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Judges 11:10

Judges 11:10 in Multiple Translations

And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “The LORD is our witness if we do not do as you say.”

And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words.

And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Jehovah shall be witness between us; surely according to thy word so will we do.

And the responsible men of Gilead said to Jephthah, May the Lord be our witness: we will certainly do as you say.

“The Lord will be a witness between us,” they replied. “We'll do whatever you say.”

And the Elders of Gilead saide to Iphtah, The Lord be witnesse betweene vs, if we doe not according to thy wordes.

And the elders of Gilead say unto Jephthah, 'Jehovah is hearkening between us — if according to thy word we do not so.'

The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “The LORD will be witness between us. Surely we will do what you say.”

And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, The LORD be a witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words.

They answered him: The Lord who heareth these things, he himself is mediator and witness that we will do as we have promised.

They replied, “Yahweh is listening to everything that we say. So he will punish us if we do not do everything that you tell us to do.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 11:10

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 11:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ זִקְנֵֽי גִלְעָ֖ד אֶל יִפְתָּ֑ח יְהוָ֗ה יִהְיֶ֤ה שֹׁמֵ֨עַ֙ בֵּֽינוֹתֵ֔י/נוּ אִם לֹ֥א כִ/דְבָרְ/ךָ֖ כֵּ֥ן נַעֲשֶֽׂה
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
זִקְנֵֽי zâqên H2205 old Adj
גִלְעָ֖ד Gilʻâd H1568 Gilead N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
יִפְתָּ֑ח Yiphtâch H3316 Jephthah N-proper
יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
יִהְיֶ֤ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
שֹׁמֵ֨עַ֙ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal
בֵּֽינוֹתֵ֔י/נוּ bêyn H996 between Prep | Suff
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
כִ/דְבָרְ/ךָ֖ dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-ms | Suff
כֵּ֥ן kên H3651 right Part
נַעֲשֶֽׂה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 11:10

וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
זִקְנֵֽי zâqên H2205 "old" Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
גִלְעָ֖ד 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.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יִפְתָּ֑ח 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.
יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
יִהְיֶ֤ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-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.
שֹׁמֵ֨עַ֙ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
בֵּֽינוֹתֵ֔י/נוּ bêyn H996 "between" Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
כִ/דְבָרְ/ךָ֖ dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | N-ms | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
כֵּ֥ן kên H3651 "right" Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
נַעֲשֶֽׂה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

Study Notes — Judges 11:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 42:5 Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act upon every word that the LORD your God sends you to tell us.
2 Genesis 31:50 If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.”
3 Jeremiah 29:23 For they have committed an outrage in Israel by committing adultery with the wives of their neighbors and speaking lies in My name, which I did not command them to do. I am He who knows, and I am a witness, declares the LORD.”
4 Genesis 16:5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be upon you! I delivered my servant into your arms, and ever since she saw that she was pregnant, she has treated me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me.”
5 Deuteronomy 1:16 At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident.
6 1 Samuel 24:12 May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.
7 Genesis 21:23 Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.”
8 Exodus 20:7 You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.
9 2 Corinthians 11:31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is forever worthy of praise, knows that I am not lying.
10 1 Samuel 12:5 Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied.

Judges 11:10 Summary

[The elders of Gilead are promising Jephthah that they will do what he says, with God as their witness. This means they are making a very serious promise to him, and they are asking God to hold them accountable. This is similar to when we make promises to God or to others, and we should remember that God is always watching and listening, as seen in Psalm 139:1-4. By invoking God as their witness, the elders are showing that they are committed to keeping their word, just like God keeps His promises to us, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the elders to say 'The LORD is our witness' in Judges 11:10?

When the elders of Gilead say 'The LORD is our witness,' they are invoking God as a witness to their promise to Jephthah, similar to how God is a witness to covenants in Genesis 31:50 and Jeremiah 42:5. This emphasizes the seriousness of their commitment to Jephthah.

Is Jephthah's request for leadership a sign of pride or ambition?

Jephthah's request for leadership in Judges 11:9-10 can be seen as a desire for recognition and respect, but it also shows his awareness of the need for clear authority in the face of the Ammonite threat, much like Moses' leadership in Exodus 18:13-27.

How does this verse relate to the concept of oaths and vows in the Bible?

The elders' statement in Judges 11:10 implies an oath or vow, highlighting the importance of keeping promises, as seen in Psalm 15:4 and Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, where it is emphasized that one should not take oaths lightly.

What role does faith play in the decision-making process of Jephthah and the elders?

The mention of 'the LORD' in Judges 11:10 indicates that both Jephthah and the elders are acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking to act in accordance with His will, demonstrating a level of faith and trust, similar to the faith exhibited by Abraham in Genesis 22:1-14.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I, like the elders of Gilead, demonstrate my commitment to God and to others through my words and actions?
  2. In what ways can I seek God's guidance and wisdom in my decision-making processes, as Jephthah and the elders seem to be doing in this verse?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to invoke God as my witness, holding myself accountable to my promises and commitments?
  4. How can I balance the desire for recognition and respect with the need for humility and servanthood, as seen in Jephthah's request for leadership?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:10

And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah,.... Assenting to his proposal, and not only giving their word for it, but their oath: the Lord be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:10

And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words. The Lord he witness between us.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 11:10

They confirm their promise by a solemn and sacred oath.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:10

Judges 11:10 And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words.Ver. 10. The Lord be witness.] "An oath for confirmation is to men an end of all strife": ορκος quasi ερκος, an oath is a hedge to keep men within compass of duty.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 11:10

(10) The Lord be witness.—Rather, be hearing (Dominus, qui haec audit ipse Mediator ac testis sit, Vulg.).

Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:10

10. witness] Note marg.; the expression only here. The invocation of Jehovah’s presence is necessary to complete a solemn agreement; cf. Genesis 31:49.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 11:10

10. The Lord be witness — A solemn oath and covenant. According to thy words — We will accede to thy wish. See on Judges 11:9.

Sermons on Judges 11:10

SermonDescription
Jim Cymbala Where to Go? What to Do? by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of preaching the whole counsel of God, rather than catering to what people want to hear. He uses the example of Jeremiah, who w
Chuck Smith Hearers Not Doers by Chuck Smith This sermon emphasizes the importance of not only hearing the Word of God but also actively doing what it says. It warns against the deception of merely agreeing with God's command
Chuck Smith Jeremiah 42:5 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith discusses the theme of empty promises in Jeremiah 42:5, emphasizing the solemn vow made by the people to obey God's commands through Jeremiah. Despite their sincere int
George Fox Epistle 367 by George Fox George Fox emphasizes the necessity of living a life of righteousness and holiness, as it is essential for seeing God and maintaining peace within a community. He warns that unholi
Alan Redpath Life of David by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing the story of Peter in the 12th chapter of Acts, where he was imprisoned and about to be beheaded. The preacher then transitions t
Gbile Akanni Humble Thyself by Gbile Akanni In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and avoiding pride in our actions and achievements. He warns against seeking personal glory and attention instead
Alan Redpath Jacob by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life of Jacob and his journey from a man who began well but ended up in a state of spiritual degeneration. The preacher emphasizes that t

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