Judges 11:12
Judges 11:12 in Multiple Translations
Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, saying, “What do you have against me that you have come to fight against my land?”
¶ And Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What hast thou to do with me, that thou art come against me to fight in my land?
And Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What hast thou to do with me, that thou art come unto me to fight against my land?
Then Jephthah sent men to the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What have you against me that you have come to make war against my land?
Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites to ask him, “What have you got against me that you want to attack my land?”
Then Iphtah sent messengers vnto the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What hast thou to doe with me, that thou art come against me, to fight in my lande?
And Jephthah sendeth messengers unto the king of the Bene-Ammon, saying, 'What — to me and to thee, that thou hast come in unto me, to fight in my land.'
Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the children of Ammon, saying, “What do you have to do with me, that you have come to me to fight against my land?”
And Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What hast thou to do with me, that thou hast come against me to fight in my land?
And he sent messengers to the king of the children of Ammon, to say in his name, What hast thou to do with me, that thou art come against me, to waste my land?
Jephthah sent some messengers to the king of the Ammon people-group. They asked the king, “What have we done to make you angry, with the result that your army is coming to fight against the people in our land?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 11:12
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Judges 11:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 11:12
Study Notes — Judges 11:12
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 11:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 11:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 11:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 11:12
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 11:12
- Sermons on Judges 11:12
Context — Jephthah Delivers Israel
12Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, saying, “What do you have against me that you have come to fight against my land?”
13The king of the Ammonites answered Jephthah’s messengers, “When Israel came up out of Egypt, they seized my land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok and all the way to the Jordan. Now, therefore, restore it peaceably.” 14Jephthah again sent messengers to the king of the AmmonitesCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 2:26 | So from the Wilderness of Kedemoth I sent messengers with an offer of peace to Sihon king of Heshbon, saying, |
| 2 | Matthew 18:15–16 | If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ |
| 3 | Proverbs 25:8–9 | do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame? Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, |
| 4 | Numbers 21:21 | Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, |
| 5 | 2 Kings 14:8–12 | Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” But Amaziah would not listen, and Jehoash king of Israel advanced. He and King Amaziah of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh in Judah. And Judah was routed before Israel, and every man fled to his home. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 20:10–11 | When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace. If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you. |
| 7 | Numbers 20:14 | From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us, |
Judges 11:12 Summary
In Judges 11:12, Jephthah sends messengers to the king of the Ammonites to ask why they are fighting against his land. This shows that Jephthah wants to understand the reason for the conflict before taking action, which is a wise and peaceful approach, similar to what the Bible teaches in Proverbs 15:1 and Romans 12:18. By seeking to understand the other side, we can often find a way to resolve conflicts peacefully, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:9. This approach can help us in our personal relationships and interactions with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jephthah send messengers to the king of the Ammonites?
Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites to understand the reason behind their attack on his land, as seen in Judges 11:12, which is a reasonable step before engaging in battle, similar to the actions of King David in 1 Samuel 26:19.
What was Jephthah's goal in sending these messengers?
Jephthah's goal was to resolve the conflict peacefully, if possible, by asking the king of the Ammonites to explain their grievances, reflecting a desire for peace mentioned in Psalms 34:14 and Matthew 5:9.
How does this verse relate to the concept of just war?
This verse shows Jephthah attempting to understand the reasons behind the Ammonites' attack, which is in line with the biblical principle of seeking peace before resorting to war, as taught in Romans 12:18 and Hebrews 12:14.
What can we learn from Jephthah's approach to conflict resolution?
We can learn that seeking to understand the other party's perspective and attempting to resolve conflicts peacefully is a biblical approach, as seen in Jephthah's actions and supported by Proverbs 15:1 and Ephesians 4:29-32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some conflicts in my life where I need to seek understanding before reacting?
- How can I apply Jephthah's approach to conflict resolution in my personal relationships?
- What role does communication play in resolving disputes, and how can I improve my communication skills to achieve peace?
- In what ways can I seek peace in my interactions with others, as commanded in Matthew 5:9?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 11:12
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 11:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 11:12
Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:12
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 11:12
Sermons on Judges 11:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Our Daily Homily - Judges by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the persistent nature of evil habits in our lives, likening them to the Canaanites who resisted being dislodged from the land. He reminds us that as believers |
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Getting Ready for the End of All Things by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of preparing for the end times by focusing on spiritual readiness rather than physical provisions. It highlights the need for forgiveness, lov |
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(Om Orientation) Action - Part 1 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and implementing the teachings of Jesus Christ. He criticizes the tendency to overlook or rationalize these t |
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Forgiveness by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a submissive and simple heart. He warns against causing others to sin and highlights the severe consequences for tho |
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Called to Be Accountable by Andy Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accountability in the Christian life. He argues that God does not expect us to struggle alone and that we all face the same |
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Garland, Texas - Forgiveness and Confession by J. Edwin Orr | This sermon emphasizes the importance of confession and repentance in maintaining fellowship with God and others. It highlights the need for sincere confession of faults to receive |
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Authority in Praying by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of binding and loosening as mentioned in the Bible. He explains that when Christians face moral issues or conflicts, they should |







