Jephthah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Jephthah in the Bible?
Jephthah served as the ninth judge of Israel, leading the Israelites to victory against the Ammonites, and subsequently fulfilled a vow to sacrifice his only daughter as a burnt offering.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Jephthah's narrative provides insight into the complex moral frameworks and social structures of the period, particularly regarding the consequences of rash vows and the status of women in ancient Israelite society.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Jephthah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Jephthah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Jephthah clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Jephthah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/jephthah/