Old Testament
Judges 8:31
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He also had a concubine living in Shechem, and she bore him a son he named Abimelech.
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And his concubine that was in Shechem, she also bare him a son, whose name he called Abimelech.
What Judges 8:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 8:31, we learn about Gideon, a significant figure in Israel's history, who had a concubine living in Shechem. A concubine was a woman who had a recognized relationship with a man but did not have the full status of a wife. This relationship was common in ancient cultures. From this concubine, Gideon had a son named Abimelech. The name Abimelech means 'my father is king,' which is significant because it hints at the political aspirations that would later characterize Abimelech's life. This verse highlights the complexities of Gideon's family life and foreshadows the future events involving Abimelech, who would later seek power and lead a tumultuous life. The mention of Shechem, a city with historical importance in Israel, also sets the stage for the political dynamics that would unfold in the narrative. Overall, this verse serves as a brief introduction to a key character in the story and hints at the themes of leadership and legacy that are explored in the subsequent chapters.
How to apply Judges 8:31 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of our relationships and the legacies we create. Just as Gideon's choices impacted his family and future leaders, our decisions can shape the lives of those around us. We should strive to build positive legacies through our actions and relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Gideon's story: Forty Years of Rest (Judges 8:28–35)
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Gideon
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Judges 8:31
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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 8:31 mean?
Judges 8:31 describes Gideon having a concubine in Shechem who bore him a son named Abimelech. This verse highlights Gideon's family dynamics and introduces Abimelech, whose name suggests future political ambitions.
What is the significance of Abimelech's name in Judges 8:31?
Abimelech's name means 'my father is king,' which hints at his future aspirations for power. This name foreshadows the political turmoil that will arise later in the narrative.
What does the term 'concubine' mean in Judges 8:31?
In Judges 8:31, a concubine refers to a woman who has a recognized relationship with a man but does not hold the full status of a wife. This was a common practice in ancient cultures.
How does Judges 8:31 relate to family dynamics?
Judges 8:31 illustrates the complexities of Gideon's family life, showing how his relationships influenced future events, particularly through his son Abimelech's ambitions.
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