Judges 11:34
Judges 11:34 in Multiple Translations
And when Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, there was his daughter coming out to meet him with tambourines and dancing! She was his only child; he had no son or daughter besides her.
¶ And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.
And Jephthah came to Mizpah unto his house; and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; besides her he had neither son nor daughter.
Then Jephthah came back to his house in Mizpah, and his daughter came out, meeting him on his way with music and with dances; she was his only child; he had no other sons or daughters.
When Jephthah arrived home in Mizpah, there came his daughter out to meet him, with tambourines and dancing! She was his only child—he had no son or daughter apart from her.
Nowe when Iphtah came to Mizpeh vnto his house, beholde, his daughter came out to meete him with timbrels and daunces, which was his onely childe: he had none other sonne, nor daughter.
And Jephthah cometh into Mizpeh, unto his house, and lo, his daughter is coming out to meet him with timbrels, and with choruses, and save her alone, he hath none, son or daughter.
Jephthah came to Mizpah to his house; and behold, his daughter came out to meet him with tambourines and with dances. She was his only child. Besides her he had neither son nor daughter.
And Jephthah came to Mizpeh to his house, and behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.
And when Jephte returned into Maspha to his house, his only daughter met him with timbrels and with dances: for he had no other children.
When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, his daughter was the first one to come out of the house to meet him. She was joyfully playing a tambourine and dancing. She was his only child; he had no sons and no other daughters.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 11:34
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 11:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֨א
יִפְתָּ֣ח
הַ/מִּצְפָּה֮
אֶל
בֵּית/וֹ֒
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
בִתּ/וֹ֙
יֹצֵ֣את
לִ/קְרָאת֔/וֹ
בְ/תֻפִּ֖ים
וּ/בִ/מְחֹל֑וֹת
וְ/רַק֙
הִ֣יא
יְחִידָ֔ה
אֵֽין
ל֥/וֹ
מִמֶּ֛/נּוּ
בֵּ֖ן
אוֹ
בַֽת
וַ/יָּבֹ֨א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִפְתָּ֣ח
Yiphtâch
H3316
Jephthah
N-proper
הַ/מִּצְפָּה֮
Mitspâh
H4709
Mizpah
Art | N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּית/וֹ֒
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
בִתּ/וֹ֙
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs | Suff
יֹצֵ֣את
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal
לִ/קְרָאת֔/וֹ
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בְ/תֻפִּ֖ים
tôph
H8596
tambourine
Prep | N-mp
וּ/בִ/מְחֹל֑וֹת
mᵉchôlâh
H4246
dance
Conj | Prep | N-fp
וְ/רַק֙
raq
H7535
except
Conj | DirObjM
הִ֣יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יְחִידָ֔ה
yâchîyd
H3173
only
Adj
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
ל֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
מִמֶּ֛/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
בֵּ֖ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אוֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
בַֽת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 11:34
וַ/יָּבֹ֨א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
יִפְתָּ֣ח
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.
הַ/מִּצְפָּה֮
Mitspâh
H4709
"Mizpah"
Art | N-proper
Mitspah means watchtower, referring to a place in Palestine near Mount Hermon. It appears in the Bible as a location. The name is associated with a place of observation.
Definition: § Mizpah = "watchtower" a place near Mount Hermon
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Mitspah. (This seems rather to be only an orthographic variation of H4708 (מִצְפֶּה) when 'in pause'.) See also: Genesis 31:49; 1 Samuel 10:17; Jeremiah 40:10.
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.
בֵּית/וֹ֒
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
בִתּ/וֹ֙
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
יֹצֵ֣את
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
לִ/קְרָאת֔/וֹ
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
בְ/תֻפִּ֖ים
tôph
H8596
"tambourine"
Prep | N-mp
A tambourine is a musical instrument, used in celebrations and worship in the Bible. The word appears in Exodus, where the Israelites use tambourines to praise God, and in other books like Psalm and Isaiah.
Definition: timbrel, tambourine
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: tabret, timbrel. See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 81:3; Psalms 149:3.
וּ/בִ/מְחֹל֑וֹת
mᵉchôlâh
H4246
"dance"
Conj | Prep | N-fp
This word refers to a dance, often a celebratory or joyful one. In the Bible, it describes dancing as an act of worship or celebration. The KJV translates it as company or dances.
Definition: dancing, dance
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: company, dances(-cing). See also: Exodus 15:20; 1 Samuel 18:6; Song of Solomon 7:1.
וְ/רַק֙
raq
H7535
"except"
Conj | DirObjM
This Hebrew word means 'except' or 'only', used to limit or emphasize something, like in Exodus 12:11 where it says to eat the Passover meal in haste, with nothing but your clothes on. It can also mean 'but' or 'nevertheless'.
Definition: 1) only, altogether, surely 1a) only 1b) only, nought but, altogether (in limitation) 1c) save, except (after a negative) 1d) only, altogether, surely (with an affirmative) 1e) if only, provided only (prefixed for emphasis) 1f) only, exclusively (for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise. See also: Genesis 6:5; Joshua 13:14; Psalms 32:6.
הִ֣יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
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.
יְחִידָ֔ה
yâchîyd
H3173
"only"
Adj
The Hebrew word for only or solitary, describing something or someone unique or alone. It can also mean beloved or lonely, and is used to describe the only child or the only begotten son, emphasizing their special status.
Definition: adj 1) only, only one, solitary, one 1a) only, unique, one 1b) solitary 1c)(TWOT) only begotten son subst 2) one
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: darling, desolate, only (child, son), solitary. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 35:17; Psalms 22:21.
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
ל֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
מִמֶּ֛/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
בֵּ֖ן
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.
אוֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
בַֽת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
Study Notes — Judges 11:34
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Context — Jephthah’s Tragic Vow
32So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the LORD delivered them into his hand.
33With a great blow he devastated twenty cities from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith, as far as Abel-keramim. So the Ammonites were subdued before the Israelites.
34And when Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, there was his daughter coming out to meet him with tambourines and dancing! She was his only child; he had no son or daughter besides her.
35As soon as Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “No! Not my daughter! You have brought me to my knees! You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back.” 36“My father,” she replied, “you have given your word to the LORD. Do to me as you have said, for the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 31:4 | Again I will build you, and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out in joyful dancing. |
| 2 | Exodus 15:20 | Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. |
| 3 | Judges 10:17 | Then the Ammonites were called to arms and camped in Gilead, and the Israelites assembled and camped at Mizpah. |
| 4 | Judges 11:11 | So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him their leader and commander. And Jephthah repeated all his terms in the presence of the LORD at Mizpah. |
| 5 | Psalms 68:25 | The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines. |
| 6 | Luke 8:42 | because his only daughter, who was about twelve, was dying. As Jesus went with him, the crowds pressed around Him, |
| 7 | Psalms 150:4 | Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. |
| 8 | Judges 5:1–31 | On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song: “When the princes take the lead in Israel, when the people volunteer, bless the LORD. Listen, O kings! Give ear, O princes! I will sing to the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel. O LORD, when You went out from Seir, when You marched from the land of Edom, the earth trembled, the heavens poured out rain, and the clouds poured down water. The mountains quaked before the LORD, the One of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Israel. In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were deserted and the travelers took the byways. Life in the villages ceased; it ended in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose, a mother in Israel. When they chose new gods, then war came to their gates. Not a shield or spear was found among forty thousand in Israel. My heart is with the princes of Israel, with the volunteers among the people. Bless the LORD! You who ride white donkeys, who sit on saddle blankets, and you who travel the road, ponder the voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates: ‘Awake, awake, O Deborah! Awake, awake, sing a song! Arise, O Barak, and take hold of your captives, O son of Abinoam!’ Then the survivors came down to the nobles; the people of the LORD came down to me against the mighty. Some came from Ephraim, with their roots in Amalek; Benjamin came with your people after you. The commanders came down from Machir, the bearers of the marshal’s staff from Zebulun. The princes of Issachar were with Deborah, and Issachar was with Barak, rushing into the valley at his heels. In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors. Zebulun was a people who risked their lives; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the battlefield. Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they took no plunder of silver. From the heavens the stars fought; from their courses they fought against Sisera. The River Kishon swept them away, the ancient river, the River Kishon. March on, O my soul, in strength! Then the hooves of horses thundered— the mad galloping of his stallions. ‘Curse Meroz,’ says the angel of the LORD. ‘Bitterly curse her inhabitants; for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.’ Most blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women. He asked for water, and she gave him milk. In a magnificent bowl she brought him curds. She reached for the tent peg, her right hand for the workman’s hammer. She struck Sisera and crushed his skull; she shattered and pierced his temple. At her feet he collapsed, he fell, there he lay still; at her feet he collapsed, he fell; where he collapsed, there he fell dead. Sisera’s mother looked through the window; she peered through the lattice and lamented: ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? What has delayed the clatter of his chariots?’ Her wisest ladies answer; indeed she keeps telling herself, ‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoil— a girl or two for each warrior, a plunder of dyed garments for Sisera, the spoil of embroidered garments for the neck of the looter?’ So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But may those who love You shine like the sun at its brightest.” And the land had rest for forty years. |
| 9 | Zechariah 12:10 | Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 31:13 | Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow. |
Judges 11:34 Summary
This verse, Judges 11:34, tells us that Jephthah's daughter was very happy to see her father come home from battle, and she came out to greet him with music and dancing. However, this joyful scene is about to take a dramatic turn, as Jephthah had made a vow to the Lord that would affect his daughter directly, as seen in Judges 11:30-31. We can learn from this story about the importance of considering the consequences of our actions, as seen in Psalm 15:4, and about trusting in the Lord's plan, even when it is difficult or hard to understand, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By looking at Jephthah's situation and his daughter's response, we can see the value of faith and trust in the Lord, and how it can help us navigate difficult situations, as seen in Hebrews 11:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Jephthah's daughter the only one to greet him upon his return?
Jephthah's daughter was his only child, as stated in Judges 11:34, and it was likely a cultural custom for family members to greet a returning warrior, as seen in the way she came out to meet him with tambourines and dancing, similar to the way the women of Israel greeted King David with music and dancing in 1 Samuel 18:6-7.
What can we learn about Jephthah's family life from this verse?
From Judges 11:34, we learn that Jephthah had no other children besides his daughter, which emphasizes the significance of the vow he made to the Lord in Judges 11:30-31, and highlights the potential consequences of his actions as a father and a leader, as seen in Psalm 15:4, where it is written that a righteous person keeps his word even when it is hard.
How does this verse set the stage for the rest of the story in Judges 11:35-40?
Judges 11:34 sets the stage for the dramatic turn of events in the following verses, as Jephthah's daughter is the one who will ultimately be affected by his vow to the Lord, and her response to the situation will reveal her own character and faith, as seen in her words in Judges 11:36, where she says 'My father, you have given your word to the Lord. Do to me as you have said, for the Lord has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites.', which echoes the sentiment in Deuteronomy 23:21-23 about keeping vows made to the Lord.
What does Jephthah's daughter's actions reveal about her character?
Jephthah's daughter's actions in Judges 11:34, where she comes out to meet her father with tambourines and dancing, reveal that she is a joyful and celebratory person, who is excited to see her father return home, and is likely unaware of the vow he has made, but as seen in the next verse, Judges 11:35, she is also a woman of great faith and courage, as she accepts her father's vow and the will of the Lord, as seen in her response in Judges 11:36.
Reflection Questions
- How would you have felt if you were Jephthah's daughter, coming out to greet your father only to find out that he had made a vow that would affect you directly?
- What can we learn from Jephthah's daughter's example about trusting in the Lord's plan, even when it is difficult or hard to understand, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How does this verse challenge or comfort you in your own relationships with family members or loved ones, and what can you learn from Jephthah's situation about the importance of considering the consequences of our actions, as seen in James 1:5-8?
- What role do you think faith and trust in the Lord play in this story, and how can we apply that to our own lives, as seen in Hebrews 11:6?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:34
And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house,.... Where he had uttered his words before the Lord, which had passed between him and the elders of Gilead, and from whence he set out to fight the children
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:34
And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 11:34
With timbrels and with dances; in consort with other virgins, as the manner was. See 1Sa 18.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:34
Judges 11:34 And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she [was his] only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.Ver. 34. He had not of his own, son nor daughter.] Heb., Of himself. No more had God any son of himself, begotten of his own substance, but only Jesus Christ: whom yet he freely parted with, to be offered up as a slain sacrifice for our redemption. Ama amorem illius, saith Bernard.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 11:34
(34) Behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances.—As Miriam went to meet Moses (Exodus 15:20), and the women to meet Saul and David (1 Samuel 18:6-7). His only child.—This is added because the narrator feels the full pathos of the story. (Comp. Genesis 22:2; Jeremiah 6:26; Luke 9:38.) The term used (yechidah) is peculiarly tender. The “beside her” is, literally, beside him; but this is only duo to a Hebrew idiom, which is also found in Zechariah 8:10.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 11:34
Verse 34. With timbrels and with dances] From this instance we find it was an ancient custom for women to go out to meet returning conquerors with musical instruments, songs, and dances; and that it was continued afterwards is evident from the instance given 1 Samuel 18:6, where David was met, on his return from the defeat of Goliath and the Philistines, by women from all the cities of Israel, with singing and dancing, and various instruments of music.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:34
34. his daughter … with timbrels and with dances] For women celebrating a victory cf. Exodus 15:20, 1 Samuel 18:6, Psalms 68:11. The last half of the verse is phrased with much beauty, lost in the translation.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 11:34
His daughter came out to meet him - The precise phrase of his vow Judges 11:31. She was his “only child,” a term of special endearment (see Jeremiah 6:26; Zechariah 12:10).
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 11:34
34. His daughter came… with timbrels and with dances — She had, doubtless, heard from some swift messenger of her father’s victory, and of his approach towards home, and with a band of her young
Sermons on Judges 11:34
| Sermon | Description | |
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Covenant Remembrance by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the significance of being awakened by the Angel of the Lord, emphasizing the need for spiritual motives in worship and the desire for God's presence. Th |
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Spiritual Times and Seasons by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the vanity of all creature enjoyments and the importance of experiencing the killing and healing work of grace in the soul. Through the examples of King So |
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Zion's Foundations, Windows, Gates and Boarders by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the precious promises of God, emphasizing that these promises are exceedingly great and precious to the church of God only in specific circumstances whe |
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A Case of Conscience Resolved by John Bunyan | John Bunyan addresses the contentious issue of whether women in a church should separate from men to conduct their own prayer meetings. He argues against this practice, emphasizing |
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Examples of Circumspect Behaviour by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the holy and separate lifestyles of the prophets and apostles, highlighting their dedication to serving God without the distractions of relationships wit |
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Lionhearted and Lamblike the Christian Husband as Head, Part 2 by John Piper | This sermon focuses on the role of husbands as leaders in their homes, drawing from Ephesians 5 to emphasize the husband's responsibility to provide Christ-like servant leadership, |
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Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman Mark 5:21-43 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the importance of faith in receiving divine healing, as seen in the stories of Jairus' daughter and the woman with internal bleeding. Both individuals dem |