Old Testament
Judges 11:40
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
Judges 11:40 describes a tradition among the daughters of Israel who would annually mourn the daughter of Jephthah, a tragic figure in the biblical narrative.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Each year, the daughters of Israel would go for four days to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite.
That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
Judges 11:40 describes a tradition among the daughters of Israel who would annually mourn the daughter of Jephthah, a tragic figure in the biblical narrative. Jephthah, a judge of Israel, made a vow to God that if he won a battle, he would sacrifice whatever came out of his house first to greet him. Unfortunately, it was his only daughter who came out to meet him, leading to a heart-wrenching fulfillment of his vow. The daughters' lamentation for four days each year serves as a reminder of the consequences of rash vows and the deep sorrow that can arise from them. This annual mourning reflects the community's recognition of the loss and the impact of Jephthah's decision, highlighting themes of sacrifice, regret, and the importance of thoughtful commitments. It also emphasizes the role of women in the community, as they gather to remember and honor the life of Jephthah's daughter, ensuring her story and the lessons learned from it are not forgotten.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 11:40 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the commitments we make and the potential consequences they may have. It reminds us to think carefully before making promises, especially those that could lead to harm or regret. We should also honor and remember those who have suffered due to the choices of others.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of Judges 11:40 in the Bible?
Judges 11:40 highlights the annual mourning tradition of the daughters of Israel for Jephthah's daughter, who was tragically sacrificed due to her father's rash vow. This verse underscores themes of sacrifice, regret, and the consequences of hasty decisions. It serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of vows and the importance of thoughtful commitments, as well as the role of women in preserving memory and community values.
Why did the daughters of Israel mourn Jephthah's daughter?
The daughters of Israel mourned Jephthah's daughter because she was the victim of her father's vow, which led to her sacrifice after he won a battle. This annual lamentation reflects the community's sorrow over her tragic fate and serves as a reminder of the consequences of impulsive promises. It also honors her memory and the lessons learned from her story, emphasizing the importance of considering the ramifications of our commitments.
What lessons can we learn from Judges 11:40?
Judges 11:40 teaches us to carefully consider the commitments we make, especially those that could have serious consequences. It reminds us of the importance of thinking before speaking or acting, as our decisions can profoundly affect others. Additionally, it highlights the value of community support and remembrance, encouraging us to honor those who have suffered due to the choices of others and to learn from their experiences.
How does this verse relate to the role of women in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the significant role of women in the Bible, particularly in the context of community and memory. The daughters of Israel gathering to mourn Jephthah's daughter signifies their active participation in preserving her story and the lessons it imparts. It highlights women's roles in mourning, honoring the past, and shaping community values, showcasing their importance in the biblical narrative.
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.
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