Origin and Meaning of Jephthah

Meaning & Origin

He opens

Origin: Hebrew - Derived from the Hebrew name יَפְתָח (Yiftach), meaning 'he will open' or 'he will release'.

Interesting Facts

  • Jephthah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Judges in the Old Testament, known for being a judge who led Israel to victory against the Ammonites.
  • Jephthah is often associated with themes of sacrifice and vows, notably due to his tragic story involving a vow made to God that led to great personal loss.
  • His narrative reflects complex issues of faith, leadership, and the consequences of rash promises, making him a significant study in biblical ethics.
  • The name Jephthah is relatively uncommon today but has gained attention in discussions about biblical names in religious contexts.
  • Variations of Jephthah can be seen in different cultures, though most retain the same biblical significance, and it may sometimes be rendered as 'Jephthae' in scholarly texts.