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Judges 11:40

ESV that the daughters of Israel went year by year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year.
NIV that each year the young women of Israel go out for four days to commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite.
NASB that the daughters of Israel went annually to commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite for four days in the year.
CSB that four days each year the young women of Israel would commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite.
NLT for young Israelite women to go away for four days each year to lament the fate of Jephthah’s daughter.
KJV That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year.
NKJV that the daughters of Israel went four days each year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite.

What does Judges 11:40 mean?

Although Jephthah's daughter (Judges 11:30–39) either died young or lived a life of celibate service to the Lord, her story resonated deeply with the "daughters of Israel." Her loss may have resonated as a symbol of all women who are unable to have children. One way or another, Jephthah's daughter became the focus of an annual four-day memorial. The women of Israel would apparently gather to lament her loss and, perhaps, their own or that of those close to them.

In this way, the foolishness of Jephthah's vow lingered for generations. His example serves as a reminder not to attempt to manipulate God with promises in exchange for good outcomes.
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