Jephthah meaning

Jephthah is a Biblical figure who made a rash vow to sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house to greet him upon his return from battle.


Jephthah definitions

Word backwards hahthpeJ
Part of speech Proper noun.
Syllabic division Jeph-thah
Plural The plural of Jephthah is Jephthahs.
Total letters 8
Vogais (2) e,a
Consonants (4) j,p,h,t

Jephthah was a biblical figure who served as a judge of Israel. His story is found in the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible. Jephthah is known for his vow to sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house if he was granted victory in battle.

According to the biblical account, Jephthah was the son of Gilead and a prostitute. As a result, he was initially rejected by his half-brothers and driven away from his home. He became a mighty warrior and leader of a group of outcasts.

Victory and Vow

When the Ammonites threatened Israel, the elders of Gilead asked Jephthah to lead them in battle. Jephthah agreed on the condition that he would become the ruler of Gilead if he was victorious. Before the battle, Jephthah made a vow to sacrifice the first thing that greeted him upon his return home.

Tragic Outcome

Jephthah defeated the Ammonites and returned home triumphant. Tragically, the first thing that came out of his house to greet him was his only child, his daughter. Despite his anguish, Jephthah fulfilled his vow, and his daughter spent two months mourning her fate in the mountains with her friends.

Legacy and Controversy

Jephthah is a complex figure in the Bible, admired for his military prowess but condemned for his rash vow and its tragic consequences. Some scholars view him as a flawed hero, while others see him as a cautionary tale about the dangers of making reckless promises.

Jephthah remains a controversial and enigmatic figure in biblical history, his story serving as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our actions. His tale continues to provoke debate and reflection on themes of faith, duty, and the unpredictable outcomes of our decisions.


Jephthah Examples

  1. Jephthah was a biblical figure known for his vow to sacrifice whatever came out of his house to God.
  2. The story of Jephthah is found in the Book of Judges in the Old Testament.
  3. Jephthah's daughter ultimately became the unfortunate victim of his vow.
  4. The character of Jephthah has been the subject of much debate and interpretation among scholars.
  5. Jephthah is often cited as an example of the dangers of making rash promises.
  6. Some view Jephthah as a hero for his military victories, while others criticize his actions.
  7. The name Jephthah means "he opens" in Hebrew.
  8. Jephthah's leadership as a judge in Israel lasted for six years.
  9. Many lessons can be learned from the tragic story of Jephthah and his daughter.
  10. The Book of Hebrews in the New Testament references Jephthah in relation to faith.


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  • Updated 29/03/2024 - 21:09:03