Old Testament

Judges 11:38

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Judges 11:38, Jephthah grants his daughter a two-month period to mourn her virginity before fulfilling his vow to God.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

"Go," he said. He sent her away for two months, and she went with her friends to the mountains and bewailed her virginity.

KJVKing James Version

And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months: and she went with her companions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Judges 11:38, Jephthah grants his daughter a two-month period to mourn her virginity before fulfilling his vow to God. This moment highlights the deep emotional struggle she faces, as she is destined to remain unmarried and childless. The mountains symbolize a place of reflection and sorrow, where she and her friends express their grief over her fate. This passage illustrates the weight of vows made to God and the personal sacrifices that can result from them. Jephthah's daughter demonstrates strength and acceptance of her situation, showcasing her loyalty to her father and his commitment to God. The narrative raises questions about the nature of vows, the consequences of promises, and the impact on loved ones. It serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of faith and the human experience, particularly regarding personal sacrifice and the emotional toll of fulfilling one's commitments.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 11:38 to your life

This verse encourages us to consider the weight of our commitments and the potential impact on those we love. It reminds us to approach our promises thoughtfully, recognizing that they may require significant sacrifices. Reflecting on our decisions can help us navigate the complexities of faith and relationships.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What is the significance of Jephthah's vow in Judges 11:38?

Jephthah's vow is significant as it illustrates the seriousness of promises made to God. His commitment leads to a tragic outcome for his daughter, highlighting the potential consequences of rash vows. This moment serves as a reminder of the weight of our words and the importance of considering the impact of our commitments on ourselves and others.

Why did Jephthah's daughter mourn her virginity?

Jephthah's daughter mourned her virginity because it symbolized her unfulfilled potential for marriage and motherhood. In her cultural context, being unmarried and childless was a significant loss, leading to deep emotional grief. Her mourning reflects the personal sacrifice she faces due to her father's vow, emphasizing the theme of loss associated with fulfilling commitments.

What does the mountain symbolize in Judges 11:38?

The mountain in Judges 11:38 symbolizes a place of reflection and sorrow. It serves as a backdrop for Jephthah's daughter and her friends as they express their grief over her fate. Mountains often represent isolation and contemplation in biblical literature, making it a fitting setting for her emotional struggle as she comes to terms with the consequences of her father's vow.

How does Judges 11:38 relate to the theme of family loyalty?

Judges 11:38 highlights family loyalty through the daughter's acceptance of her father's vow despite its tragic implications. Her willingness to support Jephthah, even at the cost of her own future, underscores the deep bonds of loyalty within families. This narrative prompts readers to reflect on the complexities of familial obligations and the sacrifices that can arise from them.

Book Summary

The Book of Judges

Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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