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If he answered, "No,"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/12-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/07_Jdg_12_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 12:5 - Jephthah Defeats Ephraim" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The 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? 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If the man said, “No, I’m not,” <a href="/esv/judges/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,” <a href="/bsb/judges/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The 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,” <a href="/kjv/judges/12.htm">King James Bible</a> And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay; <a href="/nkjv/judges/12.htm">New King James Version</a> The Gileadites seized the fords of the Jordan before the Ephraimites arrived. And when any Ephraimite who escaped said, “Let me cross over,” the men of Gilead would say to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he said, “No,” <a href="/nasb_/judges/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And the Gileadites took control of the crossing places of the Jordan opposite Ephraim. And it happened whenever any of the survivors of Ephraim said, “Let me cross over,” that the men of Gilead would say to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he said, “No,” <a href="/nasb/judges/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan opposite Ephraim. And it happened when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, &#8220Let me cross over,&#8221 the men of Gilead would say to him, &#8220Are you an Ephraimite?&#8221 If he said, &#8220No,&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan opposite Ephraim. And it happened when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me cross over,” the men of Gilead would say to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he said, “No,” <a href="/lsb/judges/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan opposite Ephraim. And it happened when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me cross over,” the men of Gilead would say to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he said, “No,” <a href="/amp/judges/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And the Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan opposite the Ephraimites; and when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me cross over,” the men of Gilead would say to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he said, “No,” <a href="/csb/judges/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim. Whenever a fugitive from Ephraim said, “Let me cross over,” the Gileadites asked him, “Are you an Ephraimite? ” If he answered, “No,” <a href="/hcsb/judges/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim. Whenever a fugitive from Ephraim said, &#8220Let me cross over,&#8221 the Gileadites asked him, &#8220Are you an Ephraimite?&#8221 If he answered, &#8220No,&#8221 <a href="/asv/judges/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And it was so, that, when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, Let me go over, the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay; <a href="/cev/judges/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The army of Gilead also posted guards at all the places where the soldiers from Ephraim could cross the Jordan River to return to their own land. Whenever one of the men from Ephraim would try to cross the river, the guards would say, "Are you from Ephraim?" "No," the man would answer, "I'm not from Ephraim." <a href="/erv/judges/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the Gileadites took the fords of Jordan against the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, Let me go over, the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay; <a href="/gwt/judges/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The men of Gilead captured the shallow crossings of the Jordan River leading back to Ephraim. Whenever a fugitive from Ephraim said, "Let me cross," the men of Gilead would ask, "Are you from Ephraim?" If he answered, "No," <a href="/gnt/judges/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> In order to keep the Ephraimites from escaping, the Gileadites captured the places where the Jordan could be crossed. When any Ephraimite who was trying to escape would ask permission to cross, the men of Gilead would ask, "Are you an Ephraimite?" If he said, "No," <a href="/isv/judges/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> The descendants of Gilead seized control of the Jordan River's fords along the border of Ephraim's territory. Later on, when any fugitive from Ephraim asked them, "Let me cross over," the men from Gilead would ask him, "Are you an Ephraimite?" If he said "No," <a href="/net/judges/12.htm">NET Bible</a> The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan River opposite Ephraim. Whenever an Ephraimite fugitive said, "Let me cross over," the men of Gilead asked him, "Are you an Ephraimite?" If he said, "No," <a href="/nheb/judges/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. It was so, that when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, "Let me go over," the men of Gilead said to him, "Are you an Ephraimite?" If he said, "No"; <a href="/wbt/judges/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites who had escaped, said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said to him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, No;<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/judges/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The 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,” <a href="/web/judges/12.htm">World English Bible</a> The Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. Whenever a fugitive of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he said, “No;” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Gilead captures the passages of the Jordan to Ephraim, and it has been, when [any of] the fugitives of Ephraim say, “Let me pass over,” and the men of Gilead say to him, “[Are] you an Ephraimite?” And he says, “No”; <a href="/ylt/judges/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Gilead captureth the passages of the Jordan to Ephraim, and it hath been, when any of the fugitives of Ephraim say, 'Let me pass over,' and the men of Gilead say to him, 'An Ephramite thou?' and he saith, 'No;' <a href="/slt/judges/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Gilead will take the passages of Jordan before Ephraim: and it was that the escaped of Ephraim will say, I will pass over; and the men of Gilead will say to him, Thou an Ephrathite? and he will say, No.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the Galaadites secured the fords of the Jordan, by which Ephraim was to return. And when any one of the number of Ephraim came thither in the flight, and said: I beseech you let me pass: the Galaadites said to him: Art thou not an Ephraimite? If he said: I am not: <a href="/cpdv/judges/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the Gileadites occupied the fords of the Jordan, along which Ephraim was to return. And when anyone from the number of Ephraim had arrived, fleeing, and had said, “I beg that you permit me to pass,” the Gileadites would say to him, “Could you be an Ephraimite?” And if he said, “I am not,” <a href="/nabre/judges/12.htm">New American Bible</a> and Gilead seized the fords of the Jordan against Ephraim. When any of the fleeing Ephraimites said, “Let me pass,” the men of Gilead would say to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he answered, “No!” <a href="/nrsvce/judges/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. Whenever one of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead would say to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan which belonged to Ephraim; and when any of the fugitives of Ephraim tried to cross over the passage, the men of Gilead said to him, Are you an Ephraimite? If he said, No; <a href="/hpbt/judges/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Geladites seized the fords of the Jordan of Aphreim, and when those who were escaping from Aphreim were passing through at the crossing to cross over, the men of Gelad were asking, “Are you an Aphreimite?”, and he said, “No”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites; and it was so, that when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said: 'Let me go over,' the men of Gilead said unto him: 'Art thou an Ephraimite?' If he said: 'Nay'; <a href="/sep/judges/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Galaad took the fords of Jordan before Ephraim; and they that escaped of Ephraim said to them, Let us go over: and the men of Galaad said, Art thou an Ephrathite? and he said, No. <a href="/parallel/judges/12-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=3833" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/12.htm">Jephthah Defeats Ephraim</a> …4Jephthah then gathered all the men of Gilead and fought against Ephraim. And the men of Gilead struck them down because the Ephraimites had said, “You Gileadites are fugitives in Ephraim, living in the territories of Ephraim and Manasseh.” 5<a href="/hebrew/1568.htm" title="1568: gil·‘āḏ (N-proper-fs) -- Probably from Gal'ed; Gilad, a region East of the Jordan; also the name of three Israelites.">The Gileadites</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3920.htm" title="3920: way·yil·kōḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To capture, seize, take. A primitive root; to catch; generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose; figuratively, to cohere.">captured</a> <a href="/hebrew/4569.htm" title="4569: ma‘·bə·rō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- Or feminine mapabarah; from abar; a crossing-place; abstractly, a transit, i.e. overwhelming.">the fords</a> <a href="/hebrew/3383.htm" title="3383: hay·yar·dên (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- The principal river of Pal. From yarad; a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine.">of the Jordan</a> <a href="/hebrew/669.htm" title="669: lə·’ep̄·rā·yim (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Dual of masculine form of 'Ephraath; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">leading to Ephraim,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">whenever</a> <a href="/hebrew/6412.htm" title="6412: pə·lî·ṭê (N-mpc) -- Escaped one, fugitive. Or paleyt; or palet; from palat; a refugee.">a fugitive</a> <a href="/hebrew/669.htm" title="669: ’ep̄·ra·yim (N-proper-ms) -- Dual of masculine form of 'Ephraath; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">from Ephraim</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: yō·mə·rū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">would say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ’e·‘ĕ·ḇō·rāh (V-Qal-Imperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">“Let me cross over,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1568.htm" title="1568: ḡil·‘āḏ (N-proper-fs) -- Probably from Gal'ed; Gilad, a region East of the Jordan; also the name of three Israelites.">the Gileadites</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">would ask</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê- (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general."></a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">“Are you</a> <a href="/hebrew/673.htm" title="673: ha·’ep̄·rā·ṯî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- A desc. of Ephraim, also an inhab. of Ephrath. Patrial form 'Ephraath; an Ephrathite or an Ephraimite.">an Ephraimite?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">If he answered,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“No,”</a> 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/3-28.htm">Judges 3:28</a> “Follow me,” he told them, “for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and they did not allow anyone to cross over. <a href="/judges/7-24.htm">Judges 7:24</a> Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim to say, “Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth-barah.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah. <a href="/joshua/22-11.htm">Joshua 22:11-12</a> Then the Israelites received the report: “Behold, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar on the border of the land of Canaan, at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side.” / And when they heard this, the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh to go to war against them. <a href="/2_samuel/19-41.htm">2 Samuel 19:41-43</a> Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” / And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?” / “We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah spoke more fiercely than the men of Israel. <a href="/1_kings/12-24.htm">1 Kings 12:24</a> that this is what the LORD says: ‘You are not to go up and fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Each of you must return home, for this is My doing.’” So they listened to the word of the LORD and turned back according to the word of the LORD. <a href="/2_kings/14-12.htm">2 Kings 14:12-13</a> And Judah was routed before Israel, and every man fled to his home. / There at Beth-shemesh, Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Ahaziah. Then Jehoash went to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate—a section of four hundred cubits. <a href="/isaiah/9-21.htm">Isaiah 9:21</a> Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; together they turn against Judah. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised. <a href="/hosea/5-10.htm">Hosea 5:10</a> The princes of Judah are like those who move boundary stones; I will pour out My fury upon them like water. <a href="/hosea/9-3.htm">Hosea 9:3</a> They will not remain in the land of the LORD; Ephraim will return to Egypt and eat unclean food in Assyria. <a href="/obadiah/1-10.htm">Obadiah 1:10-14</a> Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. / On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were just like one of them. / But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress. ... <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Matthew 12:25</a> Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. <a href="/mark/3-24.htm">Mark 3:24-25</a> If a kingdom is divided against itself, it cannot stand. / If a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand. <a href="/luke/11-17.htm">Luke 11:17</a> Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and a house divided against a house will fall. <a href="/john/4-9.htm">John 4:9</a> “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) <a href="/acts/7-26.htm">Acts 7:26-27</a> The next day he came upon two Israelites who were fighting, and he tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’ / But the man who was abusing his neighbor pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said to him, Are you an Ephraimite? If he said, No;<a href="/judges/3-28.htm">Judges 3:28</a> And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.<a href="/judges/7-24.htm">Judges 7:24</a> And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.<a href="/joshua/2-7.htm">Joshua 2:7</a> And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-50.htm">Captured</a> <a href="/joshua/22-19.htm">Cross</a> <a href="/judges/12-4.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/judges/12-4.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/28-7.htm">Ephraimite</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-26.htm">E'phraimite</a> <a href="/judges/12-4.htm">Ephraimites</a> <a href="/joshua/16-9.htm">E'phraimites</a> <a href="/judges/9-21.htm">Escaped</a> <a href="/judges/11-22.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/judges/4-4.htm">Leading</a> <a href="/joshua/19-46.htm">Opposite</a> <a href="/luke/24-27.htm">Passages</a> <a href="/joshua/11-8.htm">Survivor</a> <a href="/judges/6-3.htm">Whenever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/4-11.htm">Captured</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-4.htm">Cross</a> <a href="/judges/12-6.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/judges/12-15.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-1.htm">Ephraimite</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-26.htm">E'phraimite</a> <a href="/judges/12-6.htm">Ephraimites</a> <a href="/judges/12-6.htm">E'phraimites</a> <a href="/judges/21-17.htm">Escaped</a> <a href="/judges/12-6.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-3.htm">Leading</a> <a href="/judges/19-10.htm">Opposite</a> <a href="/judges/12-6.htm">Passages</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-11.htm">Survivor</a> <a href="/ruth/2-9.htm">Whenever</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 12</div>1. <a href="/judges/12-1.htm">The Ephraimites, quarrelling with Jephthah, are slain by the Gileadites</a> 7. <a href="/judges/12-7.htm">Jephthah dies</a> 8. <a href="/judges/12-8.htm">Ibzan, who had thirty sons, and thirty daughters</a> 11. <a href="/judges/12-11.htm">and Elon</a> 13. <a href="/judges/12-13.htm">and Abdon, who had forty sons, and thirty nephews, judge Israel</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/12.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/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim The Gileadites were a group from the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. This area was known for its balm, a valuable commodity in ancient times. The fords of the Jordan were shallow crossing points, strategically important for controlling movement between territories. Capturing these fords was crucial in the conflict between the Gileadites and the Ephraimites, as it allowed the Gileadites to control access to the region of Ephraim, located west of the Jordan. This reflects the ongoing tribal tensions in Israel during the period of the Judges, a time marked by decentralized leadership and frequent inter-tribal conflicts.and whenever a fugitive from Ephraim would say, “Let me cross over,” The term "fugitive" indicates that the Ephraimites were in retreat, likely after a defeat in battle. The request to "cross over" suggests an attempt to return to their homeland or escape capture. This scenario highlights the desperation and vulnerability of the Ephraimites, who were seeking refuge or a safe passage. The historical context of this passage is a civil conflict within Israel, where the tribe of Ephraim had previously shown arrogance and hostility towards other tribes, as seen in their interactions with Gideon in <a href="/judges/8.htm">Judges 8</a>.the Gileadites would ask him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” This question was a test to identify the fleeing Ephraimites. The Gileadites needed to distinguish friend from foe, as the Ephraimites were their adversaries in this conflict. The question reflects the tribal identities that were strong during this period, with each tribe having its own distinct characteristics and loyalties. The Gileadites' inquiry underscores the importance of tribal affiliation in ancient Israel, where alliances and enmities were often based on tribal lines.If he answered, “No,” The response "No" would be a denial of Ephraimite identity, likely in an attempt to avoid capture or death. This situation illustrates the fear and deception that can arise in times of war. The denial of one's tribal identity in this context is significant, as it shows the lengths to which individuals would go to preserve their lives. This moment also foreshadows the subsequent test involving the pronunciation of "Shibboleth," which further emphasizes the deep divisions and hostilities between the tribes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/gileadites.htm">Gileadites</a> A group of Israelites from the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. They were involved in a conflict with the Ephraimites. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ephraimites.htm">Ephraimites</a> Members of the tribe of Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel. They were in conflict with the Gileadites during this event. 3. <a href="/topical/f/fords_of_the_jordan.htm">Fords of the Jordan</a> Shallow parts of the Jordan River used for crossing. These were strategic locations during the conflict. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jephthah.htm">Jephthah</a> Though not mentioned directly in this verse, Jephthah was the leader of the Gileadites and a judge of Israel at this time. 5. <a href="/topical/c/conflict.htm">Conflict</a> The event is part of a larger conflict between the Gileadites and the Ephraimites, which arose due to a dispute over military involvement and recognition.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_unity_among_believers.htm">The Importance of Unity Among Believers</a> The conflict between the Gileadites and Ephraimites serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of division among God's people. Unity is essential for fulfilling God's purposes. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a> The use of the word "Shibboleth" as a test highlights the power of language and communication. Our words can either build up or tear down, and we must use them wisely. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_and_wisdom_in_conflict.htm">Discernment and Wisdom in Conflict</a> The Gileadites' strategy at the fords of the Jordan demonstrates the need for discernment and wisdom in times of conflict. We should seek God's guidance in resolving disputes. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_pride_and_misunderstanding.htm">Consequences of Pride and Misunderstanding</a> The Ephraimites' pride and misunderstanding led to unnecessary conflict and loss. Humility and clear communication can prevent such outcomes. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a> Despite human conflicts and failures, God's sovereign plan continues to unfold. We can trust Him to work through even the most challenging situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 12</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'shibboleth'_mean.htm">What does "Shibboleth" mean or signify?</a> <a href="/q/is_it_plausible_42,000_died_from_a_test.htm">Judges 12:6 - How historically plausible is the claim that 42,000 men were killed based on a single pronunciation test?</a> <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> <a href="/q/who_were_tola,_jair,_ibzan,_elon,_abdon.htm">Who were Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) Took the passages of Jordan.--Only through these fords could the Ephraimites escape to their own tribe. (Comp. <a href="/judges/3-28.htm" title="And he said to them, Follow after me: for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.">Judges 3:28</a>; <a href="/judges/7-24.htm" title="And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters to Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters to Bethbarah and Jordan.">Judges 7:24</a>.) But while it was excusable to cut off all escape from a dangerous foreign invader, it showed a terrible exasperation to leave no chance of flight to Israelites in a civil war.Before the Ephraimites.--Literally, to Ephraim, which perhaps means "towards, or in the direction of, Ephraim" (per qu? Ephraim, reversurus erat, Vulg.).When those Ephraimites which were escaped.--The fact that the Hebrew phrase is exactly the same as in <a href="/judges/12-4.htm" title="Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead, and fought with Ephraim: and the men of Gilead smote Ephraim, because they said, You Gileadites are fugitives of Ephraim among the Ephraimites, and among the Manassites.">Judges 12:4</a>, "fugitives of Ephraim," adds. great additional force to the view which we have adopted. If the rendering of the English Version be adopted in <a href="/judges/12-4.htm" title="Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead, and fought with Ephraim: and the men of Gilead smote Ephraim, because they said, You Gileadites are fugitives of Ephraim among the Ephraimites, and among the Manassites.">Judges 12:4</a>, we can only suppose that there is a bitter retribution implied in the words. The Ephraimites had taunted the Eastern Manassites with being "fugitives of Ephraim," and in the next verse they themselves appear to be in another, but fatal, sense "fugitives of Ephraim."Art thou an Ephraimite?--There must have been considerable traffic across the Jordan fords, and the object was to distinguish between Ephraimite fugitives and harmless travellers and merchants. . . . <a href="/commentaries/judges/12-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The Gileadites גִּלְעָ֛ד (gil·‘āḏ) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1568.htm">Strong's 1568: </a> Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites captured וַיִּלְכֹּ֥ד (way·yil·kōḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3920.htm">Strong's 3920: </a> To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere the fords מַעְבְּר֥וֹת (ma‘·bə·rō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4569.htm">Strong's 4569: </a> A crossing-place, a transit, overwhelming of the Jordan הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן (hay·yar·dên) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine leading to Ephraim, לְאֶפְרָ֑יִם (lə·’ep̄·rā·yim) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory and וְֽ֠הָיָה (wə·hā·yāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be whenever כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction a fugitive פְּלִיטֵ֤י (pə·lî·ṭê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6412.htm">Strong's 6412: </a> Escaped one, fugitive from Ephraim אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙ (’ep̄·ra·yim) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory would say, יֹאמְר֞וּ (yō·mə·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Let me cross over,” אֶעֱבֹ֔רָה (’e·‘ĕ·ḇō·rāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on the Gileadites גִלְעָ֛ד (ḡil·‘āḏ) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1568.htm">Strong's 1568: </a> Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites would ask him, וַיֹּ֨אמְרוּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Are you אַ֖תָּה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you an Ephraimite?” הַֽאֶפְרָתִ֥י (ha·’ep̄·rā·ṯî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_673.htm">Strong's 673: </a> Ephraimite -- a descendant of Ephraim, also an inhabitant of Ephrath If he answered, וַיֹּ֥אמֶֽר ׀ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “No,” לֹֽא׃ (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/12-5.htm">Judges 12:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/12-5.htm">Judges 12:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/12-5.htm">Judges 12:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/12-5.htm">Judges 12:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/12-5.htm">Judges 12:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/12-5.htm">Judges 12:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/12-5.htm">Judges 12:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/12-5.htm">Judges 12:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/12-5.htm">Judges 12:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/12-5.htm">Judges 12:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/12-5.htm">OT History: Judges 12:5 The Gileadites took the fords (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/12-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 12:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 12:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/12-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 12:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 12:6" /></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>