Old Testament
Judges 17:2
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He told his mother, "Remember the 1,100 shekels of silver that were stolen from you? You pronounced a curse about it, and I heard you say it. Well, I'm the one who took it — I have the silver." His mother replied, "May the LORD bless you, my son!"
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And he said unto his mother, The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from thee, about which thou cursedst, and spakest of also in mine ears, behold, the silver is with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my son.
What Judges 17:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a son confesses to his mother that he stole 1,100 shekels of silver from her, which she had previously cursed. He acknowledges hearing her curse and reveals that he is the thief. Instead of being angry, the mother responds with a blessing, saying, "May the LORD bless you, my son!" This interaction highlights the complexities of familial relationships, where love and forgiveness can sometimes overshadow wrongdoing. The mother's immediate blessing suggests a deep bond and perhaps a desire to restore peace in their relationship. It also raises questions about accountability and the nature of repentance, as the son admits his guilt but is met with grace rather than punishment. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and the power of forgiveness within families, even when faced with betrayal.
How to apply Judges 17:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to be honest about our mistakes and to seek forgiveness from those we have wronged. It also reminds us of the importance of responding to wrongdoing with grace and love, fostering healing in our relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Key themes
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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 17:2 mean?
Judges 17:2 describes a son confessing to his mother that he stole 1,100 shekels of silver from her. Instead of reacting with anger, she blesses him, highlighting themes of honesty, forgiveness, and the complexities of family relationships.
What is the significance of the mother's blessing in Judges 17:2?
The mother's blessing in Judges 17:2 signifies her love and desire to restore peace despite her son's wrongdoing. It emphasizes the power of forgiveness and the importance of maintaining familial bonds even in difficult situations.
What does the phrase 'I took it' in Judges 17:2 indicate?
The phrase 'I took it' in Judges 17:2 indicates the son's admission of guilt regarding the theft of the silver. This confession is a crucial moment that opens the door for dialogue and potential reconciliation with his mother.
How does Judges 17:2 relate to themes of accountability?
Judges 17:2 illustrates accountability through the son's confession of his theft. While he admits his wrongdoing, the mother's response suggests that accountability can coexist with grace and forgiveness in family dynamics.
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