Jerubbaal
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Jerubbaal in the Bible?
The name Jerubbaal, meaning 'let Baal contend,' was assigned to Gideon by his father Joash and the townspeople of Ophrah following his destruction of Baal's altar.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this name clarifies the narrative tension in Judges 6-7, where Gideon's rejection of local Canaanite religious authority establishes his legitimacy as a divinely appointed leader in Israel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Jerubbaal reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Jerubbaal in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Jerubbaal clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Jerubbaal." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/jerubbaal/