Romans, Part 20

For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants [See Addendum below] that he would inherit the world1 was not fulfilled through the law,2 Paul continued.  In one sense this was absurdly obvious.  God’s law didn’t even exist yet.  The law that came four hundred thirty years later, Paul wrote the Galatians about the promise to Abraham, does not cancel a covenant previously ratified by God,3 so as to invalidate the promise.4  But there is another sense to consider (Genesis 16:1, 2 NET).

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not given birth to any children, but she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar.  So Sarai said to Abram, “Since the Lord has prevented me from having children, have sexual relations with my servant.  Perhaps I can have a family by her.”  Abram did what Sarai told him.

I don’t intend to guess at Sarai’s motives, but she was acting according to law.  It may have been a legal requirement according to the Nuzi tablets.5  In the law of Hammurabi 144:  “If a man take a wife and this woman give her husband a maid-servant, and she bear him children, but this man wishes to take another wife, this shall not be permitted to him; he shall not take a second wife.”6  There is some question of the dating of Hammurabi relative to Abram, but if Sarai predated Hammurabi’s law it seems evident that she was aware of that which became his law.

Sarai complained to Abram when Hagar became pregnant and despised her, You have brought this wrong on me!  I allowed my servant to have sexual relations with you, but when she realized that she was pregnant, she despised me.  May the Lord judge between you and me!7 This complaint makes a bit more sense in light of Hammurabi’s law 146: “If a man take a wife and she give this man a maid-servant as wife and she bear him children, and then this maid assume equality with the wife: because she has borne him children her master shall not sell her for money, but he may keep her as a slave, reckoning her among the maid-servants.”8  It also illuminates the sagacity of Abram’s decision not to exert authority over Sarai’s slave, Since your servant is under your authority, do to her whatever you think best.9

Sarai treated Hagar harshly.  Hagar ran away.  Then the Lord’s angel counseled her (Genesis 16:9-12 NET):

Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.  I will greatly multiply your descendants…so that they will be too numerous to count…You are now pregnant and are about to give birth to a son.  You are to name him Ishmael,10 for the Lord has heard your painful groans.  He will be a wild donkey of a man.  He will be hostile to everyone, and everyone will be hostile to him.  He will live away from his brothers.

Abram seemed perfectly content to accept Ishmael as the heir God promised, the son born to him by the law of Hammurabi (or the law that preceded the law of Hammurabi).  When Abram was ninety-nine-years-old God changed his name to Abraham, meaning “father of a multitude.”  As for your wife, He said, you must no longer call her Sarai; Sarah will be her name.  I will bless her and will give you a son through her.  I will bless her and she will become a mother of nations.  Kings of countries will come from her!11

Then Abraham bowed down with his face to the ground,12 but he laughed at God.  Sarah was ninety-years-old.  O that Ishmael might live before you!13 he said.  God said (Genesis 17:19-21 NET):

No, Sarah your wife is going to bear you a son, and you will name him Isaac [he laughs].  I will confirm my covenant with him as a perpetual covenant for his descendants after him.  As for Ishmael, I have heard you.  I will indeed bless him, make him fruitful, and give him a multitude of descendants.  He will become the father of twelve princes; I will make him into a great nation.  But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this set time next year.

This was the context Paul considered as he wrote, For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would inherit the world was not fulfilled through the law (νόμου, a form of νόμος), not the Nuzi tablets nor the law code of Hammurabi, but through the righteousness (δικαιοσύνης, a form of δικαιοσύνη) that comes by faith (πίστεως, a form of πίστις),14 God’s credited righteousness.  I have missed this many times before but πίστεως (faith) at the end of Romans 4:13 (NET) is the same as πίστεως (faithfulness) in Romans 3:26 (NET).  It was God’s faithfulness that made the difference, not Abraham’s faith.

Romans 3:26 (NET) Table

Romans 4:13 (NET)

This was also to demonstrate his righteousness in the present time, so that he would be just and the justifier of the one who lives because of Jesus’ faithfulness (πίστεως). For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would inherit the world was not fulfilled through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith (πίστεως).

The Lord had full confidence in his own credited righteousness to change Abraham, I have chosen him so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just.15  While Abraham’s own faith at the time still relied on his initial strategy to preserve his life by claiming his beautiful wife was his sister, Because I thought, “Surely no one fears God in this place.  They will kill me because of my wife.”16  When God made me wander from my father’s house, I told her, “This is what you can do to show your loyalty to me: Every place we go, say about me, ‘He is my brother.’”17

For if they become heirs by the law (νόμου, a form of νόμος), Paul continued, by their own efforts to keep laws, faith (πίστις) is empty (κεκένωται, a form of κενόω) and the promise (ἐπαγγελία) is nullified (κατήργηται, a form of καταργέω).18  It was the boy David who defeated Goliath19 by the power of God.  God would not allow Gideon to go to battle with 32,000 soldiers: You have too many men for me to hand Midian over to you.  Israel might brag, “Our own strength has delivered us.”20  God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside (καταργήσῃ, another form of καταργέω) what is regarded as something, so that no one can boast in his presence,21 Paul wrote the Corinthians.

For the law brings wrath, Paul continued in Romans, because where there is no law there is no transgression either.22  God didn’t punish Abraham for pretending that Sarah was his sister.  There was no law against that.  On the contrary, the Lord struck Pharaoh and his household with severe diseases because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.23  God threatened Abimelech in a dream before he had the opportunity to take her, You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is someone else’s wife.24  Abraham made out like a pimp: and [Pharaoh] did treat Abram well on account of her.  Abram received sheep and cattle, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.25  And, Abimelech gave sheep, cattle, and male and female servants to Abraham.  He also gave his wife Sarah back to him.  Then Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you; live wherever you please.”  To Sarah he said, “Look, I have given a thousand pieces of silver to your ‘brother.’  This is compensation for you so that you will stand vindicated before all who are with you.”26

Obviously in these instances with Pharaoh and Abimelech none of this was due to Abraham’s righteousness or his faith, but rather God’s faithfulness to Abraham (Romans 4:16, 17 NET).

For this reason it is by faith (πίστεως, a form of πίστις) so that it may be by grace (χάριν, a form of χάρις), with the result that the promise (ἐπαγγελίαν, a form of ἐπαγγελία) may be certain to all the descendants – not only to those who are under the law (νόμου, a form of νόμος), but also to those who have the faith (πίστεως, a form of πίστις) of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations[See Addendum below]).  He is our father in the presence of God whom he believed (ἐπίστευσεν, a form of πιστεύω)– the God who makes the dead alive and summons the things that do not yet exist as though they already do.

Perhaps Paul said all of this more succinctly in his letter to the young preacher Timothy, I know whom I have believed (πεπίστευκα, another form of πιστεύω) and am persuaded (πέπεισμαι, a form of πείθω) that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.27  The emphasis is on Him who is believed rather than the faith of the believer.

 

Addendum: July 11, 2021
The Greek word translated descendants in Romans 4:13 (NET) was σπέρματι.

According to a note (27) in the NET Paul quoted from Genesis 17:5 in Romans 4:17.  A table comparing the Greek of Paul’s quotation with that of the Septuagint follows:

Romans 4:17a (NET Parallel Greek)

Genesis 17:5c (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 17:5c (Septuagint Elpenor)

ὅτι πατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν τέθεικα σε ὅτι πατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν τέθεικά σε ὅτι πατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν τέθεικά σε

Romans 4:17a (NET)

Genesis 17:5c (NETS)

Genesis 17:5c (English Elpenor)

I have made you the father of many nations for I have made you an ancestor of many nations for I have made thee a father of many nations

Tables comparing Genesis 16:1; 16:2; 16:5; 16:6; 16:9; 16:10; 16:11; 16:12; 17:15; 17:16; 17:17; 17:18; 17:19; 17:20; 17:21; 18:19; 20:11; 20:13; Judges 7:2; Genesis 12:17; 20:3; 12:16; 20:14; 20:15; 20:16 and 17:5 in the Tanakh, KJV and NET, and tables comparing the Greek of Genesis 16:1; 16:2; 16:5; 16:6; 16:9; 16:10; 16:11; 16:12; 17:15; 17:16; 17:17; 17:18; 17:19; 17:20; 17:21; 18:19; 20:11; 20:13; Judges 7:2; Genesis 12:17; 20:3; 12:16; 20:14; 20:15; 20:16 and 17:5 in the Septuagint (BLB and Elpenor), and a table comparing Romans 4:13 in the NET and KJV follow.

Genesis 16:1 (Tanakh)

Genesis 16:1 (KJV)

Genesis 16:1 (NET)

Now Sarai Abram’s wife bore him no children; and she had a handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not given birth to any children, but she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar.

Genesis 16:1 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 16:1 (Septuagint Elpenor)

Σαρα δὲ ἡ γυνὴ Αβραμ οὐκ ἔτικτεν αὐτῷ ἦν δὲ αὐτῇ παιδίσκη Αἰγυπτία ᾗ ὄνομα Αγαρ ΣΑΡΑ δὲ γυνὴ ῞Αβραμ οὐκ ἔτικτεν αὐτῷ. ἦν δὲ αὐτῇ παιδίσκη Αἰγυπτία, ᾗ ὄνομα ῎Αγαρ

Genesis 16:1 (NETS)

Genesis 16:1 (English Elpenor)

Now Sara, Abram’s wife, was not giving birth for him.  She, however, had an Egyptian slave-girl whose name was Hagar. AND Sara the wife of Abram bore him no children; and she had an Egyptian maid, whose name was Agar.

Genesis 16:2 (Tanakh)

Genesis 16:2 (KJV)

Genesis 16:2 (NET)

And Sarai said unto Abram: ‘Behold now, HaShem hath restrained me from bearing; go in, I pray thee, unto my handmaid; it may be that I shall be builded up through her.’  And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her.  And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. So Sarai said to Abram, “Since the Lord has prevented me from having children, please sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have a family by her.”  Abram did what Sarai told him.

Genesis 16:2 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 16:2 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εἶπεν δὲ Σαρα πρὸς Αβραμ ἰδοὺ συνέκλεισέν με κύριος τοῦ μὴ τίκτειν εἴσελθε οὖν πρὸς τὴν παιδίσκην μου ἵνα τεκνοποιήσῃς ἐξ αὐτῆς ὑπήκουσεν δὲ Αβραμ τῆς φωνῆς Σαρας εἶπε δὲ Σάρα πρὸς ῞Αβραμ· ἰδοὺ συνέκλεισέ με Κύριος τοῦ μὴ τίκτειν· εἴσελθε οὖν πρὸς τὴν παιδίσκην μου, ἵνα τεκνοποιήσωμαι ἐξ αὐτῆς. ὑπήκουσε δὲ ῞Αβραμ τῆς φωνῆς Σάρας

Genesis 16:2 (NETS)

Genesis 16:2 (English Elpenor)

And Sara said to Abram, “See, the Lord has shut me off from giving birth; so go in to my slave-girl in order that you may beget children by her.”  And Abram listened to the voice of Sara. And Sara said to Abram, Behold, the Lord has restrained me from bearing, go therefore in to my maid, that I may get children for myself through her.  And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sara.

Genesis 16:5 (Tanakh)

Genesis 16:5 (KJV)

Genesis 16:5 (NET)

And Sarai said unto Abram: ‘My wrong be upon thee: I gave my handmaid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: HaShem judge between me and thee.’ 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. Then Sarai said to Abram, “You have brought this wrong on me!  I gave my servant into your embrace, but when she realized that she was pregnant, she despised me.  May the Lord judge between you and me!”

Genesis 16:5 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 16:5 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εἶπεν δὲ Σαρα πρὸς Αβραμ ἀδικοῦμαι ἐκ σοῦ ἐγὼ δέδωκα τὴν παιδίσκην μου εἰς τὸν κόλπον σου ἰδοῦσα δὲ ὅτι ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχει ἠτιμάσθην ἐναντίον αὐτῆς κρίναι ὁ θεὸς ἀνὰ μέσον ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ εἶπε δὲ Σάρα πρὸς ῞Αβραμ· ἀδικοῦμαι ἐκ σοῦ· ἐγὼ δέδωκα τὴν παιδίσκην μου εἰς τὸν κόλπον σου, ἰδοῦσα δὲ ὅτι ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχει, ἠτιμάσθην ἐναντίον αὐτῆς· κρίναι ὁ Θεὸς ἀνὰ μέσον ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ.

Genesis 16:5 (NETS)

Genesis 16:5 (English Elpenor)

Then Sara said to Abram, “I am being wronged due to you!  I have given my slave-girl into your bosom, but when she saw that she was pregnant, I was dishonored before her.  May God judge between you and me!” And Sara said to Abram, I am injured by thee; I gave my handmaid into thy bosom, and when I saw that she was with child, I was dishonoured before her.  The Lord judge between me and thee.

Genesis 16:6 (Tanakh)

Genesis 16:6 (KJV)

Genesis 16:6 (NET)

But Abram said unto Sarai: ‘Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her that which is good in thine eyes.’  And Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her face. But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee.  And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face. Abram said to Sarai, “Since your servant is under your authority, do to her whatever you think best.”  Then Sarai treated Hagar harshly, so she ran away from Sarai.

Genesis 16:6 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 16:6 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εἶπεν δὲ Αβραμ πρὸς Σαραν ἰδοὺ ἡ παιδίσκη σου ἐν ταῗς χερσίν σου χρῶ αὐτῇ ὡς ἄν σοι ἀρεστὸν ᾖ καὶ ἐκάκωσεν αὐτὴν Σαρα καὶ ἀπέδρα ἀπὸ προσώπου αὐτῆς εἶπε δὲ ῞Αβραμ πρὸς Σάραν· ἰδοὺ ἡ παιδίσκη σου ἐν ταῖς χερσί σου· χρῶ αὐτῇ ὡς ἄν σοι ἀρεστὸν ᾖ. καὶ ἐκάκωσεν αὐτὴν Σάρα, καὶ ἀπέδρα ἀπὸ προσώπου αὐτῆς

Genesis 16:6 (NETS)

Genesis 16:6 (English Elpenor)

But Abram said to Sara, “See, see your slave-girl is in your hands; treat her as it may please you.”  And Sara maltreated her, and she ran away from her presence. And Abram said to Sara, Behold thy handmaid is in thy hands, use her as it may seem good to thee.  And Sara afflicted her, and she fled from her face.

Genesis 16:9 (Tanakh)

Genesis 16:9 (KJV)

Genesis 16:9 (NET)

And the angel of HaShem said unto her: ‘Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.’ And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands. Then the angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.

Genesis 16:9 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 16:9 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εἶπεν δὲ αὐτῇ ὁ ἄγγελος κυρίου ἀποστράφητι πρὸς τὴν κυρίαν σου καὶ ταπεινώθητι ὑπὸ τὰς χεῗρας αὐτῆς εἶπε δὲ αὐτῇ ὁ ἄγγελος Κυρίου· ἀποστράφηθι πρὸς τὴν κυρίαν σου καὶ ταπεινώθητι ὑπὸ τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῆς

Genesis 16:9 (NETS)

Genesis 16:9 (English Elpenor)

But the angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and humble yourself under her hands.” And the angel of the Lord said to her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.

Genesis 16:10 (Tanakh)

Genesis 16:10 (KJV)

Genesis 16:10 (NET)

And the angel of HaShem said unto her: ‘I will greatly multiply thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. I will greatly multiply your descendants,” the angel of the Lord added, “so that they will be too numerous to count.”

Genesis 16:10 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 16:10 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ ὁ ἄγγελος κυρίου πληθύνων πληθυνῶ τὸ σπέρμα σου καὶ οὐκ ἀριθμηθήσεται ἀπὸ τοῦ πλήθους καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ ὁ ἄγγελος Κυρίου· πληθύνων πληθυνῶ τὸ σπέρμα σου, καὶ οὐκ ἀριθμηθήσεται ὑπὸ τοῦ πλήθους

Genesis 16:10 (NETS)

Genesis 16:10 (English Elpenor)

The angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will multitudinously multiply your offspring, and it will not be counted for multitude.” And the angel of the Lord said to her, I will surely multiply thy seed, and it shall not be numbered for multitude.

Genesis 16:11 (Tanakh)

Genesis 16:11 (KJV)

Genesis 16:11 (NET)

And the angel of HaShem said unto her: ‘Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son; and thou shalt call his name Ishmael, because HaShem hath heard thy affliction. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. Then the angel of the Lord said to her, “You are now pregnant and are about to give birth to a son.  You are to name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard your painful groans.

Genesis 16:11 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 16:11 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ ὁ ἄγγελος κυρίου ἰδοὺ σὺ ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχεις καὶ τέξῃ υἱὸν καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ισμαηλ ὅτι ἐπήκουσεν κύριος τῇ ταπεινώσει σου καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ ὁ ἄγγελος Κυρίου· ἰδού, σὺ ἐν γαστρί ἔχεις καὶ τέξῃ υἱὸν καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ᾿Ισμαήλ, ὅτι ἐπήκουσε Κύριος τῇ ταπεινώσει σου.

Genesis 16:11 (NETS)

Genesis 16:11 (English Elpenor)

And the angel of the Lord said to her, “See, you are pregnant and shall bear a son and shall call his name Ismael.  For the Lord has given heed to your humiliation. And the angel of the Lord said to her, Behold thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ismael, for the Lord hath hearkened to thy humiliation.

Genesis 16:12 (Tanakh)

Genesis 16:12 (KJV)

Genesis 16:12 (NET)

And he shall be a wild ass of a man: his hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the face of all his brethren.’ And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. He will be a wild donkey of a man.  He will be hostile to everyone, and everyone will be hostile to him.  He will live away from his brothers.”

Genesis 16:12 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 16:12 (Septuagint Elpenor)

οὗτος ἔσται ἄγροικος ἄνθρωπος αἱ χεῗρες αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ πάντας καὶ αἱ χεῗρες πάντων ἐπ᾽ αὐτόν καὶ κατὰ πρόσωπον πάντων τῶν ἀδελφῶν αὐτοῦ κατοικήσει οὗτος ἔσται ἄγροικος ἄνθρωπος αἱ χεῖρες αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ πάντας, καὶ αἱ χεῖρες πάντων ἐπ᾿ αὐτόν, καὶ κατὰ πρόσωπον πάντων τῶν ἀδελφῶν αὐτοῦ κατοικήσει

Genesis 16:12 (NETS)

Genesis 16:12 (English Elpenor)

He shall be a rustic man; his hands shall be against all, and the hands of all against him, and he shall live facing all his kinfolk.” He shall be a wild man, his hands against all, and the hands of all against him, and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

Genesis 17:15 (Tanakh)

Genesis 17:15 (KJV)

Genesis 17:15 (NET)

And G-d said unto Abraham: ‘As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. Then God said to Abraham, “As for your wife, you must no longer call her Sarai; Sarah will be her name.

Genesis 17:15 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 17:15 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εἶπεν δὲ ὁ θεὸς τῷ Αβρααμ Σαρα ἡ γυνή σου οὐ κληθήσεται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτῆς Σαρα ἀλλὰ Σαρρα ἔσται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτῆς Καὶ εἶπεν ὁ Θεὸς τῷ ῾Αβραάμ· Σάρα ἡ γυνή σου οὐ κληθήσεται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτῆς Σάρα, ἀλλὰ Σάρρα ἔσται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτῆς

Genesis 17:15 (NETS)

Genesis 17:15 (English Elpenor)

And God said to Abraham, “As for Sara your wife, her name shall not be called Sara, but Sarra shall be her name. And God said to Abraam, Sara thy wife– her name shall not be called Sara, Sarrha shall be her name.

Genesis 17:16 (Tanakh)

Genesis 17:16 (KJV)

Genesis 17:16 (NET)

And I will bless her, and moreover I will give thee a son of her; yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be of her.’ And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. I will bless her and will give you a son through her.  I will bless her and she will become a mother of nations.  Kings of countries will come from her!”

Genesis 17:16 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 17:16 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εὐλογήσω δὲ αὐτὴν καὶ δώσω σοι ἐξ αὐτῆς τέκνον καὶ εὐλογήσω αὐτόν καὶ ἔσται εἰς ἔθνη καὶ βασιλεῗς ἐθνῶν ἐξ αὐτοῦ ἔσονται εὐλογήσω δὲ αὐτήν, καὶ δώσω σοι ἐξ αὐτῆς τέκνον· καὶ εὐλογήσω αὐτό, καὶ ἔσται εἰς ἔθνη, καὶ βασιλεῖς ἐθνῶν ἐξ αὐτοῦ ἔσονται

Genesis 17:16 (NETS)

Genesis 17:16 (English Elpenor)

And I will bless her, and I will give you a child by her.  And I will bless her, and she shall become nations, and kings of nations shall be from her.” And I will bless her, and give thee a son of her, and I will bless him, and he shall become nations, and kings of nations shall be of him.

Genesis 17:17 (Tanakh)

Genesis 17:17 (KJV)

Genesis 17:17 (NET)

Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart: ‘Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?’ Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? Then Abraham bowed down with his face to the ground and laughed as he said to himself, “Can a son be born to a man who is a hundred years old?  Can Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?”

Genesis 17:17 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 17:17 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἔπεσεν Αβρααμ ἐπὶ πρόσωπον καὶ ἐγέλασεν καὶ εἶπεν ἐν τῇ διανοίᾳ αὐτοῦ λέγων εἰ τῷ ἑκατονταετεῗ γενήσεται καὶ εἰ Σαρρα ἐνενήκοντα ἐτῶν οὖσα τέξεται καὶ ἔπεσεν ῾Αβραὰμ ἐπὶ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐγέλασε καὶ εἶπεν ἐν τῇ διανοίᾳ αὐτοῦ λέγων· εἰ τῷ ἑκατονταετεῖ γενήσεται υἱός; καὶ εἰ Σάρρα ἐνενήκοντα ἐτῶν τέξεται

Genesis 17:17 (NETS)

Genesis 17:17 (English Elpenor)

And Abraam fell face down and laughed and spoke in his mind, saying, “Shall a son be born to a hundred-year-old, and shall Sarra who is ninety years of age give birth?” And Abraam fell upon his face, and laughed; and spoke in his heart, saying, Shall there be a child to one who is a hundred years old, and shall Sarrha who is ninety years old, bear?

Genesis 17:18 (Tanakh)

Genesis 17:18 (KJV)

Genesis 17:18 (NET)

And Abraham said unto G-d: ‘Oh that Ishmael might live before Thee!’ And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! Abraham said to God, “O that Ishmael might live before you!”

Genesis 17:18 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 17:18 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εἶπεν δὲ Αβρααμ πρὸς τὸν θεόν Ισμαηλ οὗτος ζήτω ἐναντίον σου εἶπε δὲ ῾Αβραὰμ πρὸς τὸν Θεόν· ᾿Ισμαὴλ οὗτος ζήτω ἐναντίον σου

Genesis 17:18 (NETS)

Genesis 17:18 (English Elpenor)

And Abraam said to God, “As for Ismael, let him live before you!” And Abraam said to God, Let this Ismael live before thee.

Genesis 17:19 (Tanakh)

Genesis 17:19 (KJV)

Genesis 17:19 (NET)

And G-d said: ”Nay, but Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son; and thou shalt call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his seed after him. And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. God said, “No, Sarah your wife is going to bear you a son, and you will name him Isaac.  I will confirm my covenant with him as a perpetual covenant for his descendants after him.

Genesis 17:19 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 17:19 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εἶπεν δὲ ὁ θεὸς τῷ Αβρααμ ναί ἰδοὺ Σαρρα ἡ γυνή σου τέξεταί σοι υἱόν καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ισαακ καὶ στήσω τὴν διαθήκην μου πρὸς αὐτὸν εἰς διαθήκην αἰώνιον καὶ τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ μετ᾽ αὐτόν εἶπε δὲ ὁ Θεὸς πρὸς ῾Αβραὰμ· ναί· ἰδοὺ Σάρρα ἡ γυνή σου τέξεταί σοι υἱόν, καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ᾿Ισαάκ, καὶ στήσω τὴν διαθήκην μου πρὸς αὐτὸν εἰς διαθήκην αἰώνιον, εἶναι αὐτῷ Θεὸς καὶ τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ μετ᾿ αὐτόν

Genesis 17:19 (NETS)

Genesis 17:19 (English Elpenor)

But God said to Abraam, “Indeed; see, your wife Sarra shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaak, and I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant and for his offspring after him. And God said to Abraam, Yea, behold, Sarrha thy wife shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name Isaac; and I will establish my covenant with him, for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to him and to his seed after him.

Genesis 17:20 (Tanakh)

Genesis 17:20 (KJV)

Genesis 17:20 (NET)

And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee; behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. As for Ishmael, I have heard you. I will indeed bless him, make him fruitful, and give him a multitude of descendants.  He will become the father of twelve princes; I will make him into a great nation.

Genesis 17:20 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 17:20 (Septuagint Elpenor)

περὶ δὲ Ισμαηλ ἰδοὺ ἐπήκουσά σου ἰδοὺ εὐλόγησα αὐτὸν καὶ αὐξανῶ αὐτὸν καὶ πληθυνῶ αὐτὸν σφόδρα δώδεκα ἔθνη γεννήσει καὶ δώσω αὐτὸν εἰς ἔθνος μέγα περὶ δὲ ᾿Ισμαὴλ ἰδοὺ ἐπήκουσά σου· καὶ ἰδοὺ εὐλόγηκα αὐτὸν καὶ αὐξανῶ αὐτὸν καὶ πληθυνῶ αὐτὸν σφόδρα· δώδεκα ἔθνη γεννήσει καὶ δώσω αὐτὸν εἰς ἔθνος μέγα

Genesis 17:20 (NETS)

Genesis 17:20 (English Elpenor)

Now concerning Ismael, see, I heard you; see, I have blessed him and will make him increase and will make him very numerous; he shall be the father of twelve nations, and I will appoint him as a great nation. And concerning Ismael, behold, I have heard thee, and, behold, I have blessed him, and will increase him and multiply him exceedingly; twelve nations shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

Genesis 17:21 (Tanakh)

Genesis 17:21 (KJV)

Genesis 17:21 (NET)

But My covenant will I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.’ But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year. But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this set time next year.”

Genesis 17:21 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 17:21 (Septuagint Elpenor)

τὴν δὲ διαθήκην μου στήσω πρὸς Ισαακ ὃν τέξεταί σοι Σαρρα εἰς τὸν καιρὸν τοῦτον ἐν τῷ ἐνιαυτῷ τῷ ἑτέρῳ τὴν δὲ διαθήκην μου στήσω πρὸς ᾿Ισαάκ, ὃν τέξεταί σοι Σάρρα εἰς τὸν καιρὸν τοῦτον, ἐν τῷ ἐνιαυτῷ τῷ ἑτέρῳ

Genesis 17:21 (NETS)

Genesis 17:21 (English Elpenor)

But my covenant I will establish with Isaak, whom Sarra shall bear to you at this season in another year.” But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarrha shall bear to thee at this time, in the next year.

Genesis 18:19 (Tanakh)

Genesis 18:19 (KJV)

Genesis 18:19 (NET)

For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of HaShem, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that HaShem may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him.’ For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. I have chosen him so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just.  Then the Lord will give to Abraham what he promised him.”

Genesis 18:19 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 18:19 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ᾔδειν γὰρ ὅτι συντάξει τοῗς υἱοῗς αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτοῦ μετ᾽ αὐτόν καὶ φυλάξουσιν τὰς ὁδοὺς κυρίου ποιεῗν δικαιοσύνην καὶ κρίσιν ὅπως ἂν ἐπαγάγῃ κύριος ἐπὶ Αβρααμ πάντα ὅσα ἐλάλησεν πρὸς αὐτόν ᾔδειν γὰρ ὅτι συντάξει τοῖς υἱοῖς αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτοῦ μετ᾿ αὐτόν, καὶ φυλάξουσι τὰς ὁδοὺς Κυρίου ποιεῖν δικαιοσύνην καὶ κρίσιν, ὅπως ἂν ἐπαγάγῃ Κύριος ἐπὶ ῾Αβραὰμ πάντα, ὅσα ἐλάλησε πρὸς αὐτόν

Genesis 18:19 (NETS)

Genesis 18:19 (English Elpenor)

For I knew that he will instruct his sons and his household after him, and they will keep the ways of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice so that the Lord may bring upon Abraam all the things that he has talked about to him.” For I know that he will order his sons, and his house after him, and they will keep the ways of the Lord, to do justice and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon Abraam all things whatsoever he has spoken to him.

Genesis 20:11 (Tanakh)

Genesis 20:11 (KJV)

Genesis 20:11 (NET)

And Abraham said: ‘Because I thought: Surely the fear of G-d is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake. And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake. Abraham replied, “Because I thought, ‘Surely no one fears God in this place. They will kill me because of my wife.’

Genesis 20:11 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 20:11 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εἶπεν δὲ Αβρααμ εἶπα γάρ ἄρα οὐκ ἔστιν θεοσέβεια ἐν τῷ τόπῳ τούτῳ ἐμέ τε ἀποκτενοῦσιν ἕνεκεν τῆς γυναικός μου εἶπε δὲ ῾Αβραάμ· εἶπα γάρ, ἄρα οὐκ ἔστι θεοσέβεια ἐν τῷ τόπῳ τούτῳ, ἐμέ τε ἀποκτενοῦσιν ἕνεκεν τῆς γυναικός μου

Genesis 20:11 (NETS)

Genesis 20:11 (English Elpenor)

And Abraam said, “Because I said, It appears there is no piety in this place, and so they will kill me because of my wife. And Abraam said, Why I said, Surely there is not the worship of God in this place, and they will slay me because of my wife.

Genesis 20:13 (Tanakh)

Genesis 20:13 (KJV)

Genesis 20:13 (NET)

And it came to pass, when G-d caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said unto her: This is thy kindness which thou shalt show unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me: He is my brother.’ And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother. When God made me wander from my father’s house, I told her, ‘This is what you can do to show your loyalty to me: Every place we go, say about me, “He is my brother.”’”

Genesis 20:13 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 20:13 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ἐγένετο δὲ ἡνίκα ἐξήγαγέν με ὁ θεὸς ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ πατρός μου καὶ εἶπα αὐτῇ ταύτην τὴν δικαιοσύνην ποιήσεις ἐπ᾽ ἐμέ εἰς πάντα τόπον οὗ ἐὰν εἰσέλθωμεν ἐκεῗ εἰπὸν ἐμὲ ὅτι ἀδελφός μού ἐστιν ἐγένετο δέ, ἡνίκα ἐξήγαγέ με ὁ Θεὸς ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ πατρός μου, καὶ εἶπα αὐτῇ· ταύτην τὴν δικαιοσύνην ποιήσεις εἰς ἐμέ, εἰς πάντα τόπον οὗ ἐὰν εἰσέλθωμεν ἐκεῖ, εἰπὸν ἐμέ, ὅτι ἀδελφός μου ἐστίν

Genesis 20:13 (NETS)

Genesis 20:13 (English Elpenor)

Now it came about when God brought me forth from my father’s house, that then I said to her, ‘This righteousness you shall do for me: in every place, there where we enter, say about me, He is my brother.’” And it came to pass when God brought me forth out of the house of my father, that I said to her, This righteousness thou shalt perform to me, in every place into which we may enter, say of me, He is my brother.

Judges 7:2 (Tanakh)

Judges 7:2 (KJV)

Judges 7:2 (NET)

And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men for me to hand Midian over to you.  Israel might brag, ‘Our own strength has delivered us.’

Judges 7:2 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 7:2 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς Γεδεων πολὺς ὁ λαὸς ὁ μετὰ σοῦ ὥστε μὴ παραδοῦναί με τὴν Μαδιαμ ἐν χειρὶ αὐτῶν μήποτε καυχήσηται Ισραηλ ἐπ᾽ ἐμὲ λέγων ἡ χείρ μου ἔσωσέν με καὶ εἶπε Κύριος πρὸς Γεδεών· πολὺς ὁ λαὸς ὁ μετὰ σοῦ, ὥστε μὴ παραδοῦναί με τὴν Μαδιὰμ ἐν χειρὶ αὐτῶν, μή ποτε καυχήσηται ᾿Ισραὴλ ἐπ᾿ ἐμὲ λέγων· ἡ χείρ μου ἔσωσέ με

Judges 7:2 (NETS)

Judges 7:2 (English Elpenor)

And the Lord said to Gedeon, “The people with you are numerous; so I will not give up Madiam in their hand.  Israel would only boast against me, saying, ‘My own hand has delivered me.’” And the Lord said to Gedeon, The people with thee [are] many, so that I may not deliver Madiam into their hand, lest at any time Israel boast against me, saying, My hand has saved me.

Genesis 12:17 (Tanakh)

Genesis 12:17 (KJV)

Genesis 12:17 (NET)

And HaShem plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife. And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife. But the Lord struck Pharaoh and his household with severe diseases because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.

Genesis 12:17 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 12:17 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἤτασεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν Φαραω ἐτασμοῗς μεγάλοις καὶ πονηροῗς καὶ τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ περὶ Σαρας τῆς γυναικὸς Αβραμ καὶ ἤτασεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν Φαραὼ ἐτασμοῖς μεγάλοις καὶ πονηροῖς καὶ τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ περὶ Σάρας τῆς γυναικὸς ῞Αβραμ

Genesis 12:17 (NETS)

Genesis 12:17 (English Elpenor)

And God tried Pharao and his house with great and grievous trials because of Sara, Abram’s wife. And God afflicted Pharao with great and severe afflictions, and his house, because of Sara, Abram’s wife.

Genesis 20:3 (Tanakh)

Genesis 20:3 (KJV)

Genesis 20:3 (NET)

But G-d came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him: ‘Behold, thou shalt die, because of the woman whom thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife.’ But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife. But God appeared to Abimelech in a dream at night and said to him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is someone else’s wife.”

Genesis 20:3 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 20:3 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ εἰσῆλθεν ὁ θεὸς πρὸς Αβιμελεχ ἐν ὕπνῳ τὴν νύκτα καὶ εἶπεν ἰδοὺ σὺ ἀποθνῄσκεις περὶ τῆς γυναικός ἧς ἔλαβες αὕτη δέ ἐστιν συνῳκηκυῗα ἀνδρί καὶ εἰσῆλθεν ὁ Θεὸς πρὸς ᾿Αβιμέλεχ ἐν ὕπνῳ τὴν νύκτα καὶ εἶπεν· ἰδοὺ σὺ ἀποθνήσκεις περὶ τῆς γυναικός, ἧς ἔλαβες, αὕτη δέ ἐστι συνῳκηυῖα ἀνδρί

Genesis 20:3 (NETS)

Genesis 20:3 (English Elpenor)

And God came in to Abimelech in his sleep during the night and said, “Look, you are about to die by reason of the woman whom you have taken, whereas she is married to a man.” And God came to Abimelech by night in sleep, and said, Behold, thou diest for the woman, whom thou hast taken, whereas she has lived with a husband.

Genesis 12:16 (Tanakh)

Genesis 12:16 (KJV)

Genesis 12:16 (NET)

And he dealt well with Abram for her sake; and he had sheep, and oxen, and he-asses, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and she-asses, and camels. And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. and he did treat Abram well on account of her.  Abram received sheep and cattle, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

Genesis 12:16 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 12:16 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ τῷ Αβραμ εὖ ἐχρήσαντο δι᾽ αὐτήν καὶ ἐγένοντο αὐτῷ πρόβατα καὶ μόσχοι καὶ ὄνοι παῗδες καὶ παιδίσκαι ἡμίονοι καὶ κάμηλοι καὶ τῷ ῞Αβραμ εὖ ἐχρήσαντο δι᾿ αὐτήν, καὶ ἐγένοντο αὐτῷ πρόβατα καὶ μόσχοι καὶ ὄνοι καὶ παῖδες καὶ παιδίσκαι καὶ ἡμίονοι καὶ κάμηλοι

Genesis 12:16 (NETS)

Genesis 12:16 (English Elpenor)

And for her sake they dealt well with Abram, and he had sheep and calves and donkeys, male and female slaves, mules and camels. And they treated Abram well on her account, and he had sheep, and calves, and asses, and men-servants, and women-servants, and mules, and camels.

Genesis 20:14 (Tanakh)

Genesis 20:14 (KJV)

Genesis 20:14 (NET)

And Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and men-servants and women-servants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife. And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife. So Abimelech gave sheep, cattle, and male and female servants to Abraham.  He also gave his wife Sarah back to him.

Genesis 20:14 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 20:14 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ἔλαβεν δὲ Αβιμελεχ χίλια δίδραχμα πρόβατα καὶ μόσχους καὶ παῗδας καὶ παιδίσκας καὶ ἔδωκεν τῷ Αβρααμ καὶ ἀπέδωκεν αὐτῷ Σαρραν τὴν γυναῗκα αὐτοῦ ἔλαβε δὲ ᾿Αβιμέλεχ χίλια δίδραχμα καὶ πρόβατα καὶ μόσχους καὶ παῖδας καὶ παιδίσκας καὶ ἔδωκε τῷ ῾Αβραὰμ καὶ ἀπέδωκεν αὐτῷ Σάρραν τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ

Genesis 20:14 (NETS)

Genesis 20:14 (English Elpenor)

Then Abimelech took a thousand didrachmas, sheep and calves and male and female slaves and gave them to Abraam and restored his wife Sarra to him. And Abimelech took a thousand pieces of silver, and sheep, and calves, and servants, and maid-servants, and gave them to Abraam, and he returned him Sarrha his wife.

Genesis 20:15 (Tanakh)

Genesis 20:15 (KJV)

Genesis 20:15 (NET)

And Abimelech said: ‘Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.’ And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee. Then Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you; live wherever you please.”

Genesis 20:15 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 20:15 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ εἶπεν Αβιμελεχ τῷ Αβρααμ ἰδοὺ ἡ γῆ μου ἐναντίον σου οὗ ἐάν σοι ἀρέσκῃ κατοίκει καὶ εἶπεν ᾿Αβιμέλεχ τῷ ῾Αβραάμ· ἰδοὺ ἡ γῆ μου ἐναντίον σου· οὗ ἐάν σοι ἀρέσκῃ, κατοίκει

Genesis 20:15 (NETS)

Genesis 20:15 (English Elpenor)

And Abimelech said to Abraam, “Look, my land is before you; settle where it may please you.” And Abimelech said to Abraam, Behold, my land is before thee, dwell wheresoever it may please thee.

Genesis 20:16 (Tanakh)

Genesis 20:16 (KJV)

Genesis 20:16 (NET)

And unto Sarah he said: ‘Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver; behold, it is for thee a covering of the eyes to all that are with thee; and before all men thou art righted.’ And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved. To Sarah he said, “Look, I have given 1,000 pieces of silver to your ‘brother.’  This is compensation for you so that you will stand vindicated before all who are with you.”

Genesis 20:16 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 20:16 (Septuagint Elpenor)

τῇ δὲ Σαρρα εἶπεν ἰδοὺ δέδωκα χίλια δίδραχμα τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου ταῦτα ἔσται σοι εἰς τιμὴν τοῦ προσώπου σου καὶ πάσαις ταῗς μετὰ σοῦ καὶ πάντα ἀλήθευσον τῇ δὲ Σάρρᾳ εἶπεν· ἰδοὺ δέδωκα χίλια δίδραχμα τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου· ταῦτα ἔσται σοι εἰς τὴν τιμὴ τοῦ προσώπου σου καὶ πάσαις ταῖς μετὰ σοῦ· καὶ πάντα ἀλήθευσον

Genesis 20:16 (NETS)

Genesis 20:16 (English Elpenor)

And to Sarra he said, “Look, I have given your brother a thousand drachmas; these shall be to you for the honor of your person and to all those with you, and tell the whole truth.” And to Sarrha he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver, those shall be to thee for the price of thy countenance, and to all the women with thee, and speak the truth in all things.

Genesis 17:5 (Tanakh)

Genesis 17:5 (KJV)

Genesis 17:5 (NET)

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. No longer will your name be Abram.  Instead, your name will be Abraham because I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.

Genesis 17:5 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 17:5 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ οὐ κληθήσεται ἔτι τὸ ὄνομά σου Αβραμ ἀλλ᾽ ἔσται τὸ ὄνομά σου Αβρααμ ὅτι πατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν τέθεικά σε καὶ οὐ κληθήσεται ἔτι τὸ ὄνομά σου ῞Αβραμ, ἀλλ᾿ ἔσται τὸ ὄνομά σου ῾Αβραάμ, ὅτι πατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν τέθεικά σε

Genesis 17:5 (NETS)

Genesis 17:5 (English Elpenor)

And no longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraam, for I have made you an ancestor of many nations. And thy name shall no more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraam, for I have made thee a father of many nations.

Romans 4:13 (NET)

Romans 4:13 (KJV)

For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would inherit the world was not fulfilled through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

Οὐ γὰρ διὰ νόμου ἡ ἐπαγγελία τῷ Ἀβραὰμ ἢ τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ, τὸ κληρονόμον αὐτὸν εἶναι κόσμου, ἀλλὰ διὰ δικαιοσύνης πίστεως ου γαρ δια νομου η επαγγελια τω αβρααμ η τω σπερματι αυτου το κληρονομον αυτον ειναι του κοσμου αλλα δια δικαιοσυνης πιστεως ου γαρ δια νομου η επαγγελια τω αβρααμ η τω σπερματι αυτου το κληρονομον αυτον ειναι του κοσμου αλλα δια δικαιοσυνης πιστεως

1 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had the article του preceding world.  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

2 Romans 4:13 (NET)

3 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had εις χριστον (KJV: in Christ) following God.  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

4 Galatians 3:17 (NET) Table

5 “Sarah’s prolonged barrenness prompted her to give her handmaid Hagar to Abraham in order that she might bear him a child in her mistress’ place (16:12).  This unusual device, found only once again in the Bible (cf. Gen. 30:1–8), is also attested to in the Nuzi documents and elsewhere, where it is stipulated that if a wife is childless, she must provide her husband with a female slave as a concubine.”
From the article “Sarah” on the Jewish Virtual Library online.

7 Genesis 16:5 (NET)

9 Genesis 16:6 (NET)

10 NET note 34: The name Ishmael consists of the imperfect or jussive form of the Hebrew verb with the theophoric element added as the subject. It means “God hears” or “may God hear.”

11 Genesis 17:15, 16 (NET)

12 Genesis 17:17a (NET)

13 Genesis 17:18 (NET)

14 Romans 4:13 (NET)

15 Genesis 18:19a (NET)

16 Genesis 20:11 (NET)

17 Genesis 20:13 (NET)

18 Romans 4:14 (NET)

20 Judges 7:2 (NET)

21 1 Corinthians 1:28, 29 (NET) Table

22 Romans 4:15 (NET)

23 Genesis 12:17 (NET)

24 Genesis 20:3 (NET)

25 Genesis 12:16 (NET)

26 Genesis 20:14-16 (NET)

27 2 Timothy 1:12b (NKJV)

Jephthah

Jephthah led (šāp̄aṭ, וַיִּשְׁפֹּ֥ט) Israel for six years; then he died and was buried in his city in Gilead.1  Samuel mentioned Jephthah, along with himself, as one the Lord sent as a deliverer from the hand of the enemies all around you, and you were able to live securely2 when the people cried out to the Lord and admitted, “We have sinned, for we have forsaken the Lord and have served the Baals and the images of Ashtoreth.  Now deliver us from the hand of our enemies so that we may serve you.”3  Though there are some differences in the list of Judges Samuel mentioned between the LXX (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), the Targum and the Syriac Peshitta according to the footnote (19) in the NET, Jephthah made all three lists.  Jephthah was remembered again as a man of faith in Hebrews 11:32 (NET):

And what more shall I say?  For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak,4 Samson,5 Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets.

He is certainly worth my consideration.  Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a brave warrior.  His mother was a prostitute (zānâ, זונה), but Gilead was his father.6 Gilead had other sons by his wife.  When they grew up, they made Jephthah leave and said to him, “You are not going to inherit any of our father’s wealth, because you are another woman’s son.” So Jephthah left his half-brothers and lived in the land of Tob. Lawless men joined Jephthah’s gang and traveled with him [See Addendum below].7

Later, When the Ammonites attacked, the leaders (zāqēn, זקני) of Gilead asked Jephthah to come back from the land of Tob.8  They wanted him to be their commander (qāṣîn, לקצין) in battle.  When Jephthah recounted how they had treated him previously they pledged their loyalty to him as their leader (rō’š, לראש) if he would lead them victoriously in battle against the Ammonites (Judges 11:9-11 NET).

Jephthah said to the leaders of Gilead, “All right!  If you take me back to fight with the Ammonites and the Lord gives them to me, I will be your leader (rō’š, לראש).”  The leaders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “The Lord will judge any grievance you have against us, if we do not do as you say.”  So Jephthah went with the leaders of Gilead.  The people made him their leader (rō’š, לראש) and commander (qāṣîn, ולקצין).  Jephthah repeated the terms of the agreement before the Lord in Mizpah.

So while Barak was appointed to his judgeship by the prophetess Deborah,9 and the Lord himself called Gideon (also known as Jerub-Baal),10 Jephthah rose to prominence through a backroom deal sanctified after the fact as an oath, or contract, at a holy place.  These circumstances in and of themselves don’t necessarily mean that Jephthah was not one the Lord…raised (qûm, ויקם) up as a deliverer (yāša, מושיע), like Othniel in Judges 3:7-11 (NET) or Ehud in Judges 3:12-30 (NET).  The text does not relate the circumstances of Othniel’s calling, nor those under which Ehud was raised up.  If it did I might find those circumstances as curious as the calling of Jephthah.

In the New Testament Paul described the calling of many in Corinth like this (1 Corinthians 1:26-29 NET):

Think about the circumstances of your call, brothers and sisters.  Not many were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position.  But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong.  God chose what is low and despised in the world,11 what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, so that no one can boast in his12 presence.

In the book of Judges the Lord whittled Gideon’s army down from 32,000 to 300 warriors for exactly the same reason (Judges 7:2 NET Table):

The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men for me to hand Midian over to you.  Israel might brag, ‘Our own strength has delivered us.’”

What is worthy of mention about Jephthah’s calling however is that it comes after the Lord has become so tired of this Monotonous Cycle of apostasy and repentance in Israel that He said (Judges 10:11-14 NET):

Did I not deliver you from Egypt, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Sidonians, Amalek, and Midian when they oppressed you?  You cried out for help to me, and I delivered you from their power.  But since you abandoned me and worshiped other gods, I will not deliver you again.  Go and cry for help to the gods you have chosen!  Let them deliver you from trouble!

But the Israelites said to the Lord, “We have sinned.  You do to us as you see fit, but deliver us today!”  They threw away the foreign gods they owned and worshiped the Lord.  Finally the Lord grew tired of seeing Israel suffer so much.13

Before I get too carried away by the thought that a marauding leader of lawless men [See Addendum below], the exiled son of a professional (or eager amateur) devotee of one of the Baals or Ashtars14 was exactly the kind of deliverer these Israelites deserved, I had better check myself and understand exactly who this marauding leader of lawless men, the exiled son of a professional (or eager amateur) devotee of one of the Baals or Ashtars was.

 

Addendum: January 19, 2019
Tables comparing Hebrews 11:32 and 1 Corinthians 1:28, 29 in the NET and KJV follow.

Hebrews 11:32 (NET)

Hebrews 11:32 (KJV)

And what more shall I say?  For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets. And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

Καὶ τί ἔτι λέγω; ἐπιλείψει με γὰρ διηγούμενον ὁ χρόνος περὶ Γεδεών, Βαράκ, Σαμψών, Ἰεφθάε, Δαυίδ τε καὶ Σαμουὴλ καὶ τῶν προφητῶν και τι ετι λεγω επιλειψει γαρ με διηγουμενον ο χρονος περι γεδεων βαρακ τε και σαμψων και ιεφθαε δαβιδ τε και σαμουηλ και των προφητων και τι ετι λεγω επιλειψει γαρ με διηγουμενον ο χρονος περι γεδεων βαρακ τε και σαμψων και ιεφθαε δαυιδ τε και σαμουηλ και των προφητων

1 Corinthians 1:28, 29 (NET)

1 Corinthians 1:28, 29 (KJV)

God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

καὶ τὰ ἀγενῆ τοῦ κόσμου καὶ τὰ ἐξουθενημένα ἐξελέξατο ὁ θεός, τὰ μὴ ὄντα, ἵνα τὰ ὄντα καταργήσῃ και τα αγενη του κοσμου και τα εξουθενημενα εξελεξατο ο θεος και τα μη οντα ινα τα οντα καταργηση και τα αγενη του κοσμου και τα εξουθενημενα εξελεξατο ο θεος και τα μη οντα ινα τα οντα καταργηση
so that no one can boast in his presence. That no flesh should glory in his presence.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

ὅπως μὴ καυχήσηται πᾶσα σὰρξ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ οπως μη καυχησηται πασα σαρξ ενωπιον αυτου οπως μη καυχησηται πασα σαρξ ενωπιον του θεου

 

Addendum: July 20, 2021
I may have gotten the wrong idea about the “lawless” men [who] joined Jephthah’s “gang.”

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Judges 11:3 (Tanakh) Judges 11:3 (NET) Judges 11:3 (NETS)

Judges 11:3 (English Elpenor)

Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain (רֵיקִ֔ים) men to Jephthah, and went out with him. So Jephthah left his half brothers and lived in the land of Tob.  Lawless (rêq, ריקים) men joined Jephthah’s gang and traveled with him. And Iephthae fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob.  And petty (λιτοὶ) men were coming together to Iephthae and would go out together with him. And Jephthae fled from the face of his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob; and vain (κενοὶ) men gathered to Jephthae, and went out with him.

Perhaps, like Jephthah, for whatever reason these men were not of the landed gentry, simply men without inherited wealth.

Tables comparing Judges 12:7; 1 Samuel 12:11; 12:10; Judges 11:1; 11:2; 11:3; 11:5; 11:9; 11:10; 11:11; 3:9; 3:15; 10:11; 10:12; 10:13; 10:14; 10:15 and 10:16 in the Tanakh, KJV and NET, and tables comparing the Greek of Judges 12:7; 1 Samuel (1 Reigns, 1 Kings) 12:11; 12:10; Judges 11:1; 11:2; 11:3; 11:5 (11:4, 5); 11:9; 11:10; 11:11; 3:9; 3:15; 10:11; 10:12; 10:13; 10:14; 10:15 and 10:16 in the Septuagint (BLB and Elpenor) follow.

Judges 12:7 (Tanakh)

Judges 12:7 (KJV)

Judges 12:7 (NET)

And Jephthah judged Israel six years.  Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead. And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead. Jephthah led Israel for six years; then he died and was buried in his town in Gilead.

Judges 12:7 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 12:7 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἔκρινεν Ιεφθαε τὸν Ισραηλ ἓξ ἔτη καὶ ἀπέθανεν Ιεφθαε ὁ Γαλααδίτης καὶ ἐτάφη ἐν τῇ πόλει αὐτοῦ Γαλααδ καὶ ἔκρινεν ᾿Ιεφθάε τὸν ᾿Ισραὴλ ἓξ ἔτη. καὶ ἀπέθανεν ᾿Ιεφθάε ὁ Γαλααδίτης, καὶ ἐτάφη ἐν πόλει αὐτοῦ Γαλαάδ

Judges 12:7 (NETS)

Judges 12:7 (English Elpenor)

And Iephthae judged Israel six years.  And Iephthae the Galaadite died and was buried in his city, Galaad. And Jephthae judged Israel six years; and Jephthae the Galaadite died, and was buried in his city Galaad.

1 Samuel 12:11 (Tanakh)

1 Samuel 12:11 (KJV)

1 Samuel 12:11 (NET)

And HaShem sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelt in safety. And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe. So the Lord sent Jerub Baal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and he delivered you from the hands of the enemies all around you, and you were able to live securely.

1 Samuel 12:11 (Septuagint BLB)

1 Kings 12:11 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἀπέστειλεν κύριος τὸν Ιεροβααλ καὶ τὸν Βαρακ καὶ τὸν Ιεφθαε καὶ τὸν Σαμουηλ καὶ ἐξείλατο ὑμᾶς ἐκ χειρὸς ἐχθρῶν ὑμῶν τῶν κυκλόθεν καὶ κατῳκεῗτε πεποιθότες καὶ ἀπέστειλε Κύριος τὸν ῾Ιεροβάαλ καὶ τὸν Βαρὰκ καὶ τὸν ᾿Ιεφθάε καὶ τὸν Σαμουὴλ καὶ ἐξείλατο ἡμᾶς ἐκ χειρὸς ἐχθρῶν ἡμῶν τῶν κυκλόθεν, καὶ κατῳκεῖτε πεποιθότες

1 Reigns 12:11 (NETS)

1 Kings 12:11 (English Elpenor)

And the Lord sent Ierobaal and Barak and Iephthae and Samouel and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies who were round about, and you were living securely. And he sent Jerobaal, and Barac, and Jephthae, and Samuel, and rescued us out of the hand of our enemies round about, and ye dwelt in security.

1 Samuel 12:10 (Tanakh)

1 Samuel 12:10 (KJV)

1 Samuel 12:10 (NET)

And they cried unto HaShem, and said: We have sinned, because we have forsaken HaShem, and have served the Baalim and the Ashtaroth; but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve Thee. And they cried unto the LORD, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee. Then they cried out to the Lord and admitted, ‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the Lord and have served the Baals and the images of Ashtoreth.  Now deliver us from the hands of our enemies so that we may serve you.’

1 Samuel 12:10 (Septuagint BLB)

1 Kings 12:10 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἐβόησαν πρὸς κύριον καὶ ἔλεγον ἡμάρτομεν ὅτι ἐγκατελίπομεν τὸν κύριον καὶ ἐδουλεύσαμεν τοῗς Βααλιμ καὶ τοῗς ἄλσεσιν καὶ νῦν ἐξελοῦ ἡμᾶς ἐκ χειρὸς ἐχθρῶν ἡμῶν καὶ δουλεύσομέν σοι καὶ ἐβόησαν πρὸς Κύριον καὶ ἔλεγον· ἡμάρτομεν, ὅτι ἐγκατελίπομεν τὸν Κύριον καὶ ἐδουλεύσαμεν τοῖς Βααλὶμ καὶ τοῖς ἄλσεσι· καὶ νῦν ἐξελοῦ ἡμᾶς ἐκ χειρὸς ἐχθρῶν ἡμῶν, καὶ δουλεύσομέν σοι

1 Reigns 12:10 (NETS)

1 Kings 12:10 (English Elpenor)

And they cried out to the Lord and were saying, ‘We have sinned, because we forsook the Lord and were subject to the Baalim and the groves, and now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will be subject to you.’ And they cried to the Lord, and said, We have sinned, for we have forsaken the Lord, and have served Baalim and the groves: and now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee.

Judges 11:1 (Tanakh)

Judges 11:1 (KJV)

Judges 11:1 (NET)

Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah. Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah. Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a brave warrior.  His mother was a prostitute, but Gilead was his father.

Judges 11:1 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 11:1 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ Ιεφθαε ὁ Γαλααδίτης δυνατὸς ἐν ἰσχύι καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν υἱὸς γυναικὸς πόρνης καὶ ἔτεκεν τῷ Γαλααδ τὸν Ιεφθαε ΚΑΙ ᾿Ιεφθάε ὁ Γαλααδίτης ἐπῃρμένος δυνάμει· καὶ αὐτὸς υἱὸς γυναικὸς πόρνης, ἐγέννησε τῷ Γαλαὰδ τὸν ᾿Ιεφθάε

Judges 11:1 (NETS)

Judges 11:1 (English Elpenor)

And Iephthae the Galaadite was powerful in strength, and he himself was a son of a woman who was a prostitute, and she bore Iephthae to Galaad. And Jephthae the Galaadite [was] a mighty man; and he [was] the son of a harlot, who bore Jephthae to Galaad.

Judges 11:2 (Tanakh)

Judges 11:2 (KJV)

Judges 11:2 (NET)

And Gilead’s wife bare him sons; and his wife’s sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father’s house; for thou art the son of a strange woman. And Gilead’s wife bare him sons; and his wife’s sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father’s house; for thou art the son of a strange woman. Gilead’s wife also gave him sons. When his wife’s sons grew up, they made Jephthah leave and said to him, “You are not going to inherit any of our father’s wealth because you are another woman’s son.”

Judges 11:2 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 11:2 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἔτεκεν ἡ γυνὴ Γαλααδ αὐτῷ υἱούς καὶ ἡδρύνθησαν οἱ υἱοὶ τῆς γυναικὸς καὶ ἐξέβαλον τὸν Ιεφθαε καὶ εἶπον αὐτῷ οὐ κληρονομήσεις ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν ὅτι γυναικὸς υἱὸς ἑταίρας εἶ σύ καὶ ἔτεκεν ἡ γυνὴ Γαλαὰδ αὐτῷ υἱούς· καὶ ἡδρύνθησαν οἱ υἱοὶ τῆς γυναικὸς καὶ ἐξέβαλον τὸν ᾿Ιεφθάε καὶ εἶπαν αὐτῷ· οὐ κληρονομήσεις ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν, ὅτι υἱὸς γυναικὸς ἑταίρας σύ

Judges 11:2 (NETS)

Judges 11:2 (English Elpenor)

And Galaad’s wife bore him sons, and his wife’s sons came to maturity and drove Iephthae away and said to him, “You shall not inherit anything in our father’s house, for you are the son of woman who is a courtesan.” And the wife of Galaad bore him sons; and the sons of his wife grew up, and they cast out Jephthae, and said to him, Thou shalt not inherit in the house of our father, for thou art the son of a concubine.

Judges 11:3 (Tanakh)

Judges 11:3 (KJV)

Judges 11:3 (NET)

Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him. Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him. So Jephthah left his half brothers and lived in the land of Tob.  Lawless men joined Jephthah’s gang and traveled with him.

Judges 11:3 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 11:3 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἀπέδρα Ιεφθαε ἐκ προσώπου τῶν ἀδελφῶν αὐτοῦ καὶ κατῴκησεν ἐν γῇ Τωβ καὶ συνελέγοντο πρὸς τὸν Ιεφθαε ἄνδρες λιτοὶ καὶ συνεξεπορεύοντο μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔφυγεν ᾿Ιεφθάε ἀπὸ προσώπου τῶν ἀδελφῶν αὐτοῦ καὶ ᾤκησεν ἐν γῇ Τώβ, καὶ συνεστράφησαν πρὸς ᾿Ιεφθάε ἄνδρες κενοὶ καὶ ἐξῆλθον μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ

Judges 11:3 (NETS)

Judges 11:3 (English Elpenor)

And Iephthae fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob.  And petty men were coming together to Iephthae and would go out together with him. And Jephthae fled from the face of his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob; and vain men gathered to Jephthae, and went out with him.

Judges 11:5 (Tanakh)

Judges 11:5 (KJV)

Judges 11:5 (NET)

And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob: And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob: When the Ammonites attacked, the leaders of Gilead asked Jephthah to come back from the land of Tob.
Judges 11:5 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 11:4, 5 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἐγενήθη ἡνίκα ἐπολέμουν οἱ υἱοὶ Αμμων μετὰ Ισραηλ καὶ ἐπορεύθησαν οἱ πρεσβύτεροι Γαλααδ παραλαβεῗν τὸν Ιεφθαε ἐν γῇ Τωβ καὶ ἐγένετο ἡνίκα παρετάξαντο οἱ υἱοὶ ᾿Αμμὼν μετὰ ᾿Ισραήλ, (5) καὶ ἐπορεύθησαν οἱ πρεσβύτεροι Γαλαὰδ λαβεῖν τὸν ᾿Ιεφθάε ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς Τὼβ

Judges 11:5 (NETS)

Judges 11:4, 5 (English Elpenor)

And it happened, when the sons of Ammon were making war with Israel, that the elders of Galaad went to take along Iephthae in the land of Tob. And it came to pass when the children of Ammon prepared to fight with Israel, (5) that the elders of Galaad went to fetch Jephthae from the land of Tob.

Judges 11:9 (Tanakh)

Judges 11:9 (KJV)

Judges 11:9 (NET)

And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If ye bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head? And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If ye bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head? Jephthah said to the leaders of Gilead, “All right.  If you take me back to fight with the Ammonites and the Lord gives them to me, I will be your leader.”

Judges 11:9 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 11:9 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ εἶπεν Ιεφθαε πρὸς τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους Γαλααδ εἰ ἐπιστρέφετέ με ὑμεῗς πολεμῆσαι ἐν τοῗς υἱοῗς Αμμων καὶ παραδῷ κύριος αὐτοὺς ἐνώπιον ἐμοῦ ἐγὼ ὑμῗν ἔσομαι εἰς κεφαλήν καὶ εἶπεν ᾿Ιεφθάε πρὸς τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους Γαλαάδ· εἰ ἐπιστρέφετέ με ὑμεῖς παρατάξασθαι ἐν υἱοῖς ᾿Αμμὼν καὶ παραδῷ αὐτοὺς Κύριος ἐνώπιον ἐμοῦ, καὶ ἐγὼ ὑμῖν ἔσομαι εἰς ἄρχοντα

Judges 11:9 (NETS)

Judges 11:9 (English Elpenor)

And Iephthae said to the elders of Galaad, “If you are returning me to fight against the sons of Ammon, then let the Lord give them over before me.  I will be for a head to you.” And Jephthae said to the elders of Galaad, If ye turn me back to fight with the children of Ammon, and the Lord should deliver them before me, then will I be your head.

Judges 11:10 (Tanakh)

Judges 11:10 (KJV)

Judges 11:10 (NET)

And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words. And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words. The leaders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “The Lord will judge any grievance you have against us if we do not do as you say.”

Judges 11:10 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 11:10 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ εἶπαν οἱ πρεσβύτεροι Γαλααδ πρὸς Ιεφθαε κύριος ἔσται ἀκούων ἀνὰ μέσον ἡμῶν εἰ μὴ κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου οὕτως ποιήσομεν καὶ εἶπαν οἱ πρεσβύτεροι Γαλαὰδ πρὸς ᾿Ιεφθάε· Κύριος ἔστω ἀκούων ἀνὰ μέσον ἡμῶν, εἰ μὴ κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου οὕτω ποιήσομεν

Judges 11:10 (NETS)

Judges 11:10 (English Elpenor)

And the elders of Galaad said to Iephthae, “The Lord will be the one who hears between us, if we do not do so, according to your word.” And the elders of Galaad said to Jephthae, The Lord be witness between us, if we shall not do according to thy word.

Judges 11:11 (Tanakh)

Judges 11:11 (KJV)

Judges 11:11 (NET)

Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh. Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh. So Jephthah went with the leaders of Gilead.  The people made him their leader and commander.  Jephthah repeated the terms of the agreement before the Lord in Mizpah.

Judges 11:11 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 11:11 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἐπορεύθη Ιεφθαε μετὰ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων Γαλααδ καὶ κατέστησαν αὐτὸν ἐπ᾽ αὐτῶν εἰς κεφαλὴν εἰς ἡγούμενον καὶ ἐλάλησεν Ιεφθαε πάντας τοὺς λόγους αὐτοῦ ἐνώπιον κυρίου ἐν Μασσηφα καὶ ἐπορεύθη ᾿Ιεφθάε μετὰ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων Γαλαάδ, καὶ ἔθηκαν αὐτὸν λαὸς ἐπ᾿ αὐτοὺς εἰς κεφαλὴν καὶ εἰς ἀρχηγόν. καὶ ἐλάλησεν ᾿Ιεφθάε πάντας τοὺς λόγους αὐτοῦ ἐνώπιον Κυρίου ἐν Μασσηφά

Judges 11:11 (NETS)

Judges 11:11 (English Elpenor)

And Iephthae went with the elders of Galaad, and they appointed him over them for a head, for a leader, and Iephthae spoke all his words before the Lord at Massepha. And Jephthae went with the elders of Galaad, and the people made him head and ruler over them: and Jephthae spoke all his words before the Lord in Massepha.

Judges 3:9 (Tanakh)

Judges 3:9 (KJV)

Judges 3:9 (NET)

And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. When the Israelites cried out for help to the Lord, he raised up a deliverer for the Israelites who rescued them.  His name was Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.

Judges 3:9 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 3:9 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἐκέκραξαν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ πρὸς κύριον καὶ ἤγειρεν κύριος σωτῆρα τῷ Ισραηλ καὶ ἔσωσεν αὐτούς τὸν Γοθονιηλ υἱὸν Κενεζ ἀδελφὸν Χαλεβ τὸν νεώτερον αὐτοῦ καὶ εἰσήκουσεν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐκέκραξαν οἱ υἱοὶ ᾿Ισραὴλ πρὸς Κύριον· καί ἤγειρε Κύριος σωτῆρα τῷ ᾿Ισραήλ, καὶ ἔσωσεν αὐτούς, τὸν Γοθονιὴλ υἱὸν Κενέζ ἀδελφοῦ Χάλεβ τὸν νεώτερον ὑπὲρ αὐτόν

Judges 3:9 (NETS)

Judges 3:9 (English Elpenor)

And the sons of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up a deliverer for Israel, and he delivered them, Gothoniel son of Kenaz, Chaleb’s younger brother, and he obeyed him. And the children of Israel cried to the Lord; and the Lord raised up a saviour to Israel, and he saved them, Gothoniel the son of Kenez, the brother of Chaleb younger than himself.

Judges 3:15 (Tanakh)

Judges 3:15 (KJV)

Judges 3:15 (NET)

But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab. But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab. When the Israelites cried out for help to the Lord, he raised up a deliverer for them.  His name was Ehud son of Gera the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The Israelites sent him to King Eglon of Moab with their tribute payment.

Judges 3:15 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 3:15 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἐκέκραξαν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ πρὸς κύριον καὶ ἤγειρεν αὐτοῗς κύριος σωτῆρα τὸν Αωδ υἱὸν Γηρα υἱοῦ τοῦ Ιεμενι ἄνδρα ἀμφοτεροδέξιον καὶ ἀπέστειλαν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ δῶρα ἐν χειρὶ αὐτοῦ τῷ Εγλωμ βασιλεῗ Μωαβ καὶ ἐκέκραξαν οἱ υἱοὶ ᾿Ισραὴλ πρὸς Κύριον· καὶ ἤγειρεν αὐτοῖς σωτῆρα τὸν ᾿Αὼδ υἱὸν Γηρὰ υἱὸν τοῦ ᾿Ιεμενί, ἄνδρα ἀμφοτεροδέξιον. καὶ ἐξαπέστειλαν οἱ υἱοὶ ᾿Ισραὴλ δῶρα ἐν χειρὶ αὐτοῦ τῷ ᾿Εγλὼμ βασιλεῖ Μωάβ

Judges 3:15 (NETS)

Judges 3:15 (English Elpenor)

And the sons of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up for them a deliverer, Aod son of Gera son of Iemeni, an ambidextrous man.  And the sons of Israel sent gifts to King Eglom of Moab by his hand. And the children of Israel cried to the Lord; and he raised up to them a saviour, Aod the son of Gera a son of Jemeni, a man who used both hands alike: and the children of Israel sent gifts by his hand to Eglom king of Moab.

Judges 10:11 (Tanakh)

Judges 10:11 (KJV)

Judges 10:11 (NET)

And the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines? And the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines? The Lord said to the Israelites, “Did I not deliver you from Egypt, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines,
Judges 10:11 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 10:11 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς τοὺς υἱοὺς Ισραηλ οὐχὶ οἱ Αἰγύπτιοι καὶ οἱ Αμορραῗοι καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ Αμμων καὶ Μωαβ καὶ οἱ ἀλλόφυλοι καὶ εἶπε Κύριος πρὸς τοὺς υἱοὺς ᾿Ισραήλ· μὴ οὐχὶ ἐξ Αἰγύπτου καὶ ἀπὸ τοῦ ᾿Αμορραίου καὶ ἀπὸ υἱῶν ᾿Αμμὼν καὶ ἀπὸ Φυλιστιΐμ

Judges 10:11 (NETS)

Judges 10:11 (English Elpenor)

And the Lord said to the sons of Israel, “Did not the Egyptians and the Amorites and the sons of Ammon and Moab and the allophyles And the Lord said to the children of Israel, Did I not [save you] from Egypt and from the Amorite, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Phylistines,

Judges 10:12 (Tanakh)

Judges 10:12 (KJV)

Judges 10:12 (NET)

The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. the Sidonians, Amalek, and Midian when they oppressed you?  You cried out for help to me, and I delivered you from their power.

Judges 10:12 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 10:12 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ Σιδώνιοι καὶ Μαδιαμ καὶ Αμαληκ ἐξέθλιψαν ὑμᾶς καὶ ἐκεκράξατε πρός με καὶ ἔσωσα ὑμᾶς ἐκ χειρὸς αὐτῶν καὶ Σιδωνίων καὶ ᾿Αμαλὴκ καὶ Μαδιάμ, οἳ ἔθλιψαν ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἐβοήσατε πρός με, καὶ ἔσωσα ὑμᾶς ἐκ χειρὸς αὐτῶν

Judges 10:12 (NETS)

Judges 10:12 (English Elpenor)

and Sidonians and Madiam and Amelek oppress you?  And you cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. and from the Sidonians, and Amalec, and Madiam, who afflicted you? and ye cried to me, and I saved you out of their hand?

Judges 10:13 (Tanakh)

Judges 10:13 (KJV)

Judges 10:13 (NET)

Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. But since you abandoned me and worshiped other gods, I will not deliver you again.

Judges 10:13 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 10:13 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ὑμεῗς ἐγκατελίπετέ με καὶ ἐλατρεύσατε θεοῗς ἑτέροις διὰ τοῦτο οὐ προσθήσω τοῦ σῶσαι ὑμᾶς καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐγκατελίπετέ με καὶ ἐδουλεύσατε θεοῖς ἑτέροις· διὰ τοῦτο οὐ προσθήσω τοῦ σῶσαι ὑμᾶς

Judges 10:13 (NETS)

Judges 10:13 (English Elpenor)

And you have abandoned me and served other gods; therefore I will not add to deliver you. Yet ye forsook me and served other gods; therefore I will not save you any more.

Judges 10:14 (Tanakh)

Judges 10:14 (KJV)

Judges 10:14 (NET)

Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation. Go and cry for help to the gods you have chosen!  Let them deliver you from trouble!”

Judges 10:14 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 10:14 (Septuagint Elpenor)

βαδίζετε καὶ βοᾶτε πρὸς τοὺς θεούς οὓς ἐξελέξασθε ἑαυτοῗς καὶ αὐτοὶ σωσάτωσαν ὑμᾶς ἐν καιρῷ θλίψεως ὑμῶν πορεύεσθε καὶ βοήσατε πρὸς τοὺς θεούς, οὓς ἐξελέξασθε ἑαυτοῖς, καὶ αὐτοὶ σωσάτωσαν ὑμᾶς ἐν καιρῷ θλίψεως ὑμῶν

Judges 10:14 (NETS)

Judges 10:14 (English Elpenor)

Go away, and cry aloud to the gods you have chosen for yourselves, and let them deliver you in the time of your distress.” Go, and cry to the gods whom ye have chosen to yourselves, and let them save you in the time of your affliction.

Judges 10:15 (Tanakh)

Judges 10:15 (KJV)

Judges 10:15 (NET)

And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. But the Israelites said to the Lord, “We have sinned.  You do to us as you see fit, but deliver us today!”

Judges 10:15 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 10:15 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ εἶπαν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ πρὸς κύριον ἡμάρτομεν ποίησον σὺ ἡμῗν κατὰ πάντα ὅσα ἂν ἀρέσκῃ ἐνώπιόν σου πλήν κύριε ἐξελοῦ ἡμᾶς ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ταύτῃ καὶ εἶπαν οἱ υἱοὶ ᾿Ισραὴλ πρὸς Κύριον· ἡμάρτομεν, ποίησον σὺ ἡμῖν κατὰ πᾶν τὸ ἀγαθὸν ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς σου, πλὴν ἐξελοῦ ἡμᾶς ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ταύτῃ

Judges 10:15 (NETS)

Judges 10:15 (English Elpenor)

And the sons of Israel said to the Lord, “We have sinned; do to us according to everything that is pleasing before you; only, Lord, deliver us in this day!” And the children of Israel said to the Lord, We have sinned: do thou to us according to all [that is] good in thine eyes; only deliver us this day.

Judges 10:16 (Tanakh)

Judges 10:16 (KJV)

Judges 10:16 (NET)

And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. They threw away the foreign gods they owned and worshiped the Lord.  Finally the Lord grew tired of seeing Israel suffer so much.

Judges 10:16 (Septuagint BLB)

Judges 10:16 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ μετέστησαν τοὺς θεοὺς τοὺς ἀλλοτρίους ἐκ μέσου αὐτῶν καὶ ἐλάτρευσαν τῷ κυρίῳ καὶ οὐκ εὐηρέστησεν ἐν τῷ λαῷ καὶ ὠλιγοψύχησεν ἐν τῷ κόπῳ Ισραηλ καὶ ἐξέκλιναν τοὺς θεοὺς τοὺς ἀλλοτρίους ἐκ μέσου αὐτῶν καὶ ἐδούλευσαν τῷ Κυρίῳ μόνῳ, καὶ ὠλιγώθη ψυχὴ αὐτοῦ ἐν κόπῳ ᾿Ισραήλ

Judges 10:16 (NETS)

Judges 10:16 (English Elpenor)

And they put away the foreign gods from their midst and served the Lord, and he was not well pleased with the people, and he was worried about the suffering of Israel. And they put away the strange gods from the midst of them, and served the Lord only, and his soul was pained for the trouble of Israel.

1 Judges 12:7 (NET)

2 1 Samuel 12:11 (NET)

3 1 Samuel 12:10 (NET)

4 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had τε και following Barak (KJV: and of).  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

5 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had και following Samson (KJV: and of).  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

6 Judges 11:1 (NET)

7 Judges 11:2b, 3 (NET)

8 Judges 11:5 (NET)

9 Judges 4:4-9

10 Judges 6:14-32 (NET)

11 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had the conjunction και (KJV: and) joining this clause to the next.  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

12 The Stephanus Textus Receptus had αυτου (KJV: his) here, where the NET parallel Greek text, NA28 and Byzantine Majority Text had τοῦ θεοῦ, i.e., God’s presence.

13 Judges 10:15, 16 (NET)

14 Judges 10:6 (NET) Ashtars was from the first edition of the NET.  Note 9: The Ashtars were local manifestations of the goddess Ashtar (i.e., Astarte).