Albert Barnes Commentary Judges 8:18

"Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king." — Judges 8:18 (ASV)

What manner of men - literally, “Where are the men?” The sense, “what manner of men,” is merely gathered from the tenor of the answer.

Gideon undoubtedly knew that his brothers had been killed by Zebah and Zalmunna, and the desire of avenging their death was one motive for his impetuous pursuit and attack. His question was rather a taunt, a bitter reproach to his captives, preparing them for their fate.

Zebah and Zalmunna, in their answer, did not give evidence against themselves. Their hope was by a flattering answer to soothe Gideon’s wrath.