Judges 21:11 net — Do this: exterminate every male, as well as every woman who has experienced a man’s bed. But spare the lives of any vir…

NET Bible

"Do this: exterminate every male, as well as every woman who has experienced a man’s bed. But spare the lives of any virgins.” So they did as instructed."

— Judges 21:11, NET Bible

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Judges 21:11 in Other Translations

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Judges 21 — Context

8

So they asked,“Who from all the Israelite tribes did not assemble before the LORD at Mizpah?” Now it just so happened no one from Jabesh Gilead had come to the gathering.

9

When they took roll call, they noticed none of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead were there.

10

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.

11

Do this: exterminate every male, as well as every woman who has experienced a man’s bed. But spare the lives of any virgins.” So they did as instructed.

12

They found among the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead four hundred young girls who were virgins who had never been intimate with a man in bed. They brought them back to the camp at Shiloh in the land of Canaan.

13

The entire assembly sent messengers to the Benjaminites at the cliff of Rimmon and assured them they would not be harmed.

14

The Benjaminites returned at that time, and the Israelites gave to them the women they had spared from Jabesh Gilead. But there were not enough to go around.

Judges 21:11 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Judges 21:11 say?
Judges 21:11 in the NET Bible reads: “Do this: exterminate every male, as well as every woman who has experienced a man’s bed. But spare the lives of any virgins.” So they did as instructed.”
Where is Judges 21:11 in the Bible?
Judges 21:11 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Judges, chapter 21, verse 11.
Who wrote Judges?
Judges is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel). It was written c. 1050–1000 BC.
What is the book of Judges about?
Judges chronicles the cycle of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance that defined Israel between Joshua and Samuel. Through twelve raised-up deliverers — including Deborah, Gideon, and Samson — God repeatedly rescues a people who keep doing what is right in their own eyes.
What are the major themes of Judges?
Judges explores themes including Apostasy, Deliverance, Cycles of Sin, Need for a King, Mercy. These themes shape the meaning and context of Judges 21:11.
What translation should I read Judges 21:11 in?
Judges 21:11 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Judges 21:11?
Judges 21:11 reads (NET): “Do this: exterminate every male, as well as every woman who has experienced a man’s bed. But spare the lives of any virgins.” So they did as instructed.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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