Judges 8:31 (KJV)

What does Judges 8:31 mean?

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.

The Hebrew behind Judges 8:31

• "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.

Why Judges 8:31 matters

• 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.