Judges 11:8

Judges 11:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

They answered Jephthah, “This is why we now turn to you, that you may go with us, fight the Ammonites, and become leader over all of us who live in Gilead.”

King James Version KJV

And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.

American Standard Version ASV

And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore are we turned again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight with the children of Ammon; and thou shalt be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the responsible men of Gilead said to Jephthah, That is the reason we have come back to you; so go with us and make war against the children of Ammon, and we will make you our head over all the people of Gilead.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Yes, that's why we've turned to you now,” the elders of Gilead replied. “Come with us and fight the Ammonites, and you will be the leader of all the people of Gilead.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then the Elders of Gilead saide vnto Iphtah, Therefore we turne againe to thee now, that thou mayest goe with vs, and fight against the children of Ammon, and bee our head ouer all the inhabitants of Gilead.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the elders of Gilead say unto Jephthah, 'Therefore, now, we have turned back unto thee; and thou hast gone with us, and fought against the Bene-Ammon, and thou hast been to us for head — to all the inhabitants of Gilead.'

World English Bible WEB

The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “Therefore we have turned again to you now, that you may go with us and fight with the children of Ammon. You will be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the princes of Galaad said to Jephte: For this cause we are now come to thee, that thou mayst go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be head over all the inhabitants of Galaad.

Translation for Translators T4T

The leaders from Gilead replied, “Yes, we are having trouble, and that is the reason that we have come to you now. If you come with us and help us to fight against the Ammon people-group, after we defeat them, we will appoint you to be the leader of all us people in the Gilead region.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 11:8

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 11:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּאמְרוּ֩ זִקְנֵ֨י גִלְעָ֜ד אֶל יִפְתָּ֗ח לָ/כֵן֙ עַתָּה֙ שַׁ֣בְנוּ אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ וְ/הָלַכְתָּ֣ עִמָּ֔/נוּ וְ/נִלְחַמְתָּ֖ בִּ/בְנֵ֣י עַמּ֑וֹן וְ/הָיִ֤יתָ לָּ֨/נוּ֙ לְ/רֹ֔אשׁ לְ/כֹ֖ל יֹשְׁבֵ֥י גִלְעָֽד

וַ/יֹּאמְרוּ֩ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

זִקְנֵ֨י zâqên H2205 old Adj

גִלְעָ֜ד Gilʻâd H1568 Gilead N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יִפְתָּ֗ח Yiphtâch H3316 Jephthah N-proper

לָ/כֵן֙ kên H3651 right Prep | Adv

עַתָּה֙ ʻattâh H6258 now Adv

שַׁ֣בְנוּ shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Perf-1cp

אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

וְ/הָלַכְתָּ֣ hâlak H1980 to go Conj | V-Qal-2ms

עִמָּ֔/נוּ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

וְ/נִלְחַמְתָּ֖ lâcham H3898 to fight Conj | V-Niphal-2ms

בִּ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

עַמּ֑וֹן ʻAmmôwn H5983 Ammon N-proper

וְ/הָיִ֤יתָ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-2ms

לָּ֨/נוּ֙ Prep | Suff

לְ/רֹ֔אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-ms

לְ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

יֹשְׁבֵ֥י yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal

גִלְעָֽד Gilʻâd H1568 Gilead N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 11:8

וַ/יֹּאמְרוּ֩ 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.

זִקְנֵ֨י 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.

גִלְעָ֜ד 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.

יִפְתָּ֗ח 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.

לָ/כֵן֙ kên H3651 "right" Prep | Adv

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.

עַתָּה֙ ʻattâh H6258 "now" Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

שַׁ֣בְנוּ shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Perf-1cp

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

וְ/הָלַכְתָּ֣ hâlak H1980 "to go" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

עִמָּ֔/נוּ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

וְ/נִלְחַמְתָּ֖ lâcham H3898 "to fight" Conj | V-Niphal-2ms

In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.

Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.

בִּ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp

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.

עַמּ֑וֹן ʻAmmôwn H5983 "Ammon" N-proper

Ammon refers to a son of Lot and his descendants, who lived in Transjordan. The Ammonites are mentioned in the Bible as a distinct people. They appear in the book of Genesis and are also referenced in the history of the Israelites.

Definition: § Ammon = "tribal" a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi

Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: Ammon, Ammonites. See also: Genesis 19:38; 2 Samuel 11:1; Psalms 83:8.

וְ/הָיִ֤יתָ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

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.

לָּ֨/נוּ֙ "" Prep | Suff

לְ/רֹ֔אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

לְ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

יֹשְׁבֵ֥י yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

גִלְעָֽד 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'.

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.

Study Notes — Judges 11:8

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Context
Cross References
Judges 11:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:8
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 11:8
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 11:8
Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:8
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Sermons on Judges 11:8

Context — Jephthah Delivers Israel

6“Come,” they said, “be our commander, so that we can fight against the Ammonites.” 7Jephthah replied to the elders of Gilead, “Did you not hate me and expel me from my father’s house? Why then have you come to me now, when you are in distress?”

8They answered Jephthah, “This is why we now turn to you, that you may go with us, fight the Ammonites, and become leader over all of us who live in Gilead.”

9But Jephthah asked them, “If you take me back to fight the Ammonites and the LORD gives them to me, will I really be your leader?” 10And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “The LORD is our witness if we do not do as you say.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 10:18	And the rulers of Gilead said to one another, “Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites will be the head of all who live in Gilead.”
2	1 Kings 13:6	Then the king responded to the man of God, “Intercede with the LORD your God and pray that my hand may be restored.” So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored to him as it was before.
3	Exodus 10:17	Now please forgive my sin once more and appeal to the LORD your God, that He may remove this death from me.”
4	Exodus 9:28	Pray to the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go; you do not need to stay any longer.”
5	Exodus 8:8	Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the LORD to take the frogs away from me and my people. Then I will let your people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD.”
6	Exodus 8:28	Pharaoh answered, “I will let you go and sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness, but you must not go very far. Now pray for me.”
7	Luke 17:3–4	Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Judges 11:8 Summary

In this verse, the elders of Gilead ask Jephthah to lead them in battle against the Ammonites and offer him leadership over all of Gilead. This shows that even though Jephthah was once rejected by his family and community, he is now being recognized for his strengths and abilities, much like David in 1 Samuel 16:13. The elders' willingness to ask for Jephthah's help demonstrates the importance of humility and forgiveness, as taught in Matthew 5:23-24. By studying this verse, we can learn the value of putting aside our differences and working together to achieve a common goal, just like the Israelites did in Exodus 17:8-16.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the elders of Gilead ask Jephthah to lead them in battle?

The elders asked Jephthah to lead them because they were in distress and needed a capable leader to fight against the Ammonites, as seen in Judges 11:8, and Jephthah had proven himself to be a mighty warrior, as mentioned in Judges 11:1-3.

What motivated the elders to offer Jephthah leadership over all of Gilead?

The elders offered Jephthah leadership because they desperately needed his help to defeat the Ammonites, and they were willing to put aside their past differences with him, as stated in Judges 11:7-8, in order to achieve their goal, much like the Israelites in Exodus 17:8-16 who needed Moses to lead them to victory.

How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of humble leadership, as seen in Jephthah's initial hesitation to accept the role, and the need for leaders to be chosen by God, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:13, where David was anointed by God to be the king of Israel.

What can we learn from the elders' willingness to acknowledge their past mistakes and ask for Jephthah's help?

We can learn the value of humility and forgiveness, as demonstrated by the elders' willingness to swallow their pride and ask for Jephthah's help, and as taught in Matthew 5:23-24, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of reconciling with others before coming to God.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to humble myself and ask for help, just like the elders of Gilead did?
How can I balance my desire for leadership and recognition with the need to serve others, as seen in Jephthah's response to the elders?
What are some ways I can demonstrate forgiveness and reconciliation in my relationships, just like the elders did with Jephthah?
How can I trust God to provide me with the leaders and guidance I need, just like the Israelites did in Exodus 17:8-16?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:8

And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah,.... In reply to his objection: therefore we turn again unto thee now; being sensible of the injury they had done him, and repenting of it, of which their

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:8

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 11:8

Therefore we turn again to thee now; being sensible that we have done thee injury, we come now to make time full reparations.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:8

Judges 11:8 And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.Ver. 8. Therefore we turn again to thee now.] We see our former oversight, and are ready to make thee amends.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 11:8

Verse 8. Therefore we turn again to thee now] We are convinced that we have dealt unjustly by thee, and we wish now to repair our fault, and give thee this sincere proof of our regret for having acted unjustly, and of our confidence in thee.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:8

8. Therefore are we turned again] i.e. this being so, since we have driven thee out. Instead of answering the objection directly, the elders state the reason for the reply they give. For this idiom in conversation cf. Judges 8:7, Genesis 4:15; Genesis 30:15, 1 Kings 22:19. head … Gilead] Similarly Judges 10:18.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 11:8

8. Therefore — Inasmuch as we did thee wrong, we turn again to thee now to repair, as far as possible, that wrong by electing thee our head, that is, our captain and chief.

Sermons on Judges 11:8

	Sermon	Description
	The Day of Golden Opportunity by R.A. Torrey	R.A. Torrey emphasizes the urgency of accepting Jesus Christ today, as the Holy Spirit continually calls us to act in the present rather than procrastinate. He illustrates the foll
	Forgiving and Being Forgiven by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a troubled church and a man who caused trouble within it. The speaker emphasizes the importance of forgiveness as a God-
	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
	Luke - Part 3 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a passion for lost souls and a desire to see them transformed. He shares the commission given to him by the Lord to
	Forgiveness by David Guzik	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the unforgiving servant from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of being generous with forgiveness, as God has forgiven
	Learning How to Make Progress in Christian Life by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life that honors God and reflects the character of Jesus Christ. It highlights the need for humility, purity, and compassion towar
	All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 59 by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 18, emphasizing the importance of seeking and saving little children, the need for Sunday school teachings to protect and