And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not ye hate me, and expel me out of my father's house? and why are ye come unto me now when ye are in distress?

JUDGES 11:7KJV
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Judges 11:7 (KJV)

What does Judges 11:7 mean?

Judges 11:7 shows Jephthah confronting the elders of Gilead, reminding them that they had previously rejected and driven him out of his family home, and questioning why they are now seeking his help when they are in trouble. Jephthah’s words highlight the elders’ change of attitude only because they are facing distress.

In this verse, Jephthah is speaking directly to the leaders of his own people, the elders of Gilead, after they approach him for help against their enemies. The verse captures Jephthah’s sense of betrayal and his awareness that the elders only turn to him now out of desperation. This sets the stage for the negotiation that follows and reveals the strained relationship between Jephthah and his community.

The Hebrew behind Judges 11:7

  • The word "hate" (שָׂנֵא, sane) means more than just a feeling; it often implies active hostility or rejection, which helps explain Jephthah’s strong sense of being wronged by his people.
  • The word "expel" (גָּרַשׁ, garash) means to drive out or banish, showing that Jephthah was not just ignored but forcefully removed from his family and community.
  • The word "distress" (צָרָה, tsarah) refers to a time of trouble or crisis, underlining that the elders are only seeking Jephthah now because they are desperate for help.

Why Judges 11:7 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Jephthah left Gilead by choice; he was actually forced out by the elders’ actions.
  • Judges 11:7 emphasizes the hypocrisy of the elders, who only turn to Jephthah when they need something from him.
  • The verse sets up the tension and negotiation that will shape the rest of Jephthah’s story, making his later decisions and demands more understandable.

Where else these words appear

“Jephthah” Hebrew H3316 · used in 26 verses

  • Joshua 15:43 And Jiphtah, and Ashnah, and Nezib,
  • Judges 11:10 And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words.
  • Judges 11:30 And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,

“expel” Hebrew H1644 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • Leviticus 21:7 They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God.
  • 1 Chronicles 17:21 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?

“distress” Hebrew H6887 · used in 56 verses

  • Exodus 12:34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.
  • Psalms 69:19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

“Gilead” Hebrew H1568 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
  • Judges 10:17 Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.
  • 2 Kings 9:4 So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramothgilead.