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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 11:1 Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor; he was the son of a prostitute, and Gilead was his father.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/11-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/07_Jdg_11_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 11:1 - Jephthah Delivers Israel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor; he was the son of a prostitute, and Gilead was his father." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/11-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/11-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/10-18.htm" title="Judges 10:18">◄</a> Judges 11:1 <a href="/judges/11-2.htm" title="Judges 11:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div 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 />Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Now Jephthah of Gilead was a great warrior. He was the son of Gilead, but his mother was a prostitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior, but he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead was the father of Jephthah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor; he was the son of a prostitute, and Gilead was his father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he <i>was</i> the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, but he <i>was</i> the son of a harlot; and Gilead begot Jephthah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a valiant warrior, but he was the son of a prostitute. And Gilead had fathered Jephthah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a valiant warrior, but he was the son of a harlot. And Gilead was the father of Jephthah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a valiant warrior, but he was the son of a harlot. And Gilead was the father of Jephthah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, but he was the son of a harlot. And Gilead became the father of Jephthah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a brave warrior, but he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead was the father of Jephthah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jephthah the Gileadite was a valiant warrior, but he was the son of a prostitute, and Gilead was his father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jephthah the Gileadite was a great warrior, but he was the son of a prostitute, and Gilead was his father. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of a harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jephthah was a soldier from the region of Gilead. Jephthah's father was named Gilead. His mother was a prostitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Jephthah, a brave soldier from Gilead, was the son of a prostitute. His father Gilead <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a valiant soldier, but he was also the son of a prostitute and Jephthah's father Gilead. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor; he was the son of a prostitute, and Gilead was his father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a brave warrior. His mother was a prostitute, but Gilead was his father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of a prostitute. And Gilead became the father of Jephthah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of a harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor. He was the son of a prostitute. Gilead became the father of Jephthah. <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 the Gileadite has been a mighty man of valor, and he [is the] son of a harlot woman; and Gilead begets Jephthah,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jephthah the Gileadite hath been a mighty man of valour, and he is son of a woman, a harlot; and Gilead begetteth Jephthah,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jephthah the Gileadite was a man of strength, and he the son of a woman, a harlot And Gilead will beget Jephthah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />There was at that time Jephte the Galaadite, a most valiant man and a warrior, the son of a woman that was a harlot, and his father was Galaad. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />At that time, there was a Gileadite, Jephthah, a very strong man and a fighter, the son of a kept woman, and he was born of Gilead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Jephthah the Gileadite was a warrior. He was the son of a prostitute, fathered by Gilead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite, the son of a prostitute, was a mighty warrior. Gilead was the father of Jephthah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />NOW Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, but he was the son of a harlot; and Gilead begat Jephthah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Naphthakh the Geladite was a mighty man of power, and he was the son of a woman who was a whore, and Gelad begot Naphthakh<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of a harlot; and Gilead begot Jephthah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jephthae the Galaadite <i>was</i> a mighty man; and he <i>was</i> the son of a harlot, who bore Jephthae to Galaad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/11-1.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=3350" 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">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3316.htm" title="3316: wə·yip̄·tāḥ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- From pathach; he will open; Jiphtach, an Israelite; also a place in Palestine.">Now Jephthah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1569.htm" title="1569: hag·gil·‘ā·ḏî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- A desc. of Gilead, also an inhab. of Gilead. Patronymically from Gil'ad; a Giladite or descendant of Gilad.">the Gileadite</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/1368.htm" title="1368: gib·bō·wr (Adj-msc) -- Strong, mighty. Or gibbor; intensive from the same as geber; powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant.">a mighty man</a> <a href="/hebrew/2428.htm" title="2428: ḥa·yil (N-ms) -- From chuwl; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength.">of valor;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">was the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·šāh (N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2181.htm" title="2181: zō·w·nāh (N-fs) -- To commit fornication, be a harlot. A primitive root; to commit adultery; figuratively, to commit idolatry.">of a prostitute,</a> <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.">and Gilead</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/3316.htm" title="3316: yip̄·tāḥ (N-proper-ms) -- From pathach; he will open; Jiphtach, an Israelite; also a place in Palestine.">was his</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: way·yō·w·leḏ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">father.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>And Gilead’s wife bore him sons who grew up, drove Jephthah out, and said to him, “You shall have no inheritance in our father’s house, because you are the son of another woman.”…<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="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32</a></span><br />And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-11.htm">1 Samuel 12:11</a></span><br />So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/10-6.htm">Judges 10:6-18</a></span><br />And again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD. They served the Baals, the Ashtoreths, the gods of Aram, Sidon, and Moab, and the gods of the Ammonites and Philistines. Thus they forsook the LORD and did not serve Him. / So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and Ammonites, / who that very year harassed and oppressed the Israelites, and they did so for eighteen years to all the Israelites on the other side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/10-6.htm">2 Samuel 10:6-8</a></span><br />When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zoba, as well as a thousand men from the king of Maacah and twelve thousand men from Tob. / On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men. / The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/19-6.htm">1 Chronicles 19:6-7</a></span><br />When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, Hanun and the Ammonites sent a thousand talents of silver to hire for themselves chariots and horsemen from Aram-naharaim, Aram-maacah, and Zobah. / So they hired for themselves thirty-two thousand chariots, as well as the king of Maacah with his troops, who came and camped near Medeba while the Ammonites were mustered from their cities and marched out for battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-10.htm">Genesis 21:10</a></span><br />and she said to Abraham, “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/25-1.htm">Genesis 25:1-4</a></span><br />Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, / and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. / Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites, and the Leummites. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-2.htm">Deuteronomy 23:2</a></span><br />No one of illegitimate birth may enter the assembly of the LORD, nor may any of his descendants, even to the tenth generation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-30.htm">Galatians 4:30</a></span><br />But what does the Scripture say? “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-10.htm">Romans 9:10-12</a></span><br />Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac. / Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-5.htm">Matthew 1:5</a></span><br />Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-9.htm">John 4:9</a></span><br />“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.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-35.htm">Acts 7:35</a></span><br />This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.<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.” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.</p><p class="hdg">Jephthah</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32</a></b></br> And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and <i>of</i> Barak, and <i>of</i> Samson, and <i>of</i> Jephthae; <i>of</i> David also, and Samuel, and <i>of</i> the prophets:</p><p class="hdg">called Jephthae.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/6-12.htm">Judges 6:12</a></b></br> And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD <i>is</i> with thee, thou mighty man of valour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/5-1.htm">2 Kings 5:1</a></b></br> Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, <i>but he was</i> a leper.</p><p class="hdg">an harlot.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/2-1.htm">Joshua 2:1</a></b></br> And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/32-18.htm">Begat</a> <a href="/genesis/11-26.htm">Begetteth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-18.htm">Begot</a> <a href="/judges/8-33.htm">Harlot</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Jephthah</a> <a href="/joshua/22-18.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/judges/6-12.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/judges/8-19.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/judges/8-33.htm">Prostitute</a> <a href="/judges/6-12.htm">Valiant</a> <a href="/judges/6-12.htm">Valor</a> <a href="/judges/6-12.htm">Valour</a> <a href="/judges/10-9.htm">War</a> <a href="/judges/6-12.htm">Warrior</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ruth/4-18.htm">Begat</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-34.htm">Begetteth</a> <a href="/ruth/4-18.htm">Begot</a> <a href="/judges/16-1.htm">Harlot</a> <a href="/judges/11-2.htm">Jephthah</a> <a href="/judges/16-1.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/ruth/2-1.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/judges/14-2.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/judges/16-1.htm">Prostitute</a> <a href="/judges/20-44.htm">Valiant</a> <a href="/judges/18-2.htm">Valor</a> <a href="/judges/18-2.htm">Valour</a> <a href="/judges/11-4.htm">War</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-33.htm">Warrior</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>Now Jephthah the Gileadite</b><br>Jephthah is introduced as a Gileadite, indicating his origin from the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. This area was known for its rugged terrain and was part of the territory allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The Gileadites were often involved in conflicts with neighboring peoples, which may have contributed to Jephthah's development as a warrior.<p><b>was a mighty man of valor;</b><br>This phrase highlights Jephthah's reputation as a courageous and skilled warrior. The term "mighty man of valor" is used in the Old Testament to describe individuals who possess exceptional bravery and military prowess, similar to Gideon (<a href="/judges/6-12.htm">Judges 6:12</a>). This sets the stage for Jephthah's role as a deliverer of Israel, chosen by God to lead His people against their oppressors.<p><b>he was the son of a prostitute,</b><br>Jephthah's background is marked by social stigma due to his mother's profession. In ancient Israelite society, being the son of a prostitute would have placed Jephthah at a disadvantage, both socially and legally. This detail emphasizes God's ability to use unlikely individuals for His purposes, reflecting the theme of divine grace and redemption seen throughout Scripture.<p><b>and Gilead was his father.</b><br>Gilead, Jephthah's father, is likely a reference to a prominent man or clan within the region, rather than the geographical area itself. This connection to a notable family or clan may have provided Jephthah with some legitimacy despite his mother's status. The mention of his father underscores the complex family dynamics that play a significant role in Jephthah's story, as his half-brothers later drive him away, fearing he would claim an inheritance (<a href="/judges/11-2.htm">Judges 11:2</a>). This familial conflict sets the stage for Jephthah's eventual rise to leadership and deliverance of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jephthah.htm">Jephthah</a></b><br>A mighty warrior from Gilead, known for his leadership and military prowess. Despite his capabilities, his background as the son of a prostitute made him an outcast in his family and community.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/gilead.htm">Gilead</a></b><br>A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It is also the name of Jephthah's father, indicating his lineage and tribal affiliation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jephthah's_mother.htm">Jephthah's Mother</a></b><br>Described as a prostitute, her status contributed to Jephthah's rejection by his family, highlighting societal views on legitimacy and inheritance.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jephthah's_father,_gilead.htm">Jephthah's Father, Gilead</a></b><br>His relationship with Jephthah's mother and his role in Jephthah's life are significant, as they set the stage for Jephthah's initial rejection and later acceptance as a leader.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god_uses_the_rejected.htm">God Uses the Rejected</a></b><br>Jephthah's account reminds us that God often chooses those whom society rejects to fulfill His purposes. Our past or background does not disqualify us from being used by God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_overcomes_circumstances.htm">Faith Overcomes Circumstances</a></b><br>Despite his difficult start, Jephthah's faith and reliance on God enabled him to rise above his circumstances and lead Israel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_character.htm">Leadership and Character</a></b><br>True leadership is not about one's lineage or social status but about character and the ability to trust in God's plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/redemption_and_purpose.htm">Redemption and Purpose</a></b><br>God can redeem any situation and use it for His glory. Jephthah's life is a testament to God's ability to bring purpose out of pain.<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/is_jephthah's_lineage_inconsistent.htm">Judges 11:1–3: Does Jephthah’s parentage present any inconsistency with standard Old Testament genealogical records? </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/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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_jephthah's_conflict_escalate.htm">Judges 12:1–3 – Why does Jephthah’s conflict with the Ephraimites escalate so violently with little prior indication? </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>(1) <span class= "bld">The son of an harlot.</span>--The words are so rendered in all the versions, and can hardly have any other meaning. If an inferior wife had been meant, the word used would not have been <span class= "ital">zonah, </span>but <span class= "ital">pilgesh, </span>as in <a href="/judges/8-31.htm" title="And his concubine that was in Shechem, she also bore him a son, whose name he called Abimelech.">Judges 8:31</a>. The word may, however, be used in the harsh sense of the brethren of Jephthah, without being strictly accurate. (Comp. <a href="/1_chronicles/2-26.htm" title="Jerahmeel had also another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam.">1Chronicles 2:26</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Gilead begat Jephthah.</span>--We are here met by the same questions as those which concern Tola and Jair. That Gilead is a proper name, not the name of the country mythically personified, may be regarded as certain. But is this Gilead the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, or some later Gilead? or does <span class= "ital">"</span>begat" mean "was the ancestor of?" The answer to these questions depends mainly upon the insoluble problem of the chronology; but we may note (1) that since no <span class= "ital">other </span>Gilead is mentioned, we should naturally infer that <span class= "ital">this </span>is the grandson of Manasseh; and (2) that the fact referred to in the obscure genealogy of <a href="/context/1_chronicles/7-14.htm" title="The sons of Manasseh; Ashriel, whom she bore: (but his concubine the Aramitess bore Machir the father of Gilead:">1Chronicles 7:14-17</a> seems to show that the family of Manasseh had Syrian (Aramean) connections, and Jephthah's mother may have been an Aramitess from the district of Tob. The name Jephthah means "he opens" (the womb).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Jephthah the Gileadite</span>. Gilead has two meanings: it is the name of the country so called (<a href="/judges/10-8.htm">Judges 10:8</a>, note), and it is the name of the son or descendant of Machir the son of Manasseh (<a href="/1_chronicles/7-14.htm">1 Chronicles 7:14, 17</a>; <a href="/numbers/26-29.htm">Numbers 26:29, 30</a>). <span class="accented">Gileadite</span> also may be explained in two ways: it may mean an inhabitant of Gilead (<a href="/judges/10-18.htm">Judges 10:18</a>), or it may mean a member of the family of the Gileadites, either an actual son or a more remote descendant of Gilead (<a href="/numbers/26-29.htm">Numbers 26:29</a>) - two meanings which would usually coincide. <span class="cmt_word">Gilead begat Jephthah</span>. Here <span class="accented">Gilead</span> must mean the person so called, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the son or descendant of Machir, from whom the family, including Jephthah, were called Gileadites; but whether son or descendant cannot positively be affirmed. All that is certain is that he was that one of Maehir's descendants who was the head of that division of the Manassites who were called <span class="accented">Gileadites.</span> Again, when it is said <span class="accented">Gilead begat Jephthah</span>, we cannot be certain whether it is meant that Gilead was Jephthah's father, or merely his ancestor (see <a href="/judges/10-3.htm">Judges 10:3</a>, note). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/11-1.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">Now Jephthah</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיִפְתָּ֣ח</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yip̄·tāḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">the Gileadite</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגִּלְעָדִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(hag·gil·‘ā·ḏî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1569.htm">Strong's 1569: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gileadite -- a descendant of Gilead, also an inhabitant of Gilead</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was</span><br /><span class="heb">הָיָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a mighty</span><br /><span class="heb">חַ֔יִל</span> <span class="translit">(ḥa·yil)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2428.htm">Strong's 2428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength</span><br /><br /><span class="word">warrior;</span><br /><span class="heb">גִּבּ֣וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(gib·bō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1368.htm">Strong's 1368: </a> </span><span class="str2">Powerful, warrior, tyrant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he</span><br /><span class="heb">וְה֖וּא</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was the son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular 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">of a prostitute,</span><br /><span class="heb">זוֹנָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(zō·w·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2181.htm">Strong's 2181: </a> </span><span class="str2">To commit adultery, to commit idolatry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Gilead</span><br /><span class="heb">גִּלְעָ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(gil·‘āḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1568.htm">Strong's 1568: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was his</span><br /><span class="heb">יִפְתָּֽח׃</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">father.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיּ֥וֹלֶד</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·w·leḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/11-1.htm">Judges 11:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/11-1.htm">Judges 11:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/11-1.htm">Judges 11:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/11-1.htm">Judges 11:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/11-1.htm">Judges 11:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/11-1.htm">Judges 11:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/11-1.htm">Judges 11:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/11-1.htm">Judges 11:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/11-1.htm">Judges 11:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/11-1.htm">Judges 11:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/11-1.htm">OT History: Judges 11:1 Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/10-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 10:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 10:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/11-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 11:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 11:2" /></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>