King James Version

What Does Judges 21:7 Mean?

Judges 21:7 in the King James Version says “How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daugh...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives?”

Judges 21:7 · KJV

Context

5

And the children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of Israel that came not up with the congregation unto the LORD? For they had made a great oath concerning him that came not up to the LORD to Mizpeh, saying, He shall surely be put to death.

6

And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day.

7

How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives?

8

And they said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel that came not up to Mizpeh to the LORD? And, behold, there came none to the camp from Jabeshgilead to the assembly.

9

For the people were numbered, and, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead there.

Read Judges 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives? The question "How shall we do" (mah-naaseh, מַה־נַּעֲשֶׂה) reveals Israel's dilemma: they recognize Benjamin's survival requires wives but feel bound by their oath. The phrase "sworn by the LORD" (nishbanu ba-YHWH, נִשְׁבַּעְנוּ בַּיהוָֹה) emphasizes the oath's sacred nature—it was taken in God's name, making it seemingly irrevocable. Their question reveals they seek a solution that technically preserves the oath while achieving the opposite outcome (providing wives for Benjamin).

This verse exposes the folly of rash vows: Israel painted themselves into a moral corner where keeping their word requires perpetuating injustice (Benjamin's extinction), but finding "workarounds" requires more injustice (destroying Jabesh-gilead, condoning kidnapping). From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates why the law made provision for releasing vows under certain circumstances (Leviticus 27, Numbers 30) and why Jesus later forbade oath-taking (Matthew 5:33-37). Absolute vows made in human emotion inevitably create situations where keeping the letter violates the spirit. Rather than humbly admitting their oath was sinful and seeking legitimate release, Israel pursued legalistic solutions that compounded violence. The proper response would be confession that the oath was rash, seeking priestly or prophetic guidance for release, and reconciliation through genuine repentance rather than technicalities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures took oaths with extreme seriousness—invoking a deity's name created binding obligation with severe consequences for violation. In Israel, oaths taken "by the LORD" were considered inviolable (Numbers 30:2, Deuteronomy 23:21-23). Breaking such oaths could bring divine curse on the individual or community. This explains Israel's desperate search for solutions that technically preserve the oath while achieving opposite results.

However, Mosaic law provided mechanisms for releasing certain vows (Leviticus 27:1-13 for redemption of vowed persons, Numbers 30:3-16 for women's vows nullified by fathers or husbands). While these specific provisions might not directly apply, they reveal God's wisdom that absolute vows can create untenable situations requiring release. Israel could have sought prophetic or priestly guidance for releasing their rash oath—Phinehas the high priest was present (20:28). Instead, they chose legalistic workarounds that caused more suffering: destroying Jabesh-gilead produced 400 wives, then condoning kidnapping at Shiloh provided 200 more. Their approach shows more concern for their honor and reputation than for righteousness, illustrating how religious scrupulosity can mask moral bankruptcy when divorced from wisdom and mercy.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you found yourself trapped by commitments made hastily, needing to choose between breaking your word or pursuing unethical "workarounds"?
  2. Why might Israel have been more willing to destroy a city than to humbly admit their oath was rash and seek legitimate release?
  3. How does this verse illustrate Jesus's wisdom in forbidding oath-taking and advocating simple yes-or-no commitments we can keep with integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
מַה1 of 13
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

נַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה2 of 13

“How shall we do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָהֶ֛ם3 of 13
H0
לַנּֽוֹתָרִ֖ים4 of 13

“for them that remain”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

לְנָשִֽׁים׃5 of 13

“for wives”

H802

a woman

וַֽאֲנַ֙חְנוּ֙6 of 13
H587

we

נִשְׁבַּ֣עְנוּ7 of 13

“seeing we have sworn”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

בַֽיהוָ֔ה8 of 13

“by the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְבִלְתִּ֛י9 of 13
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

תֵּת10 of 13

“that we will not give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֥ם11 of 13
H0
מִבְּנוֹתֵ֖ינוּ12 of 13

“them of our daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

לְנָשִֽׁים׃13 of 13

“for wives”

H802

a woman

Study Guide

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 21:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Judges 21:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 21:1Judges 21:181 Samuel 14:451 Samuel 14:28-29

Test Your Knowledge

Judges 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJudges Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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