King James Version

What Does Judges 11:3 Mean?

“Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him. from: Heb. from the face”

Context

Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot : and Gilead begat Jephthah. Jephthah: called Jephte an harlot: Heb. a woman an harlot

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.

Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him. from: Heb. from the face

And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel. in process: Heb. after days

And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob:

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Dwelt in the land of Tob.**—A Syrian district on the north-east of Peræa (2Samuel 10:6). It is referred to in 1 Maccabees 5:13; 2 Maccabees 12:17. The name means “good,” but lends no sanction to the idle allegories which have been based upon it. **Vain men.**—Judges 9:4. **Went out with him.**—Jephthah simply became a sort of Syrian freebooter. His half-heathen origin, no doubt, influenced his character unfavourably, as it had done that of Abimelech.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 11:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.