Judges 12:7
Judges 12:7 in Multiple Translations
Jephthah judged Israel six years, and when he died, he was buried in one of the cities of Gilead.
And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead.
And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead.
Now Jephthah was judge of Israel for six years. And Jephthah the Gileadite came to his death, and his body was put to rest in his town, Mizpeh of Gilead.
Jephthah led Israel as judge for six years. Then he died and was buried in one of Gilead's towns.
And Iphtah iudged Israel sixe yeere: then dyed Iphtah the Gileadite, and was buryed in one of the cities of Gilead.
And Jephthah judged Israel six years, and Jephthah the Gileadite dieth, and is buried in [one of] the cities of Gilead.
Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died, and was buried in the cities of Gilead.
And Jephthah judged Israel six years: then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead.
And Jephte the Galaadite judged Israel six years: and he died, and was buried in his city of Galaad.
Jephthah, the man from the Gilead region, was a leader of the Israeli people for six years. Then he died and was buried in a town in the Gilead region.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 12:7
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 12:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁפֹּ֥ט
יִפְתָּ֛ח
אֶת
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
שֵׁ֣שׁ
שָׁנִ֑ים
וַ/יָּ֗מָת
יִפְתָּח֙
הַ/גִּלְעָדִ֔י
וַ/יִּקָּבֵ֖ר
בְּ/עָרֵ֥י
גִלְעָֽד
וַ/יִּשְׁפֹּ֥ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִפְתָּ֛ח
Yiphtâch
H3316
Jephthah
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
שֵׁ֣שׁ
shêsh
H8337
six
Adj
שָׁנִ֑ים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
וַ/יָּ֗מָת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִפְתָּח֙
Yiphtâch
H3316
Jephthah
N-proper
הַ/גִּלְעָדִ֔י
Gilʻâdîy
H1569
Gileadite
Art | Ngmsa
וַ/יִּקָּבֵ֖ר
qâbar
H6912
to bury
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/עָרֵ֥י
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fp
גִלְעָֽד
Gilʻâd
H1568
Gilead
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 12:7
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.
יִפְתָּ֛ח
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.
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.
שֵׁ֣שׁ
shêsh
H8337
"six"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
שָׁנִ֑ים
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.
וַ/יָּ֗מָת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יִפְתָּח֙
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/גִּלְעָדִ֔י
Gilʻâdîy
H1569
"Gileadite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Gileadite is someone from Gilead, a descendant of the region or the tribe of Manasseh. They are inhabitants of the 'rocky region' of Gilead.
Definition: Someone from Gilead Group of gil.ad (גִּלְעָד "Gilead" H1568) § Gileadite = "rocky region" 1) an inhabitant of Gilead - 2) a branch of the tribe of Manasseh, descended of Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Gileadite. See also: Numbers 26:29; 2 Samuel 17:27; Nehemiah 7:63.
וַ/יִּקָּבֵ֖ר
qâbar
H6912
"to bury"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To bury means to inter or lay someone to rest, often in a grave or tomb. This word is used throughout the Bible to describe the act of burying the dead, and is translated as bury in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to bury 1a) (Qal) to bury 1b) (Niphal) to be buried 1c) (Piel) to bury, bury (in masses) 1d) (Pual) to be buried
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, bury(-ier). See also: Genesis 15:15; 1 Kings 14:31; Psalms 79:3.
בְּ/עָרֵ֥י
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
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'.
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.
Study Notes — Judges 12:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Judges 12:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 12:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 12:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 12:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 12:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 12:7
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 12:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 12:7
Context — Jephthah Defeats Ephraim
5The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a fugitive from Ephraim would say, “Let me cross over,” the Gileadites would ask him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he answered, “No,”
6they told him, “Please say Shibboleth.” If he said, “Sibboleth,” because he could not pronounce it correctly, they seized him and killed him at the fords of the Jordan. So at that time 42,000 Ephraimites were killed.
7Jephthah judged Israel six years, and when he died, he was buried in one of the cities of Gilead.
8After Jephthah, Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. 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.Judges 12:7 Summary
[Judges 12:7 tells us that Jephthah judged Israel for six years and then died, reminding us that our time on earth is short. As Psalm 90:12 says, we should number our days to gain a heart of wisdom. Jephthah's story teaches us about the importance of trusting in God and being faithful leaders, just like Jesus teaches us to be faithful servants in Matthew 25:23. By studying Jephthah's life, we can learn valuable lessons about faith, leadership, and community.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we learn from Jephthah's leadership in Judges 12:7?
We can learn that Jephthah was a faithful leader who judged Israel for six years, and his legacy is a reminder that our time on earth is short, as seen in Psalm 90:12, which says to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Why was Jephthah buried in one of the cities of Gilead?
Jephthah was buried in one of the cities of Gilead because that was his hometown and the place where he was from, much like how Abraham was buried in the cave of Machpelah in Genesis 25:9-11.
What does Jephthah's death signify in the context of the book of Judges?
Jephthah's death signifies the end of his leadership and the beginning of a new era in Israel, as seen in the transition to Ibzan's leadership in Judges 12:8-10, highlighting the theme of Judges that Israel needed a king to lead them, as expressed in 1 Samuel 8:5-6.
How does Jephthah's story relate to the rest of the Bible?
Jephthah's story is part of the larger narrative of God's relationship with His people, Israel, and serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting in Him, as seen in Hebrews 11:32-34, where Jephthah is listed as one of the heroes of faith.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from Jephthah's example of leadership and faithfulness in my own life?
- How can I apply the principle of numbering my days, as seen in Psalm 90:12, to my own life and priorities?
- What does Jephthah's burial in one of the cities of Gilead reveal about the importance of family and community in our lives?
- How can I trust in God's faithfulness, like Jephthah did, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 12:7
And Jephthah judged Israel six years,.... After the affair of the Ephraimites, he was acknowledged by all Israel as their judge and supreme governor, but did not live long; being perhaps depressed
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 12:7
And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead. Jephthah ... died.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 12:7
In one of the cities, Heb. in the cities; the plural number put for the singular, as , where Lot is said to dwell in the cities, i.e. one of the cities; and , the twain is put for one of the twain; and , houses for house; and , the sides for one of the sides.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 12:7
Judges 12:7 And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in [one of] the cities of Gilead.Ver. 7. And was buried in one of the cities of Gilead.] Heb., In the cities; whereupon some have founded a conceit that Jephthah was so esteemed for his valour, that they cut his body in pieces when he was dead, and carried a part to each of their cities, and there buried it. Peter Martyr by "cities" understandeth some one city so called, as Accius called Athens Quatrurbem.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 12:7
(7) Judged Israel.—The word implies that he was one of the recognised Shophetim, but there are no details to show in the case of any of the judges either what were the limits of their jurisdiction or what amount of authority it implied. In one of the cities of Gilead.—The Hebrew only says, “in cities of Gilead.” This may, no doubt. mean “one of the cities of Gilead,” as in Genesis 19:29 “the cities in the which Lot dwelt” means “in one of which Lot dwelt.” But the burial-place of so renowned a hero as Jephthah was not likely to be forgotten, and the reading adopted by the LXX. and Vulg., “in his city, Gilead” (i.e., Ramoth-Gilead or Mizpeh of Gilead), is furnished by a mere change of into The Sebee, in which Josephus says he was buried, may be a corruption of Mizpeh.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 12:7
7. The story of Jephthah is brought to a close with the formula which is used of the Minor Judges, Judges 12:8-15, Judges 10:2-5. was buried in one of the cities of Gilead] The text has in the cities of G.! Can this mean that Jephthah was buried somewhere or other in Gilead? The vagueness of the expression is supposed to be an indication of the vaguely historical character of the whole story (Meyer, Die Israeliten, p. 535). Probably, however, the text is incorrect. The LXX. cod. B reads ‘in his city in G.’, cod. A ‘in his city G.’; Vulgate in civitate sua Galaad. Some cursive mss. of LXX read ‘in his city in Sephe Gilead,’ cf. Jos., Ant.
Judges 12:7; Judges 12:12 ‘in Sebee of G.’; this suggests that the text originally ran in his city, in Mizpeh of G., cf. Judges 8:27, Judges 11:29. The rabbis are driven to explain ‘limb after limb fell off his body and was buried each in a different place,’ Midrash Rabba Levit. § 37, Bereshith § 60.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 12:7
’S DEATH, Judges 12:7. 7. Judged Israel six years — His dominion, probably, never extended to the west of the Jordan.