Judges 11 3

Judges 11:3 kjv

Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him.

Judges 11:3 nkjv

Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and dwelt in the land of Tob; and worthless men banded together with Jephthah and went out raiding with him.

Judges 11:3 niv

So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where a gang of scoundrels gathered around him and followed him.

Judges 11:3 esv

Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob, and worthless fellows collected around Jephthah and went out with him.

Judges 11:3 nlt

So Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob. Soon he had a band of worthless rebels following him.

Judges 11 verses

Judges 11 3 Meaning

Judges 11:3 describes the immediate consequence of Jephthah's familial rejection: he fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob. There, a group of morally corrupt or desperate men, described as "worthless fellows," gathered around him and accompanied him in his activities, likely engaging in brigandage. This verse sets the stage for Jephthah's rise as a leader from an outcast position, relying on an unconventional and ethically questionable band of followers.

Judges 11 3 Context

Jephthah, the son of a prostitute, was explicitly cast out by his half-brothers, the legitimate sons of his father Gilead, from receiving an inheritance. This rejection, detailed in Judges 11:1-2, directly precedes verse 3, explaining his flight and exile. This personal slight establishes his status as an outcast, which contrasts sharply with the desperate need for a deliverer later in the chapter when the Ammonites oppress Israel. The chapter as a whole demonstrates the spiraling moral decline of the era of the Judges, where leadership emerges from morally compromised situations and individuals often display questionable character, fitting the pattern of "every man did what was right in his own eyes." Historically, this period was marked by tribal fragmentation, internal strife, and external pressures, where powerful individuals would rise to defend their clan or tribe. Border regions, like Tob, were often lawless, serving as havens for fugitives and outlaws, thus providing a suitable environment for Jephthah and his company.

Judges 11 3 Word analysis

• And Jephthah (וְיִפְתָּח - v'Yiphtach): "Jephthah" means "He will open" or "God opens." This name, ironically, points to one who will "open" a way for his people through battle, but also signifies one whose circumstances are "opened up" by divine providence despite his human struggles. His identity as a man outside conventional society, the son of a prostitute, immediately positions him as an unconventional figure.
• fled (וַיִּבְרַח - vayyivrach): A strong verb denoting active escape due to danger or rejection. This is not merely leaving but running away. It indicates a clear act of abandonment or expulsion by his family, suggesting hostility or fear for his safety and rights, or simply that he was given no choice.
• from his brothers (מִפְּנֵי אֶחָיו - mipnei ekhaiv): Highlights the personal, familial nature of the rejection. This isn't just societal ostracism but being disowned by those closest to him, denying him his birthright and place within the family unit and clan. This exclusion defines his initial state and is a significant grievance.
• and dwelt (וַיֵּשֶׁב - vayyeshev): Indicates settling down, taking up residence. After his flight, he found a place to establish a new life, however precarious.
• in the land of Tob (בְּאֶרֶץ טוֹב - b'eretz Tov): "Tob" means "good." The "land of Good" is a region east of Gilead, likely bordering Ammon or Aram. The name itself is ironic, as this "good land" became a refuge for outcasts and perhaps a base for questionable activities. It's a strategic borderland, often a haven for those outside formal tribal structures.
• And worthless fellows (וַאֲנָשִׁים רֵיקִים - va'anashim reqim): Literally, "men, empty ones" or "empty men." This term carries significant negative connotations. "Empty" implies lacking moral character, integrity, means, or even purpose in life. Such individuals were often vagrants, dispossessed, restless, or seeking opportunity through less than lawful means (e.g., brigandage, plunder). They are depicted as unreliable, violent, and troublesome. This phrase defines the character of Jephthah's initial companions, setting the stage for the ethical challenges of his later leadership.
• gathered themselves to Jephthah (וַיִּתְלַקְּטוּ אֶל יִפְתָּח - vayyitlakketu el Yiphtach): This reflexive verb suggests a spontaneous congregating. They weren't recruited but assembled, drawn to Jephthah as a leader, perhaps seeing him as someone who shared their outsider status or who possessed qualities that could lead them to gain or purpose. It signifies the formation of a self-selected band.
• and went out with him (וַיֵּצְאוּ עִמּוֹ - vayyetze'u immo): This implies more than just being companions. "Went out" suggests active participation in a lifestyle or ventures together, likely raiding, plundering, or engaging in military expeditions typical of borderland outlaws. It highlights the dynamic and potentially aggressive nature of their activities.

Judges 11 3 Bonus section

The term "worthless fellows" (אֲנָשִׁים רֵיקִים) is also found in other biblical contexts, notably describing the unscrupulous men who sided with Abimelech (Judg 9:4), another judge figure known for his brutality and ambition, emphasizing the unsavory nature of Jephthah's initial retinue. Their "going out with him" likely points to acts of brigandage and plunder, typical activities for such groups in ancient border regions, where they could extort tribute from villagers or ambush trade caravans, sharpening their combat skills and creating a reputation for themselves, however dubious. This experience likely prepared Jephthah for military leadership by giving him practical command experience over a band of fighters, though the methods were not always righteous.

Judges 11 3 Commentary

Jephthah's flight from his brothers to the land of Tob and his subsequent association with "worthless fellows" marks his humble, yet ethically ambiguous, beginnings. Cast out and marginalized, he naturally attracted those who were similarly alienated from established society – men with nothing to lose and a readiness for desperate measures. This assemblage of "empty" or "vain" men, who often engaged in plunder and lawless acts, served as Jephthah's personal army, forged in exile. This demonstrates God's mysterious ways, often using imperfect people from unlikely origins, and even unconventional means, to bring about His purposes, echoing the pattern seen in figures like David (who also gathered distressed and discontented men, 1 Sam 22:2) though Jephthah's companions are painted with a far more negative brush. His past life shaped his character, making him resilient and a powerful warrior, but also instilled in him deep-seated wounds and reliance on a problematic foundation that later manifested in rash decisions, notably his tragic vow.