What does Judges 11:2 mean?

"And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman." - Judges 11:2

Judges 11:2 - "And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman."

Judges 11:2 (KJV) states, "And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman."

This verse comes from the book of Judges, which is a historical account of the Israelites during the time of the judges, before they had kings. The story of Jephthah is one of the many intriguing and complex narratives found in the book.

In this verse, we are introduced to Jephthah, who is the son of Gilead and a woman who is considered to be of "strange" or foreign descent. As a result, Jephthah's half-brothers reject him and deny him any inheritance within their father's house. This rejection and mistreatment seem to stem from his mother's status as a foreigner, leading to prejudice and discrimination against Jephthah.

The theme of rejection and discrimination is a prevalent and relatable one in the context of the biblical narrative. Throughout the Bible, we see various instances of individuals facing ostracism and oppression due to their social status, ethnicity, or background. Jephthah's story serves as a reminder of the damaging effects of prejudice and discrimination, and it speaks to the broader themes of justice, inclusion, and acceptance within the biblical context.

The rejection of Jephthah also reflects the flawed nature of human relationships and the consequences of favoritism within families. It highlights the destructive power of jealousy and division, as well as the pain and suffering caused by the mistreatment of others. This theme of familial conflict and betrayal is a recurring motif in the book of Judges, as it reflects the moral and spiritual decay of the Israelites during this period.

Furthermore, the symbolism of Jephthah as the outcast and the marginalized is significant within the biblical narrative. His status as the son of a "strange woman" represents the outsider and the oppressed, embodying the struggles of those who are marginalized and disenfranchised in society. Jephthah's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion towards the marginalized, as well as the need for social justice and equality within the biblical context.

In addition, the rejection of Jephthah foreshadows his future role as a leader and deliverer of Israel. Despite being rejected and cast out by his own family, Jephthah rises to prominence as a mighty warrior and judge, ultimately delivering the Israelites from their enemies. This aspect of the narrative serves as a powerful testament to the redemptive power of God, as well as the transformative potential of those who are marginalized and overlooked by society. It also emphasizes the biblical theme of God's ability to use the weak and the despised to accomplish great things in His kingdom.

In conclusion, Judges 11:2 provides a thought-provoking and multi-layered commentary on the themes of rejection, discrimination, and redemption within the biblical context. Through the story of Jephthah, we are confronted with the damaging effects of prejudice and favoritism, as well as the transformative power of God's redemptive love. The verse serves as a powerful reminder of the need for justice, compassion, and inclusion within the biblical narrative, and it continues to resonate with readers as a timeless and relevant message of hope and healing.

Judges 11:2 Artwork

Judges 2:11 - "¶ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:"

Judges 12:11 - "¶ And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years."

1 Corinthians 11:31 - "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged."

Job 31:11 - "For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges."

Psalms 148:11 - "Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:"

Judges 11:14 - "And Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of Ammon:"

Judges 3:11 - "And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died."

John 16:11 - "Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged."

Judges 14:11 - "And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him."

Ezekiel 11:11 - "This city shall not be your caldron, neither shall ye be the flesh in the midst thereof; but I will judge you in the border of Israel:"

Judges 2:16 - "¶ Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them."

Judges 11:4 - "¶ And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel."

Judges 11:27 - "Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon."

Judges 2:13 - "And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth."

Matthew 7:1-2 - "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Judges 17:11 - "And the Levite was content to dwell with the man; and the young man was unto him as one of his sons."

Judges 11:40 - "That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year."

Judges 11:6 - "And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon."

Judges 11:11 - "Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh."

2 Samuel 7:11 - "And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house."

Judges 10:2 - "And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir."

Judges 11:28 - "Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah which he sent him."

Judges 1:11 - "And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher:"

Judges 11:1 - "Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah."

Judges 20:11 - "So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man."

1 Corinthians 6:2 - "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?"

James 2:4 - "Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?"

Judges 2:5 - "And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the LORD."

1 Corinthians 11:13 - "Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?"