Judges 11:9

Authorized King James Version

And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If ye bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יִפְתָּ֜ח

H3316

And Jephthah

jiphtach, an israelite; also a place in palestine

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

זִקְנֵ֣י

H2205

unto the elders

old

גִלְעָ֗ד

H1568

of Gilead

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

מְשִׁיבִ֨ים

H7725

If ye bring me home again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אַתֶּ֤ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אוֹתִי֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

לְהִלָּחֵם֙

H3898

to fight

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

#11

בִּבְנֵ֣י

H1121

against the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#12

עַמּ֔וֹן

H5983

of Ammon

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

#13

וְנָתַ֧ן

H5414

deliver

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

#14

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

and the LORD

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

#15

אוֹתָ֖ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

לְפָנָ֑י

H6440

them before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#17

אָֽנֹכִ֕י

H595

#18

אֶֽהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#19

לָכֶ֖ם

#20

לְרֹֽאשׁ׃

H7218

me shall I be your head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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