Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version that each year the young women of Israel go out for four days to commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite. New Living Translation for young Israelite women to go away for four days each year to lament the fate of Jephthah’s daughter. English Standard Version that the daughters of Israel went year by year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year. Berean Standard Bible that each year the young women of Israel go out for four days to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite. Berean Literal Bible that from time to time the daughters of Israel went to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite, four days in the year. King James Bible That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year. New King James Version that the daughters of Israel went four days each year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite. New American Standard Bible that the daughters of Israel went annually to commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite for four days in the year. NASB 1995 that the daughters of Israel went yearly to commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year. NASB 1977 that the daughters of Israel went yearly to commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year. Legacy Standard Bible that the daughters of Israel went yearly to commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year. Amplified Bible that the daughters of Israel went yearly to tell the story of the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year. Berean Annotated Bible that each year the young women of Israel (he wrestles with God) go out for four days to lament the daughter of Jephthah (he opens) the Gileadite (rocky region). Christian Standard Bible that four days each year the young women of Israel would commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite. Holman Christian Standard Bible that four days each year the young women of Israel would commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite. American Standard Version that the daughters of Israel went yearly to celebrate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year. Contemporary English Version every year, Israelite girls walk around for four days, weeping for Jephthah's daughter. English Revised Version that the daughters of Israel went yearly to celebrate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year. GOD'S WORD® Translation that for four days every year the girls in Israel would go out to sing the praises of the daughter of Jephthah, the man from Gilead. Good News Translation that the Israelite women would go out for four days every year to grieve for the daughter of Jephthah of Gilead. International Standard Version that for four days out of every year the Israeli women would go to mourn the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite in commemoration. NET Bible Every year Israelite women commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite for four days. New Heart English Bible that the daughters of Israel went yearly four days in a year to commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite. Webster's Bible Translation That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblethat each year the young women of Israel go out for four days to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite. World English Bible that the daughters of Israel went yearly to celebrate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfrom time to time the daughters of Israel go to talk to the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite, four days in a year. Berean Literal Bible that from time to time the daughters of Israel went to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite, four days in the year. Young's Literal Translation from time to time the daughters of Israel go to talk to the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite, four days in a year. Smith's Literal Translation From days of days the daughters of Israel will go to celebrate to the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite, four days in the year. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThat from year to year the daughters of Israel assemble together, and lament the daughter of Jephte the Galaadite for four days. Catholic Public Domain Version such that, after each year passes, the daughters of Israel convene as one, and they lament the daughter of Jephthah, the Gileadite, for four days. New American Bible for Israelite women to go yearly to mourn the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite for four days of the year. New Revised Standard Version for four days every year the daughters of Israel would go out to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThat the daughters of Israel went yearly to weep and lament over the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And from time to time the daughters of Israel were going on and they wept and they howled for the daughter of Naphthakh the Geladite four days in a year OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917that the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year. Brenton Septuagint Translation and it was an ordinance in Israel, That the daughters of Israel went from year to year to bewail the daughter of Jephthae the Galaadite for four days in a year. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jephthah's Tragic Vow…39After two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed. And she had never had relations with a man. So it has become a custom in Israel 40that each year the young women of Israel go out for four days to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite. Cross References that each year 1 Samuel 1:3 Year after year Elkanah would go up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD. 1 Samuel 2:19 Each year his mother would make him a little robe and bring it to him when she went with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. Exodus 23:17 Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD. the young women of Israel 2 Samuel 1:24 O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and luxury, who decked your garments with ornaments of gold. Judges 21:21-23 and watch. When you see the daughters of Shiloh come out to perform their dances, each of you is to come out of the vineyards, catch for himself a wife from the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin. / When their fathers or brothers come to us to complain, we will tell them, ‘Do us a favor by helping them, since we did not get wives for each of them in the war. Since you did not actually give them your daughters, you have no guilt.’” / The Benjamites did as instructed and carried away the number of women they needed from the dancers they caught. They went back to their own inheritance, rebuilt their cities, and settled in them. Psalm 68:25 The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines. go out for four days 1 Samuel 18:6-7 As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” Exodus 15:20-21 Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. / And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.” John 11:17-19 When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already spent four days in the tomb. / Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, a little less than two miles away, / and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them in the loss of their brother. to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite. Zechariah 12:10 Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son. Amos 8:10 I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation. I will cause everyone to wear sackcloth and every head to be shaved. I will make it like a time of mourning for an only son, and its outcome like a bitter day. Jeremiah 31:15 This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Numbers 30:2 If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised. Deuteronomy 23:21-23 If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. / But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. / Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth. Psalm 15:4 who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath, Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. / It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Treasury of Scripture That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year. yearly. Judges 5:11 They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates. four days 1 Kings 9:25 And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense upon the altar that was before the LORD. So he finished the house. Jump to Previous Celebrate Commemorate Daughter Daughters Israel Jephthah Lament Sorrowing Talk Time Women Yearly YoungJump to Next Celebrate Commemorate Daughter Daughters Israel Jephthah Lament Sorrowing Talk Time Women Yearly YoungJudges 11 1. The covenant between Jephthah and the Gileadites, that he should lead12. The treaty of peace between him and the Ammonites is in vain 29. Jephthah's vow 32. His conquest of the Ammonites 34. He performs his vow on his daughter. that each year This phrase indicates a recurring annual event, suggesting the establishment of a tradition or ritual. In the context of ancient Israel, annual observances were significant for maintaining cultural and religious identity. This tradition reflects the importance of remembrance and communal participation in Israelite society. the young women of Israel go out for four days to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite Persons / Places / Events 1. JephthahA judge of Israel, known for his vow to God that led to the sacrifice of his daughter. He was a Gileadite and a mighty warrior. 2. Jephthah's Daughter The unnamed daughter of Jephthah, who became the subject of lamentation due to her father's vow. Her account highlights themes of sacrifice and obedience. 3. Gilead A region east of the Jordan River, associated with Jephthah's family and leadership. 4. The Young Women of Israel They annually commemorated Jephthah's daughter, indicating a cultural practice of remembrance and mourning. 5. The Lamentation Event An annual four-day event where the young women of Israel would lament Jephthah's daughter, reflecting on themes of loss and sacrifice. Teaching Points The Weight of VowsVows made to God are serious and should not be taken lightly. Consider the implications and seek God's guidance before making commitments. The Cost of Rash Decisions Jephthah's account warns against making hasty promises without considering the consequences. Seek wisdom and counsel in decision-making. The Role of Remembrance The annual lamentation serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and learning from past events. Reflect on how God has worked through difficult circumstances. The Value of Sacrifice While Jephthah's sacrifice was tragic, it points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Consider how we are called to live sacrificially for others. Community Support in Grief The communal lamentation shows the importance of supporting one another in times of grief and loss. Engage in community and offer support to those who mourn. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 11:40?2. How can we honor commitments as Jephthah's daughter did in Judges 11:40? 3. What does Judges 11:40 teach about the importance of keeping vows to God? 4. How does Judges 11:40 connect with other biblical examples of faithfulness? 5. How can we incorporate remembrance and reflection in our spiritual practices today? 6. What lessons from Judges 11:40 can guide our community interactions and traditions? 7. Why did the daughters of Israel commemorate Jephthah's daughter annually in Judges 11:40? 8. What does Judges 11:40 reveal about the cultural practices of ancient Israel? 9. How does Judges 11:40 reflect on the value of women in biblical times? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 11? 11. Why did God allow Jephthah to sacrifice his daughter in Judges 11 without stopping him? 12. Who was Jephthah's daughter in the Bible? 13. Judges 11:1-3: Does Jephthah's parentage present any inconsistency with standard Old Testament genealogical records? 14. Who were Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon? What Does Judges 11:40 Mean that each yearJudges 11:40 opens with the regular cadence of remembrance: “that each year….” Scripture often sets memorials on an annual rhythm so that God’s people keep vital truths alive (Exodus 12:14; Joshua 4:7; Esther 9:28). Here the yearly observance anchors Jephthah’s vow and its outcome in Israel’s collective conscience, warning every generation not to speak lightly before the LORD (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6; Psalm 15:4). the young women of Israel The verse singles out “the young women,” spotlighting those who most closely identify with Jephthah’s daughter—unmarried, looking ahead to future hopes. Similar female choirs appear in other national moments (Exodus 15:20-21; Judges 5:1-2; Psalm 68:25). Their participation proclaims that faithfulness—even unto great personal cost—remains worthy of honor (Proverbs 31:30). go out They “go out,” leaving routine settings to mark sacred space (Judges 21:19-21; 1 Samuel 9:12-13). Stepping outside their villages underscores pilgrimage and intentionality: this is not casual grief but a deliberate act of covenant memory, echoing Israel’s festival journeys to Shiloh, then later to Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16; Luke 2:41). for four days The Spirit records the length—“four days.” Scripture often notes time spans to stress completeness (Genesis 7:17; 1 Samuel 30:12-13). Four days allow sustained reflection: a day to travel, a day to gather, a day to mourn, a day to return. Nothing hurried; vows and their consequences must be weighed soberly (Numbers 30:2; James 5:12). to lament Their purpose is “to lament.” Biblical lament is more than sorrow; it is worshipful grieving before God (2 Samuel 1:17-27; Psalm 119:136). The young women mourn the life forfeited and perhaps their own vulnerability, yet they also magnify the LORD’s holiness that requires integrity in vows (Leviticus 5:4-6; Joshua 9:19). the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite Finally, the focus: “the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite.” She remained nameless in the narrative, which keeps attention on her father’s vow and God’s honor (Judges 11:34-39). Whether understanding her fate as literal sacrifice (most straightforward reading, echoing Genesis 22) or lifelong consecration (Numbers 30:3-9), her obedience stands alongside other Hebrews 11 heroes who “did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (Hebrews 11:32-34; Revelation 12:11). Her story urges every believer to count the cost of discipleship (Luke 9:23). summary Judges 11:40 records an annual, four-day pilgrimage by Israel’s young women to mourn Jephthah’s daughter. The practice kept alive the memory of a vow kept at terrible cost, warned Israel to speak carefully before the LORD, and honored a young woman’s faithfulness. Through this simple line, God teaches that He is holy, vows are sacred, and the example of sacrificial obedience must never be forgotten. (40) To lament.--Rabbi Tanchum makes it mean "to praise," or "celebrate." The feelings of the Israelites towards Jephthah's daughter would be much the same as that of the Romans towards Claelia, and of other nations towards heroines whose self-sacrifice has helped them to victory.Verse 40. - The daughters of Israel, etc. No other trace of this custom, which was probably confined to Gilead, remains. To lament. The word rather means to praise, or celebrate, as in Judges 5:11 (rehearse).
Hebrew that each yearמִיָּמִ֣ים ׀ (mî·yā·mîm) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day the young women בְּנ֣וֹת (bə·nō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 1323: A daughter of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc go out תֵּלַ֙כְנָה֙ (tê·laḵ·nāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk for four אַרְבַּ֥עַת (’ar·ba·‘aṯ) Number - masculine singular construct Strong's 702: Four days יָמִ֖ים (yā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day to lament לְתַנּ֕וֹת (lə·ṯan·nō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 8567: To ascribe, celebrate, commemorate the daughter לְבַת־ (lə·ḇaṯ-) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1323: A daughter of Jephthah יִפְתָּ֖ח (yip̄·tāḥ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3316: Jephthah -- 'He opens', a Gileadite, also a city of Judah the Gileadite. הַגִּלְעָדִ֑י (hag·gil·‘ā·ḏî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1569: Gileadite -- a descendant of Gilead, also an inhabitant of Gilead Links Judges 11:40 NIVJudges 11:40 NLT Judges 11:40 ESV Judges 11:40 NASB Judges 11:40 KJV Judges 11:40 BibleApps.com Judges 11:40 Biblia Paralela Judges 11:40 Chinese Bible Judges 11:40 French Bible Judges 11:40 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 11:40 That the daughters of Israel went yearly (Jd Judg. Jdg) |
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