Old Testament
Judges 11:35
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The moment he saw her, he tore his clothes and said, "Oh, my daughter! You have brought me very low, and you are one of those who trouble me. I made a vow to the LORD, and I cannot take it back."
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And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.
What Judges 11:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 11:35, Jephthah is devastated when he sees his daughter after returning from battle. He had made a rash vow to God, promising to sacrifice whatever first came out of his house if he won. His daughter, unaware of the vow, is the first to greet him. Jephthah's reaction shows his deep sorrow and regret, as he realizes the consequences of his words. This moment highlights the seriousness of making vows to God and the weight of our promises. Jephthah feels trapped by his commitment, illustrating the tension between personal desires and obligations to God. His emotional response reflects the pain of facing the results of his decisions, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration before making promises, especially those involving significant sacrifices.
How to apply Judges 11:35 to your life
This verse teaches us to be cautious with our words and commitments, especially in spiritual matters. Before making promises to God, we should consider the potential consequences. It reminds us to prioritize our relationships and think through our decisions carefully to avoid regret.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Keep studying Judges 11:35
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 was Jephthah's vow in Judges 11:35?
In Judges 11:35, Jephthah made a vow to the LORD before going into battle, promising to sacrifice whatever first came out of his house to greet him if he was victorious. This vow ultimately led to a tragic situation when his daughter was the first to greet him upon his return.
Why did Jephthah tear his clothes in despair?
Jephthah tore his clothes as a sign of deep sorrow and anguish when he realized that his daughter was the first to greet him after his victory. This act symbolizes his emotional turmoil and regret over the vow he made, which he felt he could not retract despite the painful consequences.
What does Judges 11:35 teach about making vows?
Judges 11:35 serves as a cautionary tale about the seriousness of making vows, especially to God. It emphasizes the importance of considering the potential consequences of our promises and the weight they carry. The verse encourages careful thought and reflection before committing to significant promises.
How does this verse relate to family relationships?
This verse highlights the tension between personal commitments and family relationships. Jephthah's vow leads to a heartbreaking situation with his daughter, illustrating how our decisions can profoundly impact our loved ones. It serves as a reminder to prioritize family and consider how our choices affect those we care about.
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