Judges 8:30 - Gideon had seventy sons conceived from his body, for he had many wives.

Generated Verse: Judges 8:30

What does "Judges 8:30" mean?


The verse "Gideon had seventy sons conceived from his body, for he had many wives" (Judges 8:30) is a straightforward statement of fact about Gideon's family:

"Gideon had seventy sons conceived from his body": This indicates that Gideon fathered seventy sons through his own seed. It highlights his virility and ability to produce offspring.
"for he had many wives": This explains how Gideon was able to have so many sons. Polygamy (having multiple wives) was practiced in ancient Israelite society, particularly by men of wealth and status like Gideon. Having many wives increased the likelihood of having many children.

Significance and Implications:

Power and Status: In ancient times, having many sons was a sign of wealth, power, and divine blessing. Sons provided labor, carried on the family name, and offered security in old age. Gideon's numerous sons would have enhanced his position in society.
Potential for Conflict: While a large family could bring advantages, it could also lead to internal conflicts and power struggles among the sons, particularly after the father's death. This ultimately happened after Gideon's death.
Departure from Monogamy: The verse highlights the departure from the ideal of monogamy that was present in the original creation story.

In summary, Judges 8:30 reveals Gideon's prosperity and status through his large family, which was a direct result of his polygamous relationships. However, it also foreshadows potential challenges and internal conflicts within his family, setting the stage for the events that follow in the narrative.

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