Old Testament
Judges 11:39
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At the end of two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her what he had vowed. She had never been with a man. From this came a tradition in Israel:
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And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no man. And it was a custom in Israel,
What Judges 11:39 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 11:39, the story revolves around Jephthah and his daughter. After Jephthah makes a vow to God promising to sacrifice whatever comes out of his house if he wins a battle, his daughter is the first to greet him upon his return. She is given two months to mourn her fate before he fulfills his vow. The phrase 'she knew no man' indicates her virginity, emphasizing the tragedy of her untimely death and the impact of Jephthah's vow. This event led to a tradition in Israel where young women would commemorate her sacrifice annually. The passage highlights the seriousness of vows made to God and the consequences they can have on others, especially loved ones. It serves as a reminder of the weight of our promises and the importance of considering the potential outcomes before making commitments that could affect others' lives.
How to apply Judges 11:39 to your life
This verse teaches us to be cautious with our commitments, especially those made in moments of desperation. We should consider the potential consequences of our promises on others and strive to make decisions that reflect love and responsibility.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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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.
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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 11:39 mean?
Judges 11:39 describes the tragic outcome of Jephthah's vow to God, where he sacrifices his daughter after she greets him upon his return from battle. The verse highlights the seriousness of vows and their potential consequences on loved ones.
What is the significance of 'she knew no man' in Judges 11:39?
The phrase 'she knew no man' emphasizes the daughter's virginity, underscoring the tragedy of her untimely death and the impact of Jephthah's vow. It reflects her innocence and the loss of her future.
What tradition arose from Judges 11:39?
From Judges 11:39, a tradition developed in Israel where young women would commemorate the sacrifice of Jephthah's daughter annually. This practice serves as a reminder of her story and the implications of Jephthah's vow.
What lesson can we learn from Judges 11:39?
Judges 11:39 teaches the importance of being cautious with our commitments, especially in desperate situations. It encourages us to consider how our promises may affect others before making decisions.
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