1 Maccabees 4:20 kjva — Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was s…

King James Version with Apocrypha

“Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done:”

— 1 Maccabees 4:20, King James Version with Apocrypha

What does this verse mean?

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1 Maccabees 4:20 in Other Translations

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1 Maccabees 4 — Context

17

And said to the people, Be not greedy of the spoil inasmuch as there is a battle before us,

18

And Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountain: but stand ye now against our enemies, and overcome them, and after this ye may boldly take the spoils.

19

As Judas was yet speaking these words, there appeared a part of them looking out of the mountain:

20

Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done:

21

When therefore they perceived these things, they were sore afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas in the plain ready to fight,

22

They fled every one into the land of strangers.

23

Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they got much gold, and silver, and blue silk, and purple of the sea, and great riches.

1 Maccabees 4:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Maccabees 4:20 say?
1 Maccabees 4:20 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done:”
Where is 1 Maccabees 4:20 in the Bible?
1 Maccabees 4:20 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of 1 Maccabees, chapter 4, verse 20.
Who wrote 1 Maccabees?
1 Maccabees is traditionally attributed to Anonymous Jewish historian, likely tied to the Hasmonean court. Originally written in Hebrew (lost); preserved in Greek translation. A sober, restrained chronicle in the style of OT historical writing. It was written c. 100 BC.
What is the book of 1 Maccabees about?
1 Maccabees is the principal historical account of the Jewish revolt against Antiochus IV Epiphanes (167–134 BC). It tells of the priest Mattathias raising the standard of resistance, his son Judas "Maccabeus" winning improbable victories, the cleansing and rededication of the Temple (commemorated by Hanukkah), and the long careers of his brothers Jonathan and Simon. A defining story of faithful resistance under religious persecution.
What are the major themes of 1 Maccabees?
1 Maccabees explores themes including Faithfulness, Resistance, Temple, Covenant, Hanukkah. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Maccabees 4:20.
What translation should I read 1 Maccabees 4:20 in?
1 Maccabees 4:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Maccabees 4:20?
1 Maccabees 4:20 reads (KJVA): “Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done:” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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