Judges 11:6
Judges 11:6 in Multiple Translations
“Come,” they said, “be our commander, so that we can fight against the Ammonites.”
And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.
and they said unto Jephthah, Come and be our chief, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.
And they said to Jephthah, Come and be our chief so that we may make war against the children of Ammon.
“Come and be our army commander,” they asked Jepthah, “so we can fight the Ammonites.”
And they saide vnto Iphtah, Come and be our captaine, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.
and they say unto Jephthah, 'Come, and thou hast been to us for captain, and we fight against the Bene-Ammon.'
They said to Jephthah, “Come and be our chief, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.”
And they said to Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.
And they said to him: Come thou and be our prince, and fight against the children of Ammon.
They said to him, “Come with us and lead our army, and help us to fight against the men from the Ammon people-group!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 11:6
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 11:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
לְ/יִפְתָּ֔ח
לְכָ֕/ה
וְ/הָיִ֥יתָה
לָּ֖/נוּ
לְ/קָצִ֑ין
וְ/נִֽלָּחֲמָ֖ה
בִּ/בְנֵ֥י
עַמּֽוֹן
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לְ/יִפְתָּ֔ח
Yiphtâch
H3316
Jephthah
Prep | N-proper
לְכָ֕/ה
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
וְ/הָיִ֥יתָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
לָּ֖/נוּ
Prep | Suff
לְ/קָצִ֑ין
qâtsîyn
H7101
chief
Prep | N-ms
וְ/נִֽלָּחֲמָ֖ה
lâcham
H3898
to fight
Conj | V-Niphal-1cp
בִּ/בְנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
עַמּֽוֹן
ʻAmmôwn
H5983
Ammon
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 11:6
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
לְ/יִפְתָּ֔ח
Yiphtâch
H3316
"Jephthah"
Prep | N-proper
Jephthah was an Israelite judge who defeated the Ammonites, but also made a tragic vow that led to the sacrifice of his daughter. His name means 'he opens' and he's mentioned in the book of Judges as a hero of faith. Jephthah was the son of Gilead.
Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.11.1; son of: Gilead (H1568I) Also named: Iephthae (Ἰεφθάε "Jephthah" G2422) § Jephthah or Jiphtah = "he opens" 1) a son of Gilead and a concubine and the judge who defeated the Ammonites; after the victory because of a vow taken before the battle he sacrificed his daughter as a burnt offering 2) a city in Judah
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Jephthah, Jiphtah. See also: Joshua 15:43; Judges 11:14; 1 Samuel 12:11.
לְכָ֕/ה
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
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/הָיִ֥יתָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָּ֖/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/קָצִ֑ין
qâtsîyn
H7101
"chief"
Prep | N-ms
A qatsin is a leader or chief, such as a commander in war or a ruler with authority. The KJV translates this word as 'captain', 'guide', 'prince', or 'ruler', depending on the context.
Definition: 1) chief, ruler, commander 1a) chief, commander (in war) 1b) dictator 1c) ruler (of one in authority)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: captain, guide, prince, ruler. Compare H6278 (עֵת קָצִין). See also: Joshua 10:24; Isaiah 3:6; Proverbs 6:7.
וְ/נִֽלָּחֲמָ֖ה
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
Conj | V-Niphal-1cp
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
בִּ/בְנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עַמּֽוֹן
ʻAmmôwn
H5983
"Ammon"
N-proper
Ammon refers to a son of Lot and his descendants, who lived in Transjordan. The Ammonites are mentioned in the Bible as a distinct people. They appear in the book of Genesis and are also referenced in the history of the Israelites.
Definition: § Ammon = "tribal" a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: Ammon, Ammonites. See also: Genesis 19:38; 2 Samuel 11:1; Psalms 83:8.
Study Notes — Judges 11:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Judges 11:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 11:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 11:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 11:6
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:6
Context — Jephthah Delivers Israel
4Some time later, when the Ammonites fought against Israel
5and made war with them, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob.
6“Come,” they said, “be our commander, so that we can fight against the Ammonites.”
7Jephthah replied to the elders of Gilead, “Did you not hate me and expel me from my father’s house? Why then have you come to me now, when you are in distress?” 8They answered Jephthah, “This is why we now turn to you, that you may go with us, fight the Ammonites, and become leader over all of us who live in Gilead.”Judges 11:6 Summary
In Judges 11:6, the elders of Gilead ask Jephthah to be their commander and lead them in battle against the Ammonites. This shows that even though Jephthah was previously rejected by his family and community, he was still recognized as a strong and capable leader. This is similar to how God often uses unlikely people to accomplish great things, as seen in the stories of Moses (Exodus 3:1-4:17) and David (1 Samuel 16:1-13). By studying this verse, we can learn the importance of humility, recognizing our need for others, and using our unique gifts and abilities to serve others, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 and Galatians 5:13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the elders of Gilead ask Jephthah to be their commander?
The elders of Gilead asked Jephthah to be their commander because they needed a strong leader to fight against the Ammonites, as seen in Judges 11:6, and they recognized Jephthah's military abilities, as mentioned in Judges 11:1-3.
What was the condition for Jephthah to become the commander?
The condition for Jephthah to become the commander was that he had to fight against the Ammonites, as stated in Judges 11:6, and in return, he would become the leader over all of them who lived in Gilead, as mentioned in Judges 11:8.
How does this relate to other instances of God using unlikely leaders in the Bible?
This instance of the elders asking Jephthah to be their commander is similar to other instances in the Bible where God uses unlikely leaders, such as Moses in Exodus 3:1-4:17 or David in 1 Samuel 16:1-13, to accomplish great things.
What can we learn from the elders' willingness to ask for help from someone they had previously rejected?
The elders' willingness to ask for help from Jephthah, despite having previously rejected him, as seen in Judges 11:7, teaches us the importance of humility and recognizing our need for others, as emphasized in Proverbs 11:2 and 1 Peter 5:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to humble myself and ask for help, just like the elders of Gilead did?
- How can I, like Jephthah, use my unique gifts and abilities to serve others and fight against the spiritual battles that we face, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-20?
- In what ways can I demonstrate the same kind of courage and leadership that Jephthah showed in his response to the elders, as seen in Judges 11:7-11?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of unity and working together to achieve a common goal, as emphasized in Psalm 133:1-3 and Romans 15:5-7?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:6
And they said unto Jephthah, come and be our captain,.... The general of their army, to conduct and lead on their forces; they did not propose him to be their king, being convinced by Abimelech's
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:6
And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 11:6
Our captain: they say not our king; for the experience of Abimelech’ s kingship had cooled their appetite in that particular; but our captain.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:6
Judges 11:6 And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.Ver. 6. Come, and be our captain.] See Trapp on "Judges 11:2".
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 11:6
(6) Our captain.—The word used is katzin (Joshua 10:24; Isaiah 1:10; Isaiah 22:3), which is specially a leader in time of war; but Jephthah demands something more—namely, to be their “head” (rosh) in time of peace also.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 11:6
Verse 6. Come, and be our captain] The Israelites were assembled in Mizpeh, but were without a captain to lead them against the Ammonites. And we find, from the conclusion of the preceding chapter, that they offered the command to any that would accept it.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:6
6. chief] i.e. commander in war, Joshua 10:24, Daniel 11:18 (RVm.); the same word as the Arabic ḳ ?âḍ ?i.