Judges 11:27
New International Version
I have not wronged you, but you are doing me wrong by waging war against me. Let the LORD, the Judge, decide the dispute this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites.”

New Living Translation
Therefore, I have not sinned against you. Rather, you have wronged me by attacking me. Let the LORD, who is judge, decide today which of us is right—Israel or Ammon.”

English Standard Version
I therefore have not sinned against you, and you do me wrong by making war on me. The LORD, the Judge, decide this day between the people of Israel and the people of Ammon.”

Berean Standard Bible
I have not sinned against you, but you have done me wrong by waging war against me. May the LORD, the Judge, decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.”

King James Bible
Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.

New King James Version
Therefore I have not sinned against you, but you wronged me by fighting against me. May the LORD, the Judge, render judgment this day between the children of Israel and the people of Ammon.’ ”

New American Standard Bible
So I have not sinned against you, but you are doing me wrong by making war against me. May the LORD, the Judge, judge today between the sons of Israel and the sons of Ammon.’”

NASB 1995
‘I therefore have not sinned against you, but you are doing me wrong by making war against me; may the LORD, the Judge, judge today between the sons of Israel and the sons of Ammon.’”

NASB 1977
‘I therefore have not sinned against you, but you are doing me wrong by making war against me; may the LORD, the Judge, judge today between the sons of Israel and the sons of Ammon.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
I therefore have not sinned against you, but you are doing me evil by making war against me; may Yahweh, the Judge, judge today between the sons of Israel and the sons of Ammon.’”

Amplified Bible
So I have not sinned against you, but you are doing me wrong by making war against me; may the LORD, the [righteous] Judge, judge this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites.’”

Christian Standard Bible
I have not sinned against you, but you are doing me wrong by fighting against me. Let the LORD who is the judge decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I have not sinned against you, but you have wronged me by fighting against me. Let the LORD who is the Judge decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.”

American Standard Version
I therefore have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: Jehovah, the Judge, be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.

Contemporary English Version
I haven't done anything to you, but it's certainly wrong of you to start a war. I pray that the LORD will show whether Israel or Ammon is in the right.

English Revised Version
I therefore have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD, the Judge, be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I haven't sinned against you. But you have done wrong by waging war against me. The LORD is the judge who will decide today whether Israel or Ammon is right."

Good News Translation
No, I have not done you any wrong. You are doing wrong by making war on me. The LORD is the judge. He will decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites."

International Standard Version
I haven't sinned against you, but you are acting wrongly against me by declaring war on me. May the LORD, the Judge, sit in judgment today between the Israelis and the Ammonites.'"

Majority Standard Bible
I have not sinned against you, but you have done me wrong by waging war against me. May the LORD, the Judge, decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.”

NET Bible
I have not done you wrong, but you are doing wrong by attacking me. May the LORD, the Judge, judge this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites!'"

New Heart English Bible
I therefore have not sinned against you, but you do me wrong by making war against me. The LORD, the Judge, be judge this day between the children of Israel and the people of Ammon."

Webster's Bible Translation
Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.

World English Bible
Therefore I have not sinned against you, but you do me wrong to war against me. May Yahweh the Judge be judge today between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I have not sinned against you, and you are doing evil with me—to fight against me. YHWH, the Judge, judges between the sons of Israel and the sons of Ammon today.”

Young's Literal Translation
And I -- I have not sinned against thee, and thou art doing with me evil -- to fight against me. Jehovah, the Judge, doth judge to-day between the sons of Israel and the sons of Ammon.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And I sinned not against thee, and thou didst me evil to war against me: Jehovah the Judge will judge this day between the sons of Israel and between the sons of Ammon.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore I do not trespass against thee, but thou wrongest me by declaring an unjust war against me. The Lord be judge and decide this day between Israel and the children of Ammon.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, I am not sinning against you, but you are doing evil against me, by declaring an unjust war against me. May the Lord be the Judge and the Arbiter this day, between Israel and the sons of Ammon.”

New American Bible
As for me, I have not sinned against you, but you wrong me by making war against me. Let the LORD, who is judge, decide this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites!’ ”

New Revised Standard Version
It is not I who have sinned against you, but you are the one who does me wrong by making war on me. Let the LORD, who is judge, decide today for the Israelites or for the Ammonites.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now therefore I have not sinned against you, but you do me wrong to make war against me; let the LORD judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
But now I have not sinned against you and you have done evil against me to fight with me. LORD JEHOVAH will today judge judgment between the children of Israel and the house of the children of Amon”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
I therefore have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me; the LORD, the Judge, be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And now I have not sinned against thee, but thou wrongest me in preparing war against me: may the Lord the Judge judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jephthah Delivers Israel
26For three hundred years Israel has lived in Heshbon, Aroer, and their villages, as well as all the cities along the banks of the Arnon. Why did you not take them back during that time? 27I have not sinned against you, but you have done me wrong by waging war against me. May the LORD, the Judge, decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.” 28But the king of the Ammonites paid no heed to the message Jephthah sent him.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 2:9
Then the LORD said to me, “Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession.”

Deuteronomy 2:19
But when you get close to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them, for I will not give you any of the land of the Ammonites. I have given it to the descendants of Lot as their possession.”

Numbers 21:24-26
And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok—but only up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified. / Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites and occupied them, including Heshbon and all its villages. / Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and taken all his land as far as the Arnon.

Joshua 11:23
So Joshua took the entire land, in keeping with all that the LORD had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to the allotments to their tribes. Then the land had rest from war.

Joshua 21:43-45
Thus the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled in it. / And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. / Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled.

2 Chronicles 20:12
Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

Psalm 7:8-9
The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and integrity. / Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds.

Psalm 50:6
And the heavens proclaim His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge. Selah

Psalm 82:8
Arise, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are Your inheritance.

Isaiah 33:22
For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us.

Isaiah 66:16
For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD.

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 6:1-8
If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! / Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! ...

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

Hebrews 10:30
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”


Treasury of Scripture

Why I have not sinned against you, but you do me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.

the judge

Genesis 18:25
That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

1 Samuel 2:10
The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

Job 9:15
Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge.

be judge

Genesis 16:5
And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.

Genesis 31:53
The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.

1 Samuel 24:12,15
The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee…

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Ammon Children Decide Dispute Evil Israel Israelites Judge Making Sinned Today To-Day Waging War Wherefore Wrong Wronged
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Ammon Children Decide Dispute Evil Israel Israelites Judge Making Sinned Today To-Day Waging War Wherefore Wrong Wronged
Judges 11
1. The covenant between Jephthah and the Gileadites, that he should lead
12. The treaty of peace between him and the Ammonites is in vain
29. Jephthah's vow
32. His conquest of the Ammonites
34. He performs his vow on his daughter.














I have not wronged you
This phrase is a declaration of innocence by Jephthah, the leader of Israel at the time. The Hebrew root for "wronged" is "עָשַׁק" (ashaq), which means to oppress or act unjustly. Jephthah is asserting that he has not committed any injustice or oppression against the Ammonites. Historically, this reflects the broader narrative of Israel's interactions with neighboring nations, where disputes often arose over land and past grievances. Jephthah's statement is a plea for peace and a call for truth, emphasizing the importance of integrity and righteousness in leadership.

but you are doing me wrong
Here, Jephthah accuses the Ammonites of injustice. The Hebrew word "עָשַׁק" (ashaq) is again implied, suggesting that the Ammonites are the ones acting unjustly by initiating conflict. This highlights the recurring theme in the Book of Judges of Israel being wronged by surrounding nations, often due to misunderstandings or historical claims. It serves as a reminder of the human tendency to retaliate rather than seek reconciliation, and the need for discernment and justice in resolving conflicts.

by waging war against me
The phrase underscores the aggressive actions of the Ammonites. The Hebrew word for "war" is "מִלְחָמָה" (milchamah), indicating a formal and organized conflict. This reflects the historical context of the ancient Near East, where territorial disputes were common. Jephthah's words reveal the gravity of the situation and the potential for widespread suffering. It is a call to consider the consequences of war and the value of seeking peaceful resolutions.

May the LORD, the Judge
This invocation of the LORD as "the Judge" is significant. The Hebrew word for "Judge" is "שֹׁפֵט" (shaphat), which implies one who governs, decides, and executes justice. Jephthah appeals to God as the ultimate arbiter of justice, recognizing His sovereignty and righteousness. This reflects a deep faith in God's ability to discern truth and administer justice, a central theme in the Book of Judges where God raises up leaders to deliver Israel. It is an inspirational reminder of the divine justice that surpasses human understanding.

decide between the Israelites and the Ammonites
Jephthah seeks divine intervention to resolve the conflict. The Hebrew root "שָׁפַט" (shaphat) again emphasizes the act of judging or deciding. This plea for God to "decide" underscores the belief in His omniscience and fairness. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' reliance on God for deliverance and justice, a recurring motif in their history. It serves as an encouragement to trust in God's wisdom and timing, especially in situations where human judgment falls short.

(27) The Lord the Judge be judge this day.--An appeal to the arbitrament of Jehovah to decide on the justice of an appeal to arms. (Comp. Genesis 16:5; Genesis 31:53; Genesis 18:25; 1Samuel 24:15.)

These verses contain a deeply interesting specimen of what may be called ancient diplomacy, and very powerful and straightforward it is--at once honest, conciliatory, and firm. Jephthah maintains the rights of Israel on three grounds, viz., (1) Right of direct conquest, not from Ammon but from the Amorites (15-20); (2) The decision of God (Judges 11:21-23), which he supports by an argumentum ad hominem--namely, the acquiescence in this decision of the Moabite god Chemosh (Judges 11:24); (3) Undisputed possession from the first (Judges 11:25-26). He ends by an appeal to God to approve the justice of his cause. . . .

Verse 27. - Jephthah now asserts his own entire blamelessness, and appeals to the justice of God to decide between him and the Ammonites.

CHAPTER 11:29-40

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I
וְאָֽנֹכִי֙ (wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

have not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

sinned
חָטָ֣אתִי (ḥā·ṭā·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn

against you,
לָ֔ךְ (lāḵ)
Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew

but you
וְאַתָּ֞ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

have done
עֹשֶׂ֥ה (‘ō·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

me
אִתִּ֛י (’it·tî)
Direct object marker | first person common singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

wrong
רָעָ֖ה (rā·‘āh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

by waging war
לְהִלָּ֣חֶם (lə·hil·lā·ḥem)
Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

against me.
בִּ֑י (bî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

May the LORD,
יְהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

the Judge,
יִשְׁפֹּ֨ט (yiš·pōṭ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

decide
הַשֹּׁפֵט֙ (haš·šō·p̄êṭ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

today
הַיּ֔וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

between
בֵּ֚ין (bên)
Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

the Israelites
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

and the Ammonites.”
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son


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OT History: Judges 11:27 I therefore have not sinned against you (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 11:26
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