Judges 12:11
Judges 12:11 in Multiple Translations
After Ibzan, Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel ten years.
¶ And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years.
And after him Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years.
And after him, Elon the Zebulonite was judge of Israel; and he was judge of Israel for ten years.
After him, Elon the Zebulunite led Israel as judge for ten years.
And after him iudged Israel Elon, a Zebulonite, and he iudged Israel tenne yeere.
And after him Elon the Zebulunite judgeth Israel, and he judgeth Israel ten years,
After him, Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years.
And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel, and he judged Israel ten years.
To him succeeded Ahialon a Zabulonite: and he judged Israel ten years:
After Ibzan died, a man named Elon, from the tribe of Zebulun, became the leader of the Israeli people. He was their leader for ten years.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 12:11
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 12:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁפֹּ֤ט
אַֽחֲרָי/ו֙
אֶת
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
אֵיל֖וֹן
הַ/זְּבֽוּלֹנִ֑י
וַ/יִּשְׁפֹּ֥ט
אֶת
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
עֶ֥שֶׂר
שָׁנִֽים
וַ/יִּשְׁפֹּ֤ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַֽחֲרָי/ו֙
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֵיל֖וֹן
ʼÊylôwn
H356
Elon
N-proper
הַ/זְּבֽוּלֹנִ֑י
Zᵉbûwlônîy
H2075
Zebulunite
Art | Ngmsa
וַ/יִּשְׁפֹּ֥ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
עֶ֥שֶׂר
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Adj
שָׁנִֽים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 12:11
וַ/יִּשְׁפֹּ֤ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
אַֽחֲרָי/ו֙
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֵיל֖וֹן
ʼÊylôwn
H356
"Elon"
N-proper
Elon was a judge in the Bible, mentioned in Judges 12:11-12, and his name means mighty or strong, reflecting his role as a leader in Israel.
Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.12.11 § Elon = "terebinth, mighty" 1) Hittite, father-in-law of Esau 2) second son of Zebulun 3) Zebulonite judge of Israel 4) town in Dan
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Elon. See also: Genesis 26:34; Numbers 26:26; Judges 12:12.
הַ/זְּבֽוּלֹנִ֑י
Zᵉbûwlônîy
H2075
"Zebulunite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Zebulunite is a descendant of Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The term refers to someone from this tribe, which was founded by Zebulun, a son of Jacob.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Zebulun living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.20; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Sered (H5624), Elon (H0356H) and Jahleel (H3177) Group of ze.vu.lun (זְבוּלֻן "Zebulun" H2074) § Zebulonite , of Zebulun a descendant of Zebulun and member of the tribe of Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Zebulonite. See also: Numbers 26:27; Judges 12:11; Judges 12:12.
וַ/יִּשְׁפֹּ֥ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
עֶ֥שֶׂר
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
שָׁנִֽים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
Study Notes — Judges 12:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Judges 12:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 12:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 12:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 12:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 12:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 12:11
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 12:11
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 12:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 12:11
Context — Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon
9He had thirty sons, as well as thirty daughters whom he gave in marriage to men outside his clan; and for his sons he brought back thirty wives from elsewhere. Ibzan judged Israel seven years.
10Then Ibzan died, and he was buried in Bethlehem.
11After Ibzan, Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel ten years.
12Then Elon the Zebulunite died, and he was buried in Aijalon in the land of Zebulun. 13After Elon, Abdon son of Hillel, from Pirathon, judged Israel.Judges 12:11 Summary
Judges 12:11 tells us that after Ibzan died, Elon the Zebulunite became the next judge of Israel, leading the nation for ten years. This means that Elon was a leader chosen by God to guide His people, similar to the role of Moses in Exodus 3:1-4:17. Just like other judges, Elon's role was to help the people of Israel follow God and live according to His will, as outlined in passages like Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and Matthew 22:37-40. By looking at Elon's story, we can learn more about what it means to be a leader and to trust in God's plan, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Elon the Zebulunite and what role did he play in Israel's history?
Elon the Zebulunite was a judge of Israel, as mentioned in Judges 12:11, and he played a significant role in leading the nation for ten years, following in the footsteps of Ibzan, as seen in Judges 12:9-10. His leadership is also noted in comparison to other judges like Abdon, who is mentioned in Judges 12:13.
What can we learn from the fact that Elon judged Israel for ten years?
The fact that Elon judged Israel for ten years, as stated in Judges 12:11, suggests that he provided a period of stability and leadership for the nation, similar to the roles of other judges like Othniel, who is mentioned in Judges 3:7-11, and Ehud, who is mentioned in Judges 3:12-30.
How does Elon's leadership compare to that of other judges in the book of Judges?
Elon's leadership, as noted in Judges 12:11, is part of a larger pattern of judges rising up to lead Israel, as seen in the book of Judges, including figures like Deborah, who is mentioned in Judges 4:4-5:31, and Samson, who is mentioned in Judges 13-16.
What does the Bible say about Elon's character and faith?
While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Elon's character and faith, his role as a judge, as mentioned in Judges 12:11, suggests that he was a man of God, called to lead the nation, similar to the description of Moses as a leader in Exodus 3:1-4:17 and the qualities of a godly leader outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be a leader in God's eyes, and how can I apply this to my own life, considering the examples of leaders like Elon and others in the Bible?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when human leaders come and go, as seen in the succession of judges in the book of Judges?
- What can I learn from the fact that Elon's leadership was part of a larger story of God's work in Israel's history, as recorded in the book of Judges and other parts of the Bible?
- How does Elon's story, as mentioned in Judges 12:11, relate to the broader narrative of salvation and God's plan for humanity, as outlined in passages like Genesis 3:15 and Revelation 21:1-4?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 12:11
And after him Elon a Zebulonite judged Israel,.... One of the tribe of Zebulun: and he judged Israel ten years; administered justice to them, preserved them in the true religion, and from idolatry;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 12:11
And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years. After him Elon, a Zebulonite , [ ha-Zªbuwloniy (H2075), the Zebulonite; Septuagint, Ailoom ho Zabouloonitees]. Josephus calls him Helon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 12:11
This is added to distinguish it from other Aijalons, of which see 8:13.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 12:11
Judges 12:11 And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years.Ver. 11. Judged Israel ten years.] Maintaining the purity of God’ s true worship, and administering justice to the people. Not to "do good among a man’ s people," is to "die in his iniquity."
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 12:11
(11) Elon.—The name means “a terebinth.” Orientals to this day are often named from trees. (One of the author’s muleteers in Palestine was named Ab Zeitûn, “father of olives.”)
Cambridge Bible on Judges 12:11
8–15. The three last Minor Judges See introduction to ch. 10
Barnes' Notes on Judges 12:11
A Zebulonite - The tribe of Zebulon had shown its bravery, patriotism, and prowess in the time of Barak Judges 4:10; Judges 5:18.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 12:11
11. Elon… judged Israel ten years — But we have no record of his particular acts. See note on Judges 10:1.