Jerubbesheth
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Jerubbesheth in the Bible?
Jerubbesheth is a Hebrew name meaning 'contender with shame' or 'fighting against idols'. It is recorded as an alternative name for Gideon in the biblical narrative.
SIGNIFICANCE
The name highlights the thematic conflict between traditional Canaanite idolatry and the emerging monotheism of the Israelite judges. It provides linguistic insight into the naming conventions used to denote religious struggle in ancient texts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Jerubbesheth. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Jerubbesheth in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Jerubbesheth 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
"Jerubbesheth." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/jerubbesheth/