Old Testament
Judges 11:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So Jephthah ran away from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob. A group of worthless men gathered around him and went out with him.
Compare translations
Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him.
What Judges 11:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Jephthah, a man from Gilead, fleeing from his family due to conflict with his brothers. They rejected him because he was the son of a prostitute. Jephthah finds refuge in the land of Tob, a place away from his family and the life he knew. While there, he attracts a group of 'worthless men' or 'vain men' who join him. This indicates that Jephthah, despite his troubled past and rejection, begins to gather a following. These men likely share a sense of being outcasts or have their own grievances, which unites them with Jephthah. This moment sets the stage for Jephthah's later rise as a leader and judge of Israel, showing how God can use those who are marginalized or rejected to fulfill His purposes.
How to apply Judges 11:3 to your life
This verse reminds us that rejection can lead to new beginnings. Jephthah's story shows that even when we feel abandoned, we can find purpose and community in unexpected places. Embrace your unique journey and seek out those who share your struggles.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Judges 11:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Judges 11:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 11:3 mean?
Judges 11:3 describes Jephthah fleeing from his brothers due to rejection and conflict. He settles in the land of Tob, where he attracts a group of outcasts, indicating his transition from a marginalized individual to a leader.
What is the significance of Jephthah in Judges 11:3?
Jephthah's significance in Judges 11:3 lies in his journey from rejection to leadership. His gathering of 'worthless men' shows how those who are marginalized can unite and find purpose, setting the stage for his future role as a judge of Israel.
Who are the 'worthless men' mentioned in Judges 11:3?
The 'worthless men' in Judges 11:3 refer to individuals who, like Jephthah, may have felt rejected or marginalized. They gather around him, forming a community of outcasts who share similar grievances.
What does the land of Tob represent in Judges 11:3?
The land of Tob in Judges 11:3 represents a place of refuge for Jephthah, away from his family and past conflicts. It symbolizes a new beginning where he can gather support and build a following.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.