as a judge and military leader of Israel around the late 12th century BC. He was of the clan of Abiezer (Judges 6:11), located in the territory of Manasseh. Ephraim, by contrast, was one of the most prominent tribes of Israel, located in the central highlands of Canaan. The phrase Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better uses an image of harvest: gleanings are the leftover clusters after grapes have been gathered, yet Gideon declares that even Ephraim’s “leftovers” far surpass the primary harvest (or vintage) of his own clan, Abiezer.
“But he said to them…” (v.2) shows Gideon’s humble response to Ephraim’s dissatisfaction at not being summoned sooner to fight the Midianites. Instead of highlighting his personal glory, Gideon gives credit to Ephraim for capturing and killing key Midianite princes, Oreb and Zeeb (Judges 7:24-25). By likening Ephraim’s accomplishment to a bountiful gleaning, Gideon is saying that even their smaller role produced a greater victory than what Gideon’s own clan had achieved. This posture resonates with the biblical principle of unity found elsewhere in Scripture, where God’s people are encouraged to ultimately credit His power for victories (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).
In spiritual terms, Gideon’s words remind us that God uses each tribe or individual in a unique way to complete His purposes, and that a faithful heart of humility leads to peace and mutual respect. Gideon’s measured, gracious response helps diffuse potential tensions. It also illustrates how God honors collaboration and genuine service above personal pride. The gleaning and vintage metaphor can also call to mind Jesus’s teaching about fruitfulness, reminding believers that each part of the body of Christ has value and distinct purpose (John 15:5).