Judges 11:37
Judges 11:37 in Multiple Translations
She also said to her father, “Let me do this one thing: Let me wander for two months through the mountains with my friends and mourn my virginity.”
And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my fellows.
And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may depart and go down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my companions.
Then she said to her father, Only do this for me: let me have two months to go away into the mountains with my friends, weeping for my sad fate.
Then she went on to say to him, “Just let me do this: let me walk through the hills for two months with my friends and grieve the fact that I'll never marry.”
Also she saide vnto her father, Doe thus much for me: suffer me two moneths, that I may goe to the mountaines, and bewaile my virginitie, I and my fellowes.
And she saith unto her father, 'Let this thing be done to me; desist from me two months, and I go on, and have gone down on the hills, and I weep for my virginity — I and my friends.'
Then she said to her father, “Let this thing be done for me. Leave me alone two months, that I may depart and go down on the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my companions.”
And she said to her father, Let this thing be done for me: Let me alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my fellows.
And she said to her father: Grant me only this which I desire: Let me go, that I may go about the mountains for two months, and may bewail my virginity with my companions.
Then she also said, “But allow me to do one thing. ◄First/before you do what you promised►, allow me to go up into the hilly area and wander around for two months. Since I will never be married and have children, allow me and my friends to go and cry together.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 11:37
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 11:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
אֶל
אָבִ֔י/הָ
יֵעָ֥שֶׂה
לִּ֖/י
הַ/דָּבָ֣ר
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
הַרְפֵּ֨ה
מִמֶּ֜/נִּי
שְׁנַ֣יִם
חֳדָשִׁ֗ים
וְ/אֵֽלְכָה֙
וְ/יָרַדְתִּ֣י
עַל
הֶֽ/הָרִ֔ים
וְ/אֶבְכֶּה֙
עַל
בְּתוּלַ֔/י
אָנֹכִ֖י
ו/רעית/י
וְ/רֵעוֹתָֽ/י
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אָבִ֔י/הָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
יֵעָ֥שֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
לִּ֖/י
Prep | Suff
הַ/דָּבָ֣ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
הַרְפֵּ֨ה
râphâh
H7503
to slacken
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
מִמֶּ֜/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
שְׁנַ֣יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
חֳדָשִׁ֗ים
chôdesh
H2320
month
N-mp
וְ/אֵֽלְכָה֙
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
וְ/יָרַדְתִּ֣י
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הֶֽ/הָרִ֔ים
har
H2022
mountain
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶבְכֶּה֙
bâkâh
H1058
to weep
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
בְּתוּלַ֔/י
bᵉthûwlîym
H1331
virginity
N-cp | Suff
אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
ו/רעית/י
raʻyâh
H7474
darling
Conj | N-fp | Suff
וְ/רֵעוֹתָֽ/י
rêʻâh
H7464
companion
Conj | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 11:37
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אָבִ֔י/הָ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
יֵעָ֥שֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לִּ֖/י
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/דָּבָ֣ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הַרְפֵּ֨ה
râphâh
H7503
"to slacken"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.
Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.
מִמֶּ֜/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
שְׁנַ֣יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
חֳדָשִׁ֗ים
chôdesh
H2320
"month"
N-mp
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
וְ/אֵֽלְכָה֙
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וְ/יָרַדְתִּ֣י
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הֶֽ/הָרִ֔ים
har
H2022
"mountain"
Art | N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
וְ/אֶבְכֶּה֙
bâkâh
H1058
"to weep"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To weep means to cry or shed tears, often in grief or sadness. In the Bible, weeping is a common expression of emotion, as seen in the stories of David and Jeremiah, who both wept bitterly in times of sorrow and repentance.
Definition: 1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy) 1a2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.) 1a3) to weep upon (embrace and weep) 1a4) to bewail 1b) (Piel) participle 1b1) lamenting 1b2) bewailing
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, bewail, complain, make lamentation, [idiom] more, mourn, [idiom] sore, [idiom] with tears, weep. See also: Genesis 21:16; 2 Samuel 12:21; Psalms 69:11.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בְּתוּלַ֔/י
bᵉthûwlîym
H1331
"virginity"
N-cp | Suff
Virginity refers to the state of being a virgin, and the tokens that prove it, as discussed in biblical laws and customs.
Definition: virginity
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] maid, virginity. See also: Leviticus 21:13; Deuteronomy 22:20; Ezekiel 23:8.
אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
ו/רעית/י
raʻyâh
H7474
"darling"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
A female companion or attendant, often a maiden who serves a queen or noblewoman, is what this word describes. It can also mean a loved one or fellow.
Definition: attendant maidens, companion
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: fellow, love. See also: Judges 11:37; Song of Solomon 2:13; Song of Solomon 6:4.
וְ/רֵעוֹתָֽ/י
rêʻâh
H7464
"companion"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
A female companion or friend is described by this word, often referring to a woman who accompanies or supports another, like a lady-in-waiting. This term is used in stories about women in the Bible, such as the attendants of the queen.
Definition: female companion, companion, attendant (of maidens)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: companion, fellow. See also: Judges 11:37; Judges 11:38; Psalms 45:15.
Study Notes — Judges 11:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 11:37 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:37
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:37
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 11:37
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:37
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 11:37
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 11:37
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:37
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 11:37
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 11:37
- Sermons on Judges 11:37
Context — Jephthah’s Tragic Vow
35As soon as Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “No! Not my daughter! You have brought me to my knees! You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back.”
36“My father,” she replied, “you have given your word to the LORD. Do to me as you have said, for the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites.”
37She also said to her father, “Let me do this one thing: Let me wander for two months through the mountains with my friends and mourn my virginity.”
38“Go,” he said. And he sent her away for two months. So she left with her friends and mourned her virginity upon the mountains. 39After two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed. And she had never had relations with a man. So it has become a custom in IsraelCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 1:25 | “The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 1:6 | Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously. |
Judges 11:37 Summary
[Jephthah's daughter asked her father if she could take two months to mourn her virginity, which means she was saying goodbye to her hopes of getting married and having children. This was a big deal because in those days, women were expected to get married and have kids, as we see in Psalm 127:3-5. She was trusting God, even when things seemed really tough, and we can learn from her example to trust God too, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6. By surrendering her desires to God, Jephthah's daughter demonstrated faith and trust, inspiring us to do the same in our own lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jephthah's daughter ask to wander in the mountains for two months?
Jephthah's daughter asked to wander in the mountains for two months to mourn her virginity, indicating she was giving up her desire for marriage and children, as seen in Judges 11:37, a significant sacrifice in a culture where marriage and childbearing were highly valued, as noted in Psalm 127:3-5.
Was Jephthah's daughter resentful of her father's vow to the Lord?
No, Jephthah's daughter was not resentful of her father's vow, as she stated in Judges 11:36, 'you have given your word to the Lord, do to me as you have said,' demonstrating her trust in God's sovereignty, similar to the trust expressed in Romans 8:28.
What can we learn from Jephthah's daughter's response to her situation?
We can learn from Jephthah's daughter's response that she trusted God's plan, even when it was difficult, as seen in Judges 11:36, and we can apply this to our own lives by trusting God in difficult circumstances, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does Jephthah's daughter's story relate to the broader biblical theme of sacrifice?
Jephthah's daughter's story illustrates the theme of sacrifice, as she was willing to give up her own desires for the sake of her father's vow to the Lord, echoing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as described in John 3:16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's plan, even when it's difficult?
- How can I, like Jephthah's daughter, demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty in the face of challenging circumstances?
- What are some desires or dreams that I may need to surrender to God, and how can I do so with faith and trust?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of sacrifice, as seen in Jephthah's daughter's story, to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:37
And she said unto her father, let this thing be done for me,.... She had but one favour to ask of him, which she thought might be granted, without any breach of the vow: let me alone two months she
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:37
And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth; forasmuch as the LORD hath taken vengeance for thee of
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 11:37
She chose the mountains as a solitary place, and therefore fittest both for lamentations, and for her preparation for her approaching calamity. Bewail my virginity; that I shall die childless, which was esteemed both a curse and a disgrace for the Israelites, 7 Isaiah 4:1, because such were excluded from that great privilege of increasing the holy seed, and contributing to the birth of the Messiah, who was to be born of an Israelitish woman.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:37
Judges 11:37 And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my fellows.Ver. 37. And bewail my virginity.] She saith, not the loss of my life, but the want of posterity; which in those days was counted a great curse.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 11:37
(37) Let me alone two months.—There was nothing which forbade this postponement for a definite purpose and period of the fulfilment of the vow. For the phrase “let me alone,” see Deuteronomy 9:14; 1 Samuel 11:3. And bewail my virginity.—The thought which was so grievous to the Hebrew maiden was not death, but to die unwedded and childless. This is the bitterest wail of Antigone also, in the great play of Sophocles (Ant. 890); but to a Hebrew maid the pang would be more bitter, because the absence of motherhood cut off from her, and, in this instance, from her house, the hopes which prophecy had cherished. Josephus makes the expression mean no more than “to bewail her youth,” neoteta (Jos. Antt. v. 7, § 10).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 11:37
Verse 37. I and my fellows] Whether she meant the young women of her own acquaintance, or those who had been consecrated to God in the same way, though on different accounts, is not quite clear; but it is likely she means her own companions: and her going up and down upon the mountains may signify no more than her paying each of them a visit at their own houses, previously to her being shut up at the tabernacle; and this visiting of each at their own home might require the space of two months. This I am inclined to think is the meaning of this difficult clause.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:37
37. and go down upon the mountains] A slight emendation (weradhti for weyaradhti) improves the sense: and roam or wander restlessly; cf. Jeremiah 2:31 (‘we roam at large’). bewail my virginity] To be neither wife nor mother was considered a punishment and a reproach: cf. Genesis 16:1-5; Genesis 30:23, 1 Samuel 1:10-11; 1 Samuel 1:15, Isaiah 4:1, Luke 1:25. The ancient Greeks felt similarly1[45]. [45] See Livingstone, The Greek Genius (1912), p. 83 f.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 11:37
Bewail my virginity - To become a wife and a mother was the end of existence to an Israelite maiden. The premature death of Jephthah’s daughter was about to frustrate this end.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 11:37
37. Bewail my virginity — Mark, not to bewail her death, for that, by itself considered, might be regarded as a glorious end. Die she must, sooner or later, and no more honourable death could ever be her lot.
Sermons on Judges 11:37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Barrenness Is Fruitlessness by G.W. North | G.W. North emphasizes the significance of spiritual fruitfulness in the life of believers, drawing parallels between marriage and the union with Christ as essential for producing f |
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Prayer in Revival by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and coming to Him with a sense of helplessness and surrender. He shares a story about receivin |
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Birth of the Last-Days Remnant by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that the last-days remnant, represented by the prophet Samuel, emerges from the ruins of a decaying church, birthed through deep grief and fervent prayer |