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Judges 11:1

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¶ Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he [was] the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.

Now Jephthah {H3316} the Gileadite {H1569} was a mighty man {H1368} of valour {H2428}, and he was the son {H1121} of an harlot {H802}{H2181}: and Gilead {H1568} begat {H3205} Jephthah {H3316}.

Now Yiftach, a brave soldier from Gil'ad, was the son of a prostitute. His father, Gil'ad,

Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor; he was the son of a prostitute, and Gilead was his father.

Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of a harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.

Commentary

Judges 11:1 (KJV): "¶ Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he [was] the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah."

Context

Judges Chapter 11 introduces Jephthah, one of the later judges in Israel's history. This period is characterized by a cyclical pattern of disobedience, oppression by foreign nations, and deliverance through a judge raised by God. The setting for Jephthah's story is Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River. At this time, the Israelites in Gilead were suffering under the oppression of the Ammonites, a situation brought on by their idolatry (see Judges 10:6). The people of Gilead desperately needed a leader to deliver them, setting the stage for Jephthah's appearance.

Key Themes

  • Unexpected Origins: The verse highlights Jephthah's dual identity: a "mighty man of valour" and "the son of an harlot." This immediately presents a complex picture of a powerful figure with a socially disadvantaged background, rejected by his half-brothers.
  • Divine Potential Despite Background: Despite his illegitimate birth and subsequent expulsion from his family (mentioned later in the chapter), Jephthah possessed notable strength and leadership qualities. This introduces the theme that God can use individuals regardless of their social standing or past circumstances.
  • Introduction of a Deliverer: This verse serves to introduce the person God will use to rescue Israel from the Ammonite oppression, even though his calling and acceptance by his people are initially fraught with difficulty.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "mighty man of valour" translates the Hebrew term gibbor chayil (גִּבּוֹר חַיִל). This term is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to describe individuals of significant strength, wealth, influence, or military prowess. It signifies a person of substance and capability, indicating that Jephthah was recognized for his abilities and strength even before he was called upon to lead Israel.

Reflection and Application

Jephthah's introduction reminds us that God's choice of leaders and instruments is not always based on human standards or social acceptance. He looks beyond labels and backgrounds. Just as Jephthah, an outcast, was equipped with strength and called to a vital role, we are reminded that our past or circumstances do not define our potential in God's hands. This verse challenges us to see people, and ourselves, not by societal stigmas but by the capabilities and potential God has given. Jephthah is even listed among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, underscoring that his faith and actions were ultimately what mattered to God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:32 (11 votes)

    ¶ And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and [of] Barak, and [of] Samson, and [of] Jephthae; [of] David also, and Samuel, and [of] the prophets:

  • 2 Kings 5:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, [but he was] a leper.

  • Judges 6:12 (7 votes)

    And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD [is] with thee, thou mighty man of valour.