Old Testament
Judges 12:9
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Judges 12:9, we learn about a judge of Israel named Jephthah, who had a large family with thirty sons and thirty daughters.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
He had 30 sons and 30 daughters, whom he sent abroad, and he brought in 30 daughters from abroad for his sons. He judged Israel for 7 years.
And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, whom he sent abroad, and took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 12:9, we learn about a judge of Israel named Jephthah, who had a large family with thirty sons and thirty daughters. He arranged marriages for his sons by sending them abroad to find wives and also brought in thirty daughters from other regions for them. This practice reflects the importance of family and alliances in ancient Israelite society. Jephthah's role as a judge lasted for seven years, indicating a period of leadership and governance. His actions show how he sought to ensure the continuation of his family line and strengthen ties with other communities through marriage. This verse highlights the social structures of the time, where family connections were crucial for political and social stability. It also emphasizes the responsibilities of a leader in providing for his family and community, as well as the significance of marriage in forming alliances.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 12:9 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of family and community connections in our lives. It encourages us to consider how we can strengthen our relationships and support one another, just as Jephthah sought to do through marriage alliances. Building strong families can lead to stronger communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Who was Jephthah in Judges 12:9?
Jephthah was a judge of Israel who led the people for seven years. He is known for his large family, having thirty sons and thirty daughters, and for his efforts to strengthen family ties through marriage alliances.
What does Judges 12:9 say about Jephthah's family?
Judges 12:9 describes Jephthah as having thirty sons and thirty daughters. He sent his sons abroad to find wives and also brought in thirty daughters from other regions for them, highlighting the importance of family and alliances in ancient Israel.
What is the significance of marriage alliances in Judges 12:9?
Marriage alliances in Judges 12:9 reflect the social structures of ancient Israel, where families sought to strengthen ties with other communities. Jephthah's actions demonstrate how these alliances were crucial for political stability and social cohesion.
How long did Jephthah judge Israel according to Judges 12:9?
According to Judges 12:9, Jephthah judged Israel for a period of seven years, indicating his role as a leader and the responsibilities he held during that time.
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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