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Gideon

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Biblical judge of Israel who, through divine signs and faith, led 300 men to defeat the Midianites with unconventional tactics.

Detailed Definition
Gideon destroyed Baal’s altar, led 300 men to victory, and refused kingship. His story blends faith, doubt, and humility. In poetry, Gideon symbolizes divine strength in weakness, the testing of faith, and the paradox of leadership that resists power.
Example
Example in poetry:
In John Milton’s "Paradise Lost," Gideon’s fleece (Judges 6) illustrates testing and trust; In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s "Aurora Leigh," Gideon symbolizes the reluctant leader; In William Cowper’s hymns, Gideon’s victory with 300 celebrates divine sufficiency; In George Herbert’s "The Church-porch," Gideon’s tearing down of Baal’s altar models courageous reform; In John Keble’s "Lyra Innocentium," Gideon represents the doubter turned deliverer; In Christina Rossetti’s "Goblin Market," Gideon’s lamps and pitchers prefigure hidden light.
Additional Notes
Gideon: Judge who defeated Midian with 300 men using trumpets and torches (Judges 6–8); known for initial doubt (“fleece test”) and later idolatry (ephod). In poetry, Gideon embodies reluctant leadership, divine empowerment of weakness, and the danger of post-victory pride. His name (“hewer” or “destroyer”) reflects his role—ideal for poems on testing faith, the paradox of small means, or the fragility of legacy after triumph.
Also Known As
Gideon the Judge Jerubbaal Gideon son of Joash Gideoni
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