1 Maccabees 4:31 kjva — Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen:

King James Version with Apocrypha

“Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen:”

— 1 Maccabees 4:31, King James Version with Apocrypha

What does this verse mean?

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1 Maccabees 4:31 in Other Translations

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1 Maccabees 4 — Context

28

The next year therefore following Lysias gathered together threescore thousand choice men of foot, and five thousand horsemen, that he might subdue them.

29

So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at Bethsura, and Judas met them with ten thousand men.

30

And when he saw that mighty army, he prayed and said, Blessed art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst quell the violence of the mighty man by the hand of thy servant David, and gavest the host of strangers into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul, and his armourbearer;

31

Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen:

32

Make them to be of no courage, and cause the boldness of their strength to fall away, and let them quake at their destruction:

33

Cast them down with the sword of them that love thee, and let all those that know thy name praise thee with thanksgiving.

34

So they joined battle; and there were slain of the host of Lysias about five thousand men, even before them were they slain.

1 Maccabees 4:31 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Maccabees 4:31 say?
1 Maccabees 4:31 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen:”
Where is 1 Maccabees 4:31 in the Bible?
1 Maccabees 4:31 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of 1 Maccabees, chapter 4, verse 31.
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 4:31.
What translation should I read 1 Maccabees 4:31 in?
1 Maccabees 4:31 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 4:31?
1 Maccabees 4:31 reads (KJVA): “Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen:” 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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