Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.

JUDGES 11:31KJV
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Judges 11:31 (KJV)

What does Judges 11:31 mean?

Judges 11:31 records Jephthah’s vow to God: if he returns safely from battle against the Ammonites, whatever comes out of his house to meet him will be dedicated to the LORD and offered as a burnt offering. This verse shows Jephthah making a serious promise in hopes of securing victory.

Jephthah, a judge of Israel, is speaking directly to God before going to war with the Ammonites. The situation is tense, and Jephthah is bargaining for divine help by vowing to give up the first thing that greets him upon his victorious return. The verse’s language highlights the gravity and risk of making such vows, especially without knowing what the outcome will be.

The Hebrew behind Judges 11:31

  • “Whatsoever” and “forth” (יָצָא, yatsa): This word means “to go out” or “to come forth.” The use of this word is open-ended, not specifying a person or animal, which adds uncertainty to Jephthah’s vow.
  • “Burnt offering” (עֹלָה, olah): This refers to a specific type of sacrifice that is completely burned on the altar. The word emphasizes total dedication to God, not just a symbolic gesture.
  • “LORD’S” (יְהוָה, YHWH): Jephthah promises that whatever comes out will belong entirely to the LORD, underlining the seriousness of his commitment.

Why Judges 11:31 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that Jephthah’s vow was intentionally open-ended, which led to unintended and tragic consequences later in the story.
  • The wording shows the seriousness with which vows to God were made in ancient Israel and the potential dangers of making rash promises.
  • Understanding this verse sheds light on the cultural and religious practices of the time, especially the importance and risks of vows and sacrifices in Israel’s relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“doors” Hebrew H1817 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 19:6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,
  • 2 Kings 4:5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
  • Nehemiah 13:19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.

“Ammon” Hebrew H5983 · used in 98 verses

  • Genesis 19:38 And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.
  • Judges 12:1 And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:11 And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon.

“meet” Hebrew H7125 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
  • Judges 6:35 And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.
  • 1 Kings 2:8 And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.