Question 1

What does Judges 8:31 mean?

Accepted Answer

Judges 8:31 states that Gideon had a concubine living in Shechem, and she gave birth to a son whom Gideon named Abimelech. This verse introduces Abimelech as the son of Gideon by a woman who was not his wife, specifically noting her location in Shechem. Judges 8:31 is part of a narrative about Gideon, a leader of Israel, after his military victories. The verse highlights that Gideon had relationships beyond his official wives, and that his son Abimelech, born to a concubine (a recognized partner of lower status), would later play a significant role in the story. The mention of Shechem is important, as it was a major city and becomes central in the events involving Abimelech in the next chapter.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Judges 8:31

Accepted Answer

"concubine" (פִּילֶגֶשׁ, pilegesh): This word refers to a woman in a recognized relationship with a man but without the full status of a wife. This detail sets up Abimelech’s unique position in Gideon's family. "Shechem" (שְׁכֶם, Shekhem): Naming the city shows the geographic and cultural context. Shechem was a significant Canaanite and later Israelite city, and its mention foreshadows its importance in Abimelech’s story. "bare" (יָלַד, yalad): This verb means "to give birth." The verse uses it to note the concubine as Abimelech’s biological mother, distinguishing him from Gideon’s other sons. "Abimelech" (אֲבִימֶלֶךְ, Avimelekh): The name means "my father is king" or "father of a king." This name choice hints at ambition or status, which becomes important in Abimelech’s later actions.

Question 3

Why Judges 8:31 matters

Accepted Answer

The verse clarifies that Abimelech’s mother was not Gideon’s wife, which helps explain later tensions about his legitimacy and actions among Gideon’s sons. By mentioning Shechem, the verse connects Abimelech’s origins to the city where he will later seek power, showing how his background influences the unfolding story. The naming of Abimelech, meaning "my father is king," hints at themes of leadership, ambition, and the struggle for power that will shape the next chapters.

Judges 8:31 (KJV)