# Gideon’s father said, “Why are you trying to help your god? If he is a god, let him protect himself!”

This is direct quotation. It can also be stated as an indirect quotation: “Gideon’s father asked why they were trying to help their god. If he is a god, he should be able to protect himself!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

# Why are you trying to help your god?

This is not a real question that asks for information. Another way of saying this would be: “You should not be trying to help your god” or “You should not need to help your god.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# If he is a god, let him protect himself

This is a strong statement that if the idol were truly a god, he would be able to protect himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

# Because he said this

The connecting word **Because** connects the reason (Gideon’s father’s defense), with the result (the people did not kill Gideon). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])