Judges 11:1
Judges 11:1 in Multiple Translations
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor; he was the son of a prostitute, and Gilead was his father.
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of a harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a great man of war; he was the son of a loose woman, and Gilead was his father.
Jephthah of Gilead was a strong fighter. He was the son of a prostitute, and his father was Gilead.
Then Gilead begate Iphtah, and Iphtah the Gileadite was a valiant man, but the sonne of an harlot.
And Jephthah the Gileadite hath been a mighty man of valour, and he [is] son of a woman, a harlot; and Gilead begetteth Jephthah,
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor. He was the son of a prostitute. Gilead became the father of Jephthah.
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of a harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.
There was at that time Jephte the Galaadite, a most valiant man and a warrior, the son of a woman that was a harlot, and his father was Galaad.
There was a man from the Gilead region named Jephthah. He was a great warrior. His father was also named Gilead. But his mother was a prostitute.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 11:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 11:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יִפְתָּ֣ח
הַ/גִּלְעָדִ֗י
הָיָה֙
גִּבּ֣וֹר
חַ֔יִל
וְ/ה֖וּא
בֶּן
אִשָּׁ֣ה
זוֹנָ֑ה
וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד
גִּלְעָ֖ד
אֶת
יִפְתָּֽח
וְ/יִפְתָּ֣ח
Yiphtâch
H3316
Jephthah
Conj | N-proper
הַ/גִּלְעָדִ֗י
Gilʻâdîy
H1569
Gileadite
Art | Ngmsa
הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
גִּבּ֣וֹר
gibbôwr
H1368
mighty man
Adj
חַ֔יִל
chayil
H2428
Helech
N-ms
וְ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אִשָּׁ֣ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
זוֹנָ֑ה
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
V-Qal
וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
גִּלְעָ֖ד
Gilʻâd
H1568
Gilead
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יִפְתָּֽח
Yiphtâch
H3316
Jephthah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 11:1
וְ/יִפְתָּ֣ח
Yiphtâch
H3316
"Jephthah"
Conj | N-proper
Jephthah was an Israelite judge who defeated the Ammonites, but also made a tragic vow that led to the sacrifice of his daughter. His name means 'he opens' and he's mentioned in the book of Judges as a hero of faith. Jephthah was the son of Gilead.
Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.11.1; son of: Gilead (H1568I) Also named: Iephthae (Ἰεφθάε "Jephthah" G2422) § Jephthah or Jiphtah = "he opens" 1) a son of Gilead and a concubine and the judge who defeated the Ammonites; after the victory because of a vow taken before the battle he sacrificed his daughter as a burnt offering 2) a city in Judah
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Jephthah, Jiphtah. See also: Joshua 15:43; Judges 11:14; 1 Samuel 12:11.
הַ/גִּלְעָדִ֗י
Gilʻâdîy
H1569
"Gileadite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Gileadite is someone from Gilead, a descendant of the region or the tribe of Manasseh. They are inhabitants of the 'rocky region' of Gilead.
Definition: Someone from Gilead Group of gil.ad (גִּלְעָד "Gilead" H1568) § Gileadite = "rocky region" 1) an inhabitant of Gilead - 2) a branch of the tribe of Manasseh, descended of Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Gileadite. See also: Numbers 26:29; 2 Samuel 17:27; Nehemiah 7:63.
הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
גִּבּ֣וֹר
gibbôwr
H1368
"mighty man"
Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
חַ֔יִל
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
N-ms
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
וְ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אִשָּׁ֣ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
זוֹנָ֑ה
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
V-Qal
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
גִּלְעָ֖ד
Gilʻâd
H1568
"Gilead"
N-proper
Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.
Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יִפְתָּֽח
Yiphtâch
H3316
"Jephthah"
N-proper
Jephthah was an Israelite judge who defeated the Ammonites, but also made a tragic vow that led to the sacrifice of his daughter. His name means 'he opens' and he's mentioned in the book of Judges as a hero of faith. Jephthah was the son of Gilead.
Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.11.1; son of: Gilead (H1568I) Also named: Iephthae (Ἰεφθάε "Jephthah" G2422) § Jephthah or Jiphtah = "he opens" 1) a son of Gilead and a concubine and the judge who defeated the Ammonites; after the victory because of a vow taken before the battle he sacrificed his daughter as a burnt offering 2) a city in Judah
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Jephthah, Jiphtah. See also: Joshua 15:43; Judges 11:14; 1 Samuel 12:11.
Study Notes — Judges 11:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 11:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 11:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 11:1
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:1
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 11:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 11:1
- Sermons on Judges 11:1
Context — Jephthah Delivers Israel
1Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor; he was the son of a prostitute, and Gilead was his father.
2And Gilead’s wife bore him sons who grew up, drove Jephthah out, and said to him, “You shall have no inheritance in our father’s house, because you are the son of another woman.” 3So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where worthless men gathered around him and traveled with him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 11:32 | And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, |
| 2 | Judges 6:12 | And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” |
| 3 | 2 Kings 5:1 | Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. |
Judges 11:1 Summary
This verse tells us about a man named Jephthah who was very brave and strong, but he also had a difficult family situation because his mother was a prostitute. Even though Jephthah's family did not accept him, God had big plans for him, as we see in the rest of the chapter. This reminds us that our value and worth come from God, not from our family or background, as seen in Psalm 139:13-14 and Jeremiah 1:5. Just like Jephthah, we can trust in God's love and sovereignty, no matter what challenges we face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Bible mention that Jephthah was the son of a prostitute?
The Bible mentions this to highlight Jephthah's humble beginnings and to show how God can use anyone, regardless of their background, as seen in Psalm 138:8, where God perfects the things that concern us.
What does it mean that Jephthah was a mighty man of valor?
This phrase indicates that Jephthah was a brave and powerful warrior, much like the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11:32-34, who trusted in God for their strength and courage.
How does Jephthah's family situation relate to his later experiences?
Jephthah's experiences as an outcast from his family, as mentioned in Judges 11:2, may have prepared him for his later role as a leader of the people of Israel, as seen in Judges 11:4-11, where he is called upon by the elders of Gilead to lead them in battle.
What can we learn from Jephthah's background about God's sovereignty?
Jephthah's background teaches us that God's sovereignty is not limited by human circumstances, as seen in Romans 8:28, where we are told that God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
Reflection Questions
- How do you think Jephthah felt about being the son of a prostitute, and what can we learn from his experiences about self-acceptance and identity in Christ?
- What are some ways that you, like Jephthah, may have felt like an outcast or outsider, and how can you trust in God's sovereignty and love in those situations?
- How does Jephthah's story illustrate the theme of God using the unlikely and the marginalized to accomplish His purposes, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29?
- What are some areas in your life where you feel like you are being called to be a 'mighty man or woman of valor,' and how can you trust in God's strength and courage to help you fulfill those callings?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:1
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour,.... Jephthah had his name of Gileadite either from his father, whose name was Gilead, or from the city and country in which he was born, which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:1
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:1
Judges 11:1 Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he [was] the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.Ver. 1. Was a mighty man of valour.] Magna vi animi et corporis fuit, as Sallust saith of Catiline: He was stout and strong, hardy and able to suffer hardship, as a good soldier should do; one that had done great exploits, and had oft looked death in the face upon great adventures in the field. And he was the son of an harlot.] A bastard this was a blur to him, through the fault of his parents. The Hebrews call such a one Mamzer that is, a strange blot: the Greeks, υβριδα, a reproach. The English, in disgrace of such births call all whores harlots, from Arlett, a skinner’ s daughter, on whom Robert Duke of Normandy begat our William the Conqueror. Howbeit God made choice of such a one here to be a deliverer of his people; and hath registred him among other of his worthies, famous for their faith. This is for the comfort of bastards, if believers and born of God. We read in our Chronicles of one Faustus, the son of Vortiger, who wept himself blind for the sin of his incestuous parents. And that David had good assurance that the child born of his adultery with Bathsheba went to heaven, is gathered from those words of his, "I shall go to him; he shall not return to me."
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 11:1
(1) The son of an harlot.—The words are so rendered in all the versions, and can hardly have any other meaning. If an inferior wife had been meant, the word used would not have been zonah, but pilgesh, as in Judges 8:31. The word may, however, be used in the harsh sense of the brethren of Jephthah, without being strictly accurate. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 2:26.) Gilead begat Jephthah.—We are here met by the same questions as those which concern Tola and Jair. That Gilead is a proper name, not the name of the country mythically personified, may be regarded as certain. But is this Gilead the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, or some later Gilead? or does “begat” mean “was the ancestor of?” The answer to these questions depends mainly upon the insoluble problem of the chronology; but we may note (1) that since no other Gilead is mentioned, we should naturally infer that this is the grandson of Manasseh; and (2) that the fact referred to in the obscure genealogy of 1 Chronicles 7:14-17 seems to show that the family of Manasseh had Syrian (Aramean) connections, and Jephthah’s mother may have been an Aramitess from the district of Tob. The name Jephthah means “he opens” (the womb).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 11:1
CHAPTER XI The history of Jephthah, and his covenant with the Gileadites, 1-10. He is elected by the people, 11. Sends an embassy to the king of the Ammonites, to inquire why they invaded Israel; and receives an answer, to which he sends back a spirited reply, 12-27. This is disregarded by the Ammonites, and Jephthah prepares for battle, 28, 29. His vow, 30, 31. He attacks and defeats them, 32, 33. On his return to Mizpeh he is met by his daughter, whom, according to his vow, he dedicates to the Lord, 34-40. NOTES ON CHAP. XI Verse 1. Now Jephthah - was the son of a harlot] I think the word זונה zonah, which we here render harlot, should be translated, as is contended for on Joshua 2:1, viz. a hostess, keeper of an inn or tavern for the accommodation of travellers; and thus it is understood by the Targum of Jonathan on this place: והוא בר אתתא פונדקיתא vehu bar ittetha pundekitha, "and he was the son of a woman, a tavern keeper." See the note referred to above.
She was very probably a Canaanite, as she is called, Judges 11:2, a strange woman, אשה אחרת ishshah achereth, a woman of another race; and on this account his brethren drove him from the family, as he could not have a full right to the inheritance, his mother not being an Israelite.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:1
1. Jephthah] Hebr. Yiphtaḥ ?, probably a shortened form of Yiphtaḥ ?-el = God will open; cf. Pethah-iah Ezra 10:23. The full form occurs as the name of a town Joshua 19:14; Joshua 19:27. the Gileadite] See on Judges 10:3. The land of Gilead generally included the country E. of Jordan between the W. el-Menâḍ ?ire (Yarmuk), S. of the Sea of Galilee, and W. Ḥ ?esbân near the upper end of the Dead Sea. Sometimes it included the Moabite territory as far S. as the Arnon (W. el-Môjîb).Gilead begat Jephthah] Gilead, properly the name of a region or its population, is here and in Judges 11:2, Joshua 17:1 f., 1 Chronicles 7:14 ff., regarded as a person, i.e. tribal history is related as though it were the domestic history of an individual; see Driver, HDB. s.v. Gilead. These words and the verse which follows evidently come from the late editor, begat is the usual term in the genealogies of P and Chron.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 11:1
The history of Jephthah appears to be an independent history inserted by the compiler of the Book of Judges. Judges 11:4-5 introduce the Ammonite war without any apparent reference to Judges 10:17-18.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 11:1
OF , Judges 11:1-11.This chapter should have begun with Judges 11:17 of the preceding chapter, where the history of Jephthah properly begins. 1.
Sermons on Judges 11:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Surviving the Anointing by David Ravenhill | This sermon by David Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of surviving the anointing in ministry. He highlights the need for absolute dependency upon God, using examples from the Bi |
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Like Him in This World by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life of faith and following the examples of the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11. He mentions individuals s |
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Sold Out to the Lord by William MacDonald | This sermon delves into the lives of various committed individuals throughout history, highlighting their unwavering dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the theme of |
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(The Life of David) 03 Friends and Foes in David's Life by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spending time in fellowship with God in order to overcome the giants in our lives. He uses the example of David, who spent |
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The Spirit of a Prophet Leonard Ravenhill by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the unique and lonely calling of prophets, highlighting the solitude and dedication required in their role. It reflects on the significance of John the Bapti |
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(Hebrews) ch.11:23-12:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God's power rather than human ability. He highlights the need to come to an end of ourselves and have total con |
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Psalm 23:2-3 by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the challenges and weariness of life, particularly in the context of raising children. They mention their own mother's experience with ten c |