Judges 21:10 So the congregation sent 12,000 of their most valiant men and commanded them: "Go and put to the sword those living in Jabesh-gilead, including women and children.

◄ Judges 21:10 ►

New International Version
So the assembly sent twelve thousand fighting men with instructions to go to Jabesh Gilead and put to the sword those living there, including the women and children.

New Living Translation
So the assembly sent 12,000 of their best warriors to Jabesh-gilead with orders to kill everyone there, including women and children.

English Standard Version
So the congregation sent 12,000 of their bravest men there and commanded them, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword; also the women and the little ones.

Berean Standard Bible
So the congregation sent 12,000 of their most valiant men and commanded them: “Go and put to the sword those living in Jabesh-gilead, including women and children.

King James Bible
And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the valiantest, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the children.

New King James Version
So the congregation sent out there twelve thousand of their most valiant men, and commanded them, saying, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the sword, including the women and children.

New American Standard Bible
And the congregation sent twelve thousand of the valiant warriors there, and commanded them, saying, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, along with the women and the children.

NASB 1995
And the congregation sent 12,000 of the valiant warriors there, and commanded them, saying, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.

NASB 1977
And the congregation sent 12,000 of the valiant warriors there, and commanded them, saying, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the congregation sent 12,000 of the men of valor there and commanded them, saying, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.

Amplified Bible
And the congregation sent twelve thousand of the most courageous men there, and commanded them saying, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the sword, including the women and the children.

Christian Standard Bible
The congregation sent twelve thousand brave warriors there and commanded them, “Go and kill the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the sword, including women and dependents.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The congregation sent 12,000 brave warriors there and commanded them: “Go and kill the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the sword, including women and children.

American Standard Version
And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the valiantest, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.

English Revised Version
And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the valiantest, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The congregation sent 12,000 soldiers. They ordered them, "Go and kill the people of Jabesh Gilead, including the women and children.

Good News Translation
So the assembly sent twelve thousand of their bravest men with the orders, "Go and kill everyone in Jabesh, including women and children.

International Standard Version
So the congregation sent out 12,000 of their valiant soldiers, issuing these orders to them: "Go and attack the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with swords, including the women and little ones.

Majority Standard Bible
So the congregation sent 12,000 of their most valiant men and commanded them: “Go and put to the sword those living in Jabesh-gilead, including women and children.

NET Bible
So the assembly sent 12,000 capable warriors against Jabesh Gilead. They commanded them, "Go and kill with your swords the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead, including the women and little children.

New Heart English Bible
The congregation sent there twelve thousand men of the most valiant, and commanded them, saying, "Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the most valiant, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the children.

World English Bible
The congregation sent twelve thousand of the most valiant men there, and commanded them, saying, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the congregation sends twelve thousand men of the sons of valor there, and commands them, saying, “Go—and you have struck the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead by the mouth of the sword, even the women and the infants.

Young's Literal Translation
And the company send there twelve thousand men of the sons of valour, and command them, saying, 'Go -- and ye have smitten the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead by the mouth of the sword, even the women and the infants.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will send there twelve thousand men from the sons of power, and they will command them, saying, Go and smite them, the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead, with the mouth of the sword, and the women and the little ones.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
So they sent ten thousand of the most valiant men, and commanded them, saying: Go and put the inhabitants of Jabes Galaad to the sword, with their wives and their children.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so they sent ten thousand very robust men, and they instructed them, saying, “Go and strike down the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead with the edge of the sword, including their wives and little ones.”

New American Bible
So the assembly sent twelve thousand warriors there with orders, “Go put the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead to the sword.

New Revised Standard Version
So the congregation sent twelve thousand soldiers there and commanded them, “Go, put the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead to the sword, including the women and the little ones.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the people sent thither twelve thousand of the bravest men, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, including the women and the children.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the people sent there twelve thousand men from the sons of power, and they commanded them and they said to them: “Go, destroy those inhabiting Yabish of Gelad with the mouth of the sword and the women and the children

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the valiantest, and commanded them, saying: 'Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the strongest, and they charged them, saying, Go ye and smite the inhabitants of Jabis Galaad with the edge of the sword.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Wives for the Benjamites
…9For when the people were counted, none of the residents of Jabesh-gilead were there. 10So the congregation sent 12,000 of their most valiant men and commanded them: “Go and put to the sword those living in Jabesh-gilead, including women and children. 11This is what you are to do: Devote to destruction every male, as well as every female who has had relations with a man.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Deuteronomy 13:15
you must surely put the inhabitants of that city to the sword. Devote to destruction all its people and livestock.

1 Samuel 15:3
Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”

Numbers 31:7
Then they waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male.

Joshua 6:21
With the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys.

1 Samuel 11:7
He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, and they came out together as one man.

1 Samuel 30:1-2
On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way.

2 Samuel 8:2
David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.

2 Kings 3:19
And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones.”

2 Kings 10:25
When he had finished making the burnt offering, Jehu said to the guards and officers, “Go in and kill them. Do not let anyone out.” So the guards and officers put them to the sword, threw the bodies out, and went into the inner room of the temple of Baal.

2 Chronicles 25:12
and the army of Judah also captured 10,000 men alive. They took them to the top of a cliff and threw them down so that all were dashed to pieces.

Isaiah 13:15-16
Whoever is caught will be stabbed, and whoever is captured will die by the sword. / Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes, their houses will be looted, and their wives will be ravished.

Jeremiah 48:10
Cursed is the one who is remiss in doing the work of the LORD, and cursed is he who withholds his sword from bloodshed.

Ezekiel 9:5-6
And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone! / Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple.

Matthew 10:14-15
And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. / Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

Matthew 11:20-24
Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. / “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. / But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. ...

Treasury of Scripture

And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the most valiant, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the children.

Judges 21:5
And the children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of Israel that came not up with the congregation unto the LORD? For they had made a great oath concerning him that came not up to the LORD to Mizpeh, saying, He shall surely be put to death.

Judges 5:23
Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.

Deuteronomy 13:15
Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.

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Assembly Best Bravest Children Commanded Congregation Edge Including Inhabitants Instructions Jabesh Jabeshgilead Jabesh-Gilead Ja'besh-Gil'ead Little Meeting Mercy Ones Orders Smite Strike Sword Thither Thousand Twelve Valiant Warriors Women

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Judges 21

1. The people bewail the desolation of Benjamin
8. By the destruction of Jabesh Gilead they provide them four hundred wives.
16. They advise the remainder to surprise the virgins that danced at Shiloh

Berean Study Bible

So the congregation
The term "congregation" refers to the assembly of the Israelites, often seen as a collective body representing the twelve tribes. In Hebrew, the word used is "עֵדָה" (edah), which signifies a gathering or community. This highlights the unity and collective decision-making of the Israelites, even in times of moral and ethical complexity. Historically, the congregation acted as a governing body, making decisions that affected the entire nation.

sent twelve thousand
The number "twelve thousand" is significant, as twelve often symbolizes completeness or the people of God, reflecting the twelve tribes of Israel. The sending of this specific number of soldiers indicates a deliberate and calculated decision, emphasizing the seriousness of the mission. In the context of ancient warfare, this was a substantial force, indicating the gravity of the situation.

of their best soldiers
The phrase "best soldiers" suggests a selection of elite warriors, those who were most skilled and capable. This choice underscores the importance and difficulty of the task at hand. In Hebrew culture, warriors were often seen as not only physically strong but also spiritually and morally upright, embodying the values of their community.

with these instructions
The giving of "instructions" implies a command or directive, often seen as coming from a higher authority. In this context, it reflects the leadership's role in guiding the actions of the people. The Hebrew root "צָוָה" (tsavah) means to command or order, indicating a clear and authoritative directive.

Go to Jabesh-gilead
Jabesh-gilead was a city east of the Jordan River, within the territory of Gilead. Its mention here is significant due to its later role in Israel's history, particularly in the account of King Saul. The city's geographical and historical context provides insight into the inter-tribal relationships and conflicts of the time.

and put to the sword
This phrase is a common biblical expression for complete destruction or annihilation, often used in the context of divine judgment or warfare. The Hebrew root "חָרַם" (charam) means to devote to destruction, indicating a total and irrevocable action. This reflects the severity of the judgment pronounced upon Jabesh-gilead.

those living there
The phrase "those living there" encompasses all inhabitants of the city, indicating the comprehensive nature of the command. This highlights the collective responsibility and consequences faced by the community, a common theme in the Old Testament where entire groups are judged for the actions of individuals.

including women and children
The inclusion of "women and children" in the directive underscores the totality of the judgment and the harsh realities of ancient warfare. This difficult and troubling aspect of the narrative invites reflection on the nature of justice, mercy, and the human condition. It challenges readers to consider the complexities of divine justice and the historical context of these events.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(10) Twelve thousand men.--The Vulgate has 10,000, but it is doubtless meant to imply that each tribe sent a thousand "valiant men" (Genesis 47:6, &c.), as in the war against the Midianites, in which Balaam was slain and at which Phinehas had been present (Numbers 31:6).

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 10, 11. - Ye shall utterly destroy, etc. Devote to destruction, as a 'herem, an accursed thing. They followed in the severity of the punishment the precedent of the destruction of the Midianites (see Numbers 31:17), and even in the numbers sent to destroy them - a thousand from every tribe (Numbers 31:5). Revolting to our feelings as such wholesale massacres are, including women and children, it must be remembered in mitigation that the 'hereto was the solemn devotion of a thing or person to destruction under the sanction of an oath. Of the valiantest. The sons of valour simply means valiant men (2 Samuel 13:28; 2 Samuel 17:10).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So the congregation
הָעֵדָ֗ה (hā·‘ê·ḏāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage

sent
וַיִּשְׁלְחוּ־ (way·yiš·lə·ḥū-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

12,000
שְׁנֵים־ (šə·nêm-)
Number - md
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

of
מִבְּנֵ֣י (mib·bə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

their most valiant
הֶחָ֑יִל (he·ḥā·yil)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

men
אִ֖ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

and commanded them:
וַיְצַוּ֨וּ (way·ṣaw·wū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

“Go
לְ֠כוּ (lə·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and put
וְהִכִּיתֶ֞ם (wə·hik·kî·ṯem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 5221: To strike

to the sword
חֶ֔רֶב (ḥe·reḇ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

those living
יוֹשְׁבֵ֨י (yō·wō·šə·ḇê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in Jabesh-gilead,
יָבֵ֤שׁ (yā·ḇêš)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3003: Jabesh -- a place in Gilead, also an Israelite

including women
וְהַנָּשִׁ֖ים (wə·han·nā·šîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

and children.
וְהַטָּֽף׃ (wə·haṭ·ṭāp̄)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2945: A family

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OT History: Judges 21:10 The congregation sent there twelve thousand men (Jd Judg. Jdg)