Judges 12:5

KJV

And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was [so], that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, [Art] thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Gileadites {H1568} took {H3920} the passages {H4569} of Jordan {H3383} before the Ephraimites {H669}: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites {H669} which were escaped {H6412} said {H559}, Let me go over {H5674}; that the men {H582} of Gilead {H1568} said {H559} unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite {H673}? If he said {H559}, Nay;

Complete Jewish Bible

The men of Gil'ad cut off Efrayim from the crossings over the Yarden, and whenever anyone from Efrayim tried to escape and said, "Let me go across," the men of Gil'ad would ask him, "Are you from Efrayim?" and if he said, "No,"

Berean Standard Bible

The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a fugitive from Ephraim would say, “Let me cross over,” the Gileadites would ask him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he answered, “No,”

American Standard Version

And the Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And it was so, that, when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, Let me go over, the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 12:5 vividly portrays a grim scene from the aftermath of a devastating civil war between the Gileadites and the Ephraimites. It describes the strategic capture of the Jordan River fords by the victorious Gileadites, effectively cutting off the escape routes for the fleeing Ephraimite survivors. The verse then introduces the critical moment when these desperate fugitives, seeking passage, are confronted by Gileadite guards who demand their tribal identity, setting the stage for the infamous phonetic test that follows. This passage underscores the brutal consequences of inter-tribal strife and the desperate measures taken to ensure victory and prevent further conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 12:5 is situated immediately after the decisive victory of the Gileadites, led by Jephthah, over the arrogant tribe of Ephraim. The narrative in [Judges 12:1-4](/judges/12-1-4 "Judges 12:1-4 - Ephraim's Arrogance and Defeat") details Ephraim's confrontational attitude, their complaint against Jephthah for not involving them in the war against the Ammonites, and their subsequent threat to burn Jephthah's house. This prideful challenge escalated into a full-scale civil war, where the Gileadites, though fewer in number, inflicted a crushing defeat upon the Ephraimites. Verse 5, therefore, depicts the immediate pursuit and capture of the strategic escape routes, leading directly into the infamous "Shibboleth" test described in [Judges 12:6](/judges/12-6 "Judges 12:6 - The Shibboleth Test"). It marks the culmination of the conflict, demonstrating the thoroughness of the Gileadite victory and the desperation of the Ephraimite survivors.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1200-1000 BC) was characterized by a lack of central authority, repeated cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance, and frequent inter-tribal conflicts, as seen throughout the book of [Judges](/judges/1 "Book of Judges - Israel's Cycles of Disobedience and Deliverance"). The Jordan River served as a significant geographical and political boundary, separating the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Gileadites) to the east from the main body of Israelite tribes, including Ephraim, to the west. Control of its "passages" or fords was strategically vital for movement, trade, and military maneuvers. Tribal identity was paramount, often determining loyalty, alliance, and even dialectal variations, as tragically illustrated by the phonetic test that emerges from this confrontation. The brutality of the conflict reflects the harsh realities of ancient warfare, particularly civil strife where familial and tribal ties were violently severed.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **consequences of pride and internal strife** within God's people, a recurring motif in Judges, notably seen earlier with Ephraim's similar challenge in [Judges 8:1](/judges/8-1 "Judges 8:1 - Ephraim's Complaint to Gideon"). Secondly, it highlights the **destructive nature of disunity** among the tribes of Israel, demonstrating how a lack of central leadership and a spirit of arrogance could lead to devastating bloodshed among those who should have been allies. Thirdly, the strategic capture of the Jordan passages and the subsequent interrogation underscore themes of **strategic control and the desperate pursuit of victory**, even to the point of extreme measures. Finally, the verse sets the stage for a unique and brutal **test of identity and loyalty**, revealing the deep divisions and animosity that had taken root between these two Israelite tribes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **passages (Hebrew, _maʻăbâr'_):** This term (H4569) refers to a "crossing-place" or "ford" of a river. In the context of the Jordan River, these shallow points were critical strategic locations for travel and military control. By seizing these, the Gileadites effectively sealed off the escape routes for the fleeing Ephraimites, ensuring their capture or demise and preventing them from reaching safety in their own territory.
* **escaped (Hebrew, _pâlîyṭ'_):** This word (H6412) describes a "refugee" or "fugitive," emphasizing the desperate state of the Ephraimites. These were the survivors who had fled the initial battle and were actively seeking to escape the slaughter, highlighting the severity of their defeat and the relentless pursuit by the Gileadites.
* **Ephraimite (Hebrew, _ʼEphrâthîy'_):** This term (H673) denotes a member of the tribe of Ephraim. In this context, it is the crucial identifier demanded by the Gileadite guards. The question "Art thou an Ephraimite?" was a direct challenge for tribal affiliation, the answer to which would determine life or death, underscoring the deep tribal animosity and the existential threat posed by the conflict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites:"** This clause describes the decisive strategic maneuver by the Gileadite forces. Recognizing the Jordan fords as the Ephraimites' primary escape route back to their territory west of the river, the Gileadites seized control of these vital crossing points. This action effectively trapped the fleeing Ephraimite survivors, preventing their retreat and ensuring their capture or destruction. It highlights the military acumen and thoroughness of Jephthah's forces.
* **"and it was [so], that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over;"** This part of the verse depicts the desperate situation of the Ephraimite fugitives. Having survived the initial battle, they arrived at the Jordan River, seeking to cross to safety. Their plea, "Let me go over," reveals their vulnerability and their urgent desire to escape the conflict zone and return to their own land. It underscores the human element of fear and desperation in the face of defeat.
* **"that the men of Gilead said unto him, [Art] thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay;"** This final segment introduces the crucial interrogation process. The Gileadite guards, positioned at the fords, challenged each individual attempting to cross, demanding to know their tribal identity. The potential response, "Nay" (i.e., "No, I am not an Ephraimite"), sets the stage for the subsequent, more definitive, and brutal phonetic test described in the following verse, indicating that a simple denial was not sufficient to secure passage.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 12:5 employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the direct question "Art thou an Ephraimite?" immediately sets up the subsequent, chilling phonetic test of "Shibboleth" in [Judges 12:6](/judges/12-6 "Judges 12:6 - The Shibboleth Test"), where dialectal differences become a matter of life and death. This verse also utilizes **Irony**, as it describes Israelites, God's chosen people, engaged in a brutal civil war, turning their military might against their own brethren rather than against common enemies. The Jordan River itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only a geographical barrier but also a boundary of life and death, a point of no return for the fleeing Ephraimites, and a stark division between the warring tribes. The terse, direct dialogue also contributes to the dramatic tension, highlighting the immediate and dire consequences of the conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 12:5 serves as a stark warning against the perils of pride, disunity, and internal strife within God's people. The Ephraimites' arrogance and readiness to provoke conflict, rather than seeking reconciliation or cooperation, led directly to their devastating downfall. This passage underscores the tragic consequences when tribal loyalty or personal pride supersedes the broader unity and common purpose of the covenant community. The brutal nature of the conflict and the desperate measures taken by the Gileadites highlight how quickly division can escalate into merciless destruction, even among those who share a common heritage and faith. It implicitly calls for humility, discernment, and a spirit of peace within the community of faith, reminding us that internal divisions can be more destructive than external threats.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")
* [Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity")
* [Galatians 5:15](/galatians/5-15 "Galatians 5:15 - Warning Against Biting and Devouring")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The grim account in Judges 12:5, though set in a distant past of tribal warfare, offers profound and enduring lessons for individuals and communities today. It is a powerful reminder that pride and a contentious spirit can lead to devastating consequences, fracturing relationships and undermining collective well-being. For believers, this passage serves as a cautionary tale against internal strife within the church or any community, emphasizing the importance of humility, reconciliation, and the pursuit of unity. Just as the Jordan passages became a point of no return for the Ephraimites, our choices regarding pride versus peace, and division versus discernment, can lead to equally dire spiritual or relational outcomes. We are called to exercise wisdom in our interactions, to be quick to listen and slow to anger, and to prioritize the bonds of fellowship over personal grievances or tribal loyalties, always remembering that true discernment is exercised in love, not in judgment that leads to destruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does pride manifest in my own life or in the communities I belong to, and what are its potential consequences?**
* **In what ways might I be contributing to division rather than unity, either intentionally or unintentionally?**
* **What steps can I take to foster reconciliation and understanding when conflict arises, rather than allowing it to escalate?**
* **How can I apply the lesson of discernment from this passage in a way that promotes grace and truth, rather than judgment and exclusion?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Jordan passages so important in this conflict?**

Answer: The Jordan River fords (or "passages") were crucial because they were the primary crossing points for anyone traveling between the Transjordan region (where the Gileadites lived) and the central Israelite highlands (where Ephraim was located). For the defeated Ephraimite fugitives, these passages represented their only viable escape route back to their own territory and safety. By seizing these strategic points, the Gileadites effectively trapped the fleeing Ephraimites, preventing their escape and ensuring their complete defeat, leading directly to the brutal identification process described in [Judges 12:6](/judges/12-6 "Judges 12:6 - The Shibboleth Test").

**What does this verse tell us about the nature of inter-tribal conflict during the period of the Judges?**

Answer: Judges 12:5, along with the broader narrative of Jephthah and Ephraim, vividly illustrates the brutal and often merciless nature of inter-tribal conflict during the Judges period. Without a strong central authority, individual tribes often asserted their power, leading to disputes over perceived slights, territory, or leadership. This passage shows that these conflicts could escalate quickly from verbal confrontations to full-scale civil wars, resulting in immense bloodshed and deep-seated animosity among fellow Israelites. It highlights a dark time in Israel's history where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Every Man Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes")), even to the point of fratricide.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic division and bloodshed depicted in Judges 12:5, stemming from tribal pride and a lack of unity, stand in stark contrast to the unifying work of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, tribal identity was a matter of life and death, leading to bitter conflict and the establishment of boundaries that separated people, even within Israel. However, Christ came to break down these dividing walls, not to reinforce them. He is the ultimate unifier, who, through His sacrifice on the cross, has reconciled both Jew and Gentile to God in one body ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The desperate question, "Art thou an Ephraimite?", which served as a test of tribal allegiance leading to death, finds its profound counterpoint in the New Testament's invitation to identify with Christ. Our true identity is no longer found in earthly lineage or tribal affiliation, but in being "in Christ" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). He is the one who gathers all scattered sheep into one flock ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd")) and offers a true "passage" to eternal life, not through a perilous river ford, but through His own body and blood ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Him, the divisions that once led to death are overcome by a new, shared life and an eternal unity under the one true Shepherd and King.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 3:28

And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.

Joshua 22:11

And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.

Joshua 2:7

And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.

Judges 7:24

And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.