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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/11.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then Jephthah sent messengers to the Ammonite king with the question: &#8220What do you have against me that you have attacked my country?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of Ammon, asking, “Why have you come out to fight against my land?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites and said, “What do you have against me, that you have come to me to fight against my land?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, saying, “What do you have against me that you have come to fight against my land?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What hast thou to do with me, that thou art come against me to fight in my land?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the people of Ammon, saying, “What do you have against me, that you have come to fight against me in my land?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the sons of Ammon, saying, “What <i>conflict</i> do you and I have, that you have come to me to fight against my land?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the sons of Ammon, saying, &#8220What is between you and me, that you have come to me to fight against my land?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the sons of Ammon, saying, “What is between you and me, that you have come to me to fight against my land?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the sons of Ammon, saying, “What is between you and me, that you have come to me to fight against my land?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, saying, “What is [the problem] between you and me, that you have come against me to fight in my land?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, asking, “What do you have against me that you have come to fight me in my land? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, saying, &#8220What do you have against me that you have come to fight against me in my land?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What hast thou to do with me, that thou art come unto me to fight against my land?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />After the ceremony, Jephthah sent messengers to say to the king of Ammon, "Are you trying to start a war? You have invaded my country, and I want to know why!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What hast thou to do with me, that thou art come unto me to fight against my land?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jephthah sent messengers to the king of Ammon. They asked the king, "Why did you invade my land and wage war against me?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of Ammon to say, "What is your quarrel with us? Why have you invaded our country?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Afterwards, Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites to ask him, "What's your dispute between us that prompted you to come and attack my land?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, saying, ?What do you have against me that you have come to fight against my land??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Jephthah sent messengers to the Ammonite king, saying, "Why have you come against me to attack my land?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the people of Ammon, saying, "What have you to do with me, that you are come to me to fight against my land?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What hast thou to do with me, that thou hast come against me to fight in my land?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the children of Ammon, saying, “What do you have to do with me, that you have come to me to fight against my land?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jephthah sends messengers to the king of the sons of Ammon, saying, “What [is this] to me and to you, that you have come to me, to fight in my land?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jephthah sendeth messengers unto the king of the Bene-Ammon, saying, 'What -- to me and to thee, that thou hast come in unto me, to fight in my land.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jephthah will send messengers to the king of the sons of Ammon, saying, What to me and to thee that thou camest to me to war in my land.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he sent messengers to the king of the children of Ammon, to say in his name, What hast thou to do with me, that thou art come against me, to waste my land? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he sent messengers to the king of the sons of Ammon, who said on his behalf, “What is there between you and me, that you would approach against me, so that you might lay waste to my land?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then he sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites to say, “What do you have against me that you come to fight with me in my land?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites and said, “What is there between you and me, that you have come to me to fight against my land?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What have we against each other, that you have come against me to fight in my land?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Naphthakh sent Messengers to the King of the children of Amon, saying to him: “What business do you have with me that you come to fight in my land?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying: 'What hast thou to do with me, that thou art come unto me to fight against my land?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jephthae sent messengers to the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What have I to do with thee, that thou hast come against me to fight in my land?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/11-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=3450" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/11.htm">Jephthah Delivers Israel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>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. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3316.htm" title="3316: yip̄·tāḥ (N-proper-ms) -- From pathach; he will open; Jiphtach, an Israelite; also a place in Palestine.">Then Jephthah</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: mal·’ā·ḵîm (N-mp) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">messengers</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">of the Ammonites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5983.htm" title="5983: ‘am·mō·wn (N-proper-ms) -- A people living E. of the Jordan. From am; tribal, i.e. Inbred; Ammon, a son of Lot; also his posterity and their country."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">do you have against me</a> <a href="/hebrew/wā·lāḵ (Conj-w:: Prep:: 2fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: ḇā·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">you have come</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: lə·hil·lā·ḥêm (Prep-l:: V-Nifal-Inf) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">to fight</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. ">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: bə·’ar·ṣî (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">my land?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>The king of the Ammonites answered Jephthah’s messengers, “When Israel came up out of Egypt, they seized my land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok and all the way to the Jordan. Now, therefore, restore it peaceably.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/20-14.htm">Numbers 20:14-21</a></span><br />From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us, / how our fathers went down to Egypt, where we lived many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers, / and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/2-26.htm">Deuteronomy 2:26-30</a></span><br />So from the Wilderness of Kedemoth I sent messengers with an offer of peace to Sihon king of Heshbon, saying, / “Let us pass through your land; we will stay on the main road. We will not turn to the right or to the left. / You can sell us food to eat and water to drink in exchange for silver. Only let us pass through on foot, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/21-43.htm">Joshua 21:43-45</a></span><br />Thus the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled in it. / And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. / Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/14-8.htm">2 Kings 14:8-14</a></span><br />Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. / But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. / You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/11-1.htm">1 Samuel 11:1-11</a></span><br />Then Nahash the Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. All the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.” / But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you on one condition, that I may put out everyone’s right eye and bring reproach upon all Israel.” / “Hold off for seven days,” replied the elders of Jabesh, “and let us send messengers throughout Israel. If there is no one to save us, we will surrender to you.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/20-2.htm">1 Kings 20:2-12</a></span><br />Then he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel, / saying, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘Your silver and gold are mine, and your best wives and children are mine!’” / And the king of Israel replied, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/36-4.htm">Isaiah 36:4-20</a></span><br />The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? / You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? / Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/25-17.htm">2 Chronicles 25:17-24</a></span><br />Then Amaziah king of Judah took counsel and sent word to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. / But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. / You have said, ‘Look, I have defeated Edom,’ and your heart has become proud and boastful. Now stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/27-3.htm">Jeremiah 27:3-11</a></span><br />Send word to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon through the envoys who have come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah. / Give them a message from the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, to relay to their masters: / By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/25-12.htm">Ezekiel 25:12-14</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah, and in so doing incurred grievous guilt, / therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off from it both man and beast. I will make it a wasteland, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. / I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a></span><br />Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a></span><br />Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17-18</a></span><br />But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. / Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-11.htm">1 Peter 3:11</a></span><br />He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What have you to do with me, that you are come against me to fight in my land?</p><p class="hdg">sent messengers.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/20-14.htm">Numbers 20:14</a></b></br> And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/21-21.htm">Numbers 21:21</a></b></br> And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/2-26.htm">Deuteronomy 2:26</a></b></br> And I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth unto Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying,</p><p class="hdg">what hast</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/14-8.htm">2 Kings 14:8-12</a></b></br> Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/11-9.htm">Ammon</a> <a href="/joshua/13-25.htm">Ammonite</a> <a href="/judges/11-9.htm">Ammonites</a> <a href="/judges/8-11.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/judges/11-6.htm">Bene-Ammon</a> <a href="/judges/11-9.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/10-1.htm">Country</a> <a href="/judges/11-11.htm">Jephthah</a> <a href="/judges/9-31.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-18.htm">Question</a> <a href="/judges/9-33.htm">Thou</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/11-13.htm">Ammon</a> <a href="/judges/11-14.htm">Ammonite</a> <a href="/judges/11-14.htm">Ammonites</a> <a href="/judges/15-8.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/judges/11-14.htm">Bene-Ammon</a> <a href="/judges/11-13.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/11-19.htm">Country</a> <a href="/judges/11-13.htm">Jephthah</a> <a href="/judges/11-13.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Question</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-17.htm">Thou</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/11-1.htm">The covenant between Jephthah and the Gileadites, that he should lead</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/11-12.htm">The treaty of peace between him and the Ammonites is in vain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/11-29.htm">Jephthah's vow</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/11-32.htm">His conquest of the Ammonites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/11-34.htm">He performs his vow on his daughter.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites</b><br>Jephthah, a judge of Israel, was known for his leadership and military prowess. His sending of messengers reflects a diplomatic approach, seeking to resolve conflict through dialogue before resorting to war. This action aligns with the biblical principle of seeking peace (<a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a>). The Ammonites were descendants of Lot (<a href="/genesis/19-38.htm">Genesis 19:38</a>), and their land was east of the Jordan River, often in conflict with Israel over territorial disputes.<p><b>saying, “What do you have against me</b><br>Jephthah's question indicates a desire to understand the root cause of the Ammonite aggression. This reflects a biblical theme of seeking understanding and wisdom in conflict (<a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a>). The personal nature of "against me" suggests Jephthah's role as a representative of Israel, highlighting the personal responsibility of leaders in biblical narratives.<p><b>that you have come to fight against my land?”</b><br>The phrase "my land" emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God, Israel, and the Promised Land (<a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">Genesis 15:18-21</a>). The land was a divine inheritance, and any threat against it was seen as a challenge to God's promises. This conflict can be viewed as part of the larger narrative of Israel's struggle to maintain its God-given territory amidst surrounding nations. The Ammonite aggression can be seen as a fulfillment of the ongoing enmity between Israel and its neighbors, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jephthah.htm">Jephthah</a></b><br>A judge of Israel, known for his leadership and vow. He was the son of Gilead and a valiant warrior, initially rejected by his family but later called to lead Israel against the Ammonites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_of_the_ammonites.htm">King of the Ammonites</a></b><br>The ruler of the Ammonite people, who were descendants of Lot. The Ammonites were in conflict with Israel over territorial disputes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ammonites.htm">Ammonites</a></b><br>A people group living east of the Jordan River, often in conflict with Israel. Their land disputes with Israel are central to this account.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/gilead.htm">Gilead</a></b><br>The region where Jephthah was from, located east of the Jordan River. It was a significant area for the tribes of Israel, particularly during the time of the judges.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/messengers.htm">Messengers</a></b><br>Representatives sent by Jephthah to communicate with the king of the Ammonites, indicating a diplomatic approach before engaging in battle.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/diplomacy_before_conflict.htm">Diplomacy Before Conflict</a></b><br>Jephthah's approach to send messengers highlights the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions before resorting to conflict. Christians are encouraged to pursue peace and understanding in their interactions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_historical_context.htm">Understanding Historical Context</a></b><br>Knowing the historical and cultural background of biblical events can deepen our understanding of the text. The conflict between Israel and the Ammonites is rooted in historical territorial disputes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership</a></b><br>Jephthah's rise to leadership, despite his initial rejection, demonstrates God's sovereignty in choosing and using individuals for His purposes. Believers can trust that God can use their circumstances for His glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_communication.htm">The Importance of Communication</a></b><br>Effective communication can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. Jephthah's sending of messengers is a reminder of the power of words and dialogue in resolving disputes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_promises.htm">Trusting God's Promises</a></b><br>The territorial disputes remind us of God's promises to Israel regarding the land. Believers can trust in God's promises and His faithfulness to fulfill them.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_jephthah_in_biblical_history.htm">Who is Jephthah in biblical history?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_there_extrabiblical_sources_for_judges_11.htm">Judges 11:4-9: Are there credible extrabiblical sources confirming the conflict with the Ammonites, or does this narrative contradict known history?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/judges_12_1-7__unity_or_conflict.htm">Judges 12:1-7 - How does the narrative align with or contradict earlier portrayals of tribal unity and cooperation in Judges?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_allow_jephthah's_vow.htm">Judges 11:30-31: How can a just God permit Jephthah's vow, which appears to condone human sacrifice?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">What hast thou to do with me?</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">What to me and to thee? </span>(<a href="/joshua/22-24.htm" title="And if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak to our children, saying, What have you to do with the LORD God of Israel?">Joshua 22:24</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/16-10.htm" title="And the king said, What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Why have you done so?">2Samuel 16:10</a>, &c.). Jephthah speaks in the name of Israel, as an acknowledged prince. His message resembles the preliminary negotiations of the Roman generals when they sent the Fetiales to proclaim the justice of their cause (<span class= "ital">Liv. </span>i. 24).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Jephthah sent</span>, etc. His first attempt was to make an honourable peace by showing that there was no just cause of quarrel. <span class="cmt_word">What hast thou to do with me?</span> or, rather, <span class="accented">What business</span>, what cause of quarrel, <span class="accented">is</span> <span class="accented">there between you and me?</span> (he speaks in the name of Israel, as head of the State) what is it all about? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/11-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then Jephthah</span><br /><span class="heb">יִפְתָּח֙</span> <span class="translit">(yip̄·tāḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3316.htm">Strong's 3316: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jephthah -- 'He opens', a Gileadite, also a city of Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sent</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">messengers</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְאָכִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(mal·’ā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> </span><span class="str2">A messenger, of God, an angel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֥לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Ammonites,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saying,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵאמֹ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(lê·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“What</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do you have against me</span><br /><span class="heb">לִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you have come</span><br /><span class="heb">בָ֥אתָ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to fight</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהִלָּחֵ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hil·lā·ḥêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> </span><span class="str2">To feed on, to consume, to battle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלַ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my land?”</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאַרְצִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’ar·ṣî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/11-12.htm">Judges 11:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/11-12.htm">Judges 11:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/11-12.htm">Judges 11:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/11-12.htm">Judges 11:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/11-12.htm">Judges 11:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/11-12.htm">Judges 11:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/11-12.htm">Judges 11:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/11-12.htm">Judges 11:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/11-12.htm">Judges 11:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/11-12.htm">Judges 11:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/11-12.htm">OT History: Judges 11:12 Jephthah sent messengers to the king (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/11-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 11:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 11:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/11-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 11:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 11:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>