Judges 21:11
Judges 21:11 in Multiple Translations
This is what you are to do: Devote to destruction every male, as well as every female who has had relations with a man.”
And this is the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain by man.
And this is the thing that ye shall do: ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain by man.
And this is what you are to do: every male, and every woman who has had sex relations with a man, you are to put to the curse, but you are to keep safe the virgins. And they did so.
This is what you have to do: Destroy every male and every woman who has had sex with a man.”
And this is it that ye shall do: ye shall vtterly destroye all the males and all the women that haue lien by men.
And this [is] the thing which ye do; every male, and every woman knowing the lying of a male, ye devote.'
This is the thing that you shall do: you shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman who has lain with a man.”
And this is the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain by man.
And this is what you shall observe: Every male, and all women that have known men, you shall kill, but the virgins you shall save.
They told this to those men: “This is what you must do: You must kill every man in Jabesh-Gilead. You must also kill every married woman. But do not kill the unmarried women.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 21:11
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 21:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/זֶ֥ה
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
תַּעֲשׂ֑וּ
כָּל
זָכָ֗ר
וְ/כָל
אִשָּׁ֛ה
יֹדַ֥עַת
מִשְׁכַּב
זָכָ֖ר
תַּחֲרִֽימוּ
וְ/זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
this
Conj | Pron
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תַּעֲשׂ֑וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
זָכָ֗ר
zâkâr
H2145
male
Adj
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
אִשָּׁ֛ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
יֹדַ֥עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal
מִשְׁכַּב
mishkâb
H4904
bed
N-ms
זָכָ֖ר
zâkâr
H2145
male
Adj
תַּחֲרִֽימוּ
châram
H2763
to devote/destroy
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 21:11
וְ/זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Conj | 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.
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
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.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תַּעֲשׂ֑וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
זָכָ֗ר
zâkâr
H2145
"male"
Adj
This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.
Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אִשָּׁ֛ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
יֹדַ֥עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
מִשְׁכַּב
mishkâb
H4904
"bed"
N-ms
Mishkab refers to a bed, but can also mean sleep or even a bier. It's sometimes used to describe intimate relationships, as in Genesis. This word has various meanings depending on the context.
Definition: 1) a lying down, couch, bier, act of lying 1a) couch, bed 1b) act of lying, lying down or sleeping room, bedroom 1c) lying down (for sexual contact) Aramaic equivalent: mish.kav (מִשְׁכַּב "bed" H4903)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), couch, lieth (lying) with. See also: Genesis 49:4; 2 Samuel 17:28; Psalms 4:5.
זָכָ֖ר
zâkâr
H2145
"male"
Adj
This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.
Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.
תַּחֲרִֽימוּ
châram
H2763
"to devote/destroy"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
To devote or destroy something, like the objects the Israelites were told to destroy in Deuteronomy 7:26.
Definition: 1) to ban, devote, destroy utterly, completely destroy, dedicate for destruction, exterminate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to prohibit (for common use), ban 1a2) to consecrate, devote, dedicate for destruction 1a3) to exterminate, completely destroy 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be put under the ban, be devoted to destruction 1b2) to be devoted, be forfeited 1b3) to be completely destroyed
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: make accursed, consecrate, (utterly) destroy, devote, forfeit, have a flat nose, utterly (slay, make away). See also: Exodus 22:19; Joshua 11:21; Isaiah 11:15.
Study Notes — Judges 21:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 21:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 21:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 21:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 21:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 21:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 21:11
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 21:11
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 21:11
Context — Wives for the Benjamites
9For when the people were counted, none of the residents of Jabesh-gilead were there.
10So the congregation sent 12,000 of their most valiant men and commanded them: “Go and put to the sword those living in Jabesh-gilead, including women and children.
11This is what you are to do: Devote to destruction every male, as well as every female who has had relations with a man.”
12So they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead four hundred young women who had not had relations with a man, and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh in the land of Canaan. 13Then the whole congregation sent a message of peace to the Benjamites who were at the rock of Rimmon.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 31:17–18 | So now, kill all the boys, as well as every woman who has had relations with a man, but spare for yourselves every girl who has never had relations with a man. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 2:34 | At that time we captured all his cities and devoted to destruction the people of every city, including women and children. We left no survivors. |
Judges 21:11 Summary
This verse is talking about a very serious situation where the Israelites were instructed to destroy a city because of its wickedness. The command was to destroy every male and any female who had been involved with a man, but to spare the young women who had not been involved with anyone. This shows that God is a holy God who hates sin and wants His people to be separate from it, as we see in verses like Leviticus 20:26 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7. It's a reminder that God is just and will judge sin, but also that He is merciful and can spare those who are innocent or repentant, as seen in Jonah 3:10 and Romans 5:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Israelites commanded to devote every male and certain females to destruction in Judges 21:11?
The command was given as a judgment for the sin of the people of Jabesh-gilead, who had not gathered for war as instructed in Judges 20:1, and also as a way to deal with those who had been involved in idolatry and immorality, as seen in Judges 19:1-30 and Deuteronomy 7:1-6.
What does it mean to 'devote to destruction' in Judges 21:11?
To devote to destruction means to completely destroy something or someone, setting them apart for God as a form of judgment or consecration, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:16-18 and Leviticus 27:28-29.
Why were the females who had not had relations with a man spared in Judges 21:11?
The females who had not had relations with a man were spared because they were considered innocent and had not been involved in the sins of the people, similar to the sparing of Rahab and her family in Joshua 6:22-25, and the instructions in Deuteronomy 21:10-14 regarding female captives.
How does this verse relate to God's character and nature?
This verse shows that God is a holy and just God, who requires obedience and purity from His people, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45 and 1 Peter 1:15-16, and who will judge sin and rebellion, as seen in Romans 6:23 and Hebrews 10:26-31.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's view of sin and rebellion, and how should this impact my own life and choices?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of separating myself from worldly influences and sinful practices, as seen in this verse and other scriptures like 2 Corinthians 6:14-18?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and His right to judge nations and individuals, as seen in Psalm 115:3 and Romans 9:14-24?
- What does this verse teach about the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they are difficult or unpopular, as seen in Acts 5:29 and 1 Samuel 15:22-23?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 21:11
And this is the thing that ye shall do,.... Which they gave them in charge to execute: ye shall utterly destroy every male; without any reserve, young or old, married or unmarried: and every woman
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 21:11
For the people were numbered, and, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead there. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 21:11
But not the virgins, as appears from the next verses. It is questionable whether they were not obliged to destroy these also by virtue of their oath, and of God’ s express command concerning devoted persons, such as these certainly were, that they should surely be put to death. , which was also particularly enjoined and practised in such cases, as Deuteronomy 13 Joshua 7, &c. But the natural and necessary duty of preserving a tribe from total ruin, might seem to render the case difficult and doubtful, and incline their opinions, as well as their affections, to the more favourable side. And it may be, the Lord, whom they were here consulting with upon all their occasions, gave them a dispensation thus to do, though that be not expressed; which is the case of many other things which were done, though not recorded; as this very oath was omitted in its proper place, and had not been recorded if this extraordinary occasion had not been offered.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 21:11
Judges 21:11 And this [is] the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain by man.Ver. 11. Ye shall utterly destroy every male.] This also was a barbarous and bloody decree, not unlike Draco’ s laws, whereof Aristotle giveth this commendation, that they are not worth remembrance, but only for their severity.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 21:11
(11) To dance in dances.—Possibly the dances of the vintage festival. There is a fountain in a narrow dale, at a little distance from Shiloh, which was very probably the scene of this event. It is a needless conjecture that the feast was the Passover, and the dances a commemoration of the defeat of the Egyptians, like those of Miriam. There seems to have been no regular town at Shiloh; at least, no extensive ruins are traceable. It was probably a community like the Beth-Micah (see Note on Judges 18:2), which was mainly connected with the service of the Tabernacle. The “daughters of Shiloh” would naturally include many women who were in one way or other employed in various functions about the Tabernacle, and not only those who came there to worship (1 Samuel 2:22, where “assembled” should be rendered served, as in Numbers 4:23; “the handmaid” of the priests is mentioned in 2 Samuel 17:17). But the traces of female attendants in the sanctuary are more numerous in Jewish traditions than in Scripture. Catch you every man his wife.—The scene is very analogous to the famous seizure of the Sabine women at the Consualia, as described in Liv. i. 9. St. Jerome (adv.
Jovin, 1 § 41) quotes another parallel from the history of Aristomenes of Messene, who once, in a similar way, seized fifteen Spartan maidens, who were dancing at the Hyacinthia, and escaped with them.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 21:11
11. And this is the thing … do] Similarly Judges 20:9. ye shall utterly destroy] The city and all its inhabitants were to become ḥ ?érem, placed under the ban, for not taking part in the holy war against Benjamin; cf. Judges 20:48 n. This episode is based upon Numbers 31:7; Numbers 31:17 f. (a late stratum of P). The writer again betrays his forgetfulness: he fails to copy his model in the important particular ye shall keep alive the virgins for yourselves Numbers 31:18. The words are accordingly supplied by LXX. cod. B and mss.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 21:11
Ye shall utterly destroy - More exactly, “Ye shall devote to utter destruction,” or “cherem” (Leviticus 27:28 note).