יְרֻבַּ֫עַל (ye.rub.ba.al)
ye.rub.ba.al
Jerubbaal
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Yerubbbaal, meaning "Let Baal contend," serves as a public declaration of faith attached to Gideon in the book of Judges. It was not merely a title but a theological statement made by his father Joash when he defended his son against the angry townspeople who wanted to kill him for destroying an altar to Baal (Judges 6:32). By giving this name, the family affirmed that the true God alone was worthy of worship and judgment.
This distinctive name appears frequently in the narrative of Gideon’s leadership, appearing in Judges 6 through 9. It highlights the central conflict of that era: the struggle between exclusive loyalty to Yahweh and the pervasive influence of Canaanite religion. The name underscores that Gideon’s authority came not from military success but from his obedience in rejecting idolatry.
Later tradition records a variant form, Yerubbesheth, found in 2 Samuel 11:21. This change likely reflects a later scribe’s discomfort with the mention of Baal, substituting "bosheth" (shame) to avoid any association with the false god. Both forms point to the same historical figure, but the original name remains a powerful reminder of the bold stance Gideon’s family took against the religious norms of their time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jerubbaal carries a heavy weight of defiance against the religious culture of its time. It translates to "Let Baal contend," a bold declaration made by Gideon’s father Joash after his son destroyed an altar to the Canaanite god Baal. In a society where idolatry was the norm, this name served as a public testimony that Yahweh alone held ultimate authority and judgment.
For believers today, this story offers a powerful example of standing firm in faith when it is difficult. It reminds us that true loyalty to God often requires courage and clarity, even when surrounded by opposing views. The narrative shows that our identity and strength come not from military power or social approval, but from obedience to the one true God.
While later traditions sometimes altered the name to avoid mentioning Baal, the original form remains a striking reminder of the choice between competing loyalties. It invites us to examine where we place our trust and to live with the same clear-headed devotion that defined Gideon’s family in their darkest hours.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jerub-Baal14×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְרֻבַּ֣עַל3×
- יְרֻבַּ֥עַל2×
- יְרֻבַּ֛עַל2×
- יְרֻבַּ֖עַל2×
- יְרֻבָּֽעַל\׃\ \פ1×
- יְרֻבָּ֑עַל1×
- יְרֻבַּ֜עַל1×
- יְרֻבַּ֙עַל֙1×
- יְרֻבַּ֔עַל1×
Key Verses
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Judges 6:32
Therefore on that day he named him Jerub-Baal, saying, “Let Baal contend against him, because he has broken down his altar.”
This verse explains the origin of the name, linking it directly to Joash’s defense of Gideon and his rejection of Baal worship.
-
Judges 8:35
neither did they show kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, that is, Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shown to Israel.
Here the name highlights the ingratitude of Israel toward Gideon, showing how quickly people forget God’s deliverance once the crisis passes.
-
Judges 9:24
that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and that their blood might be laid on Abimelech their brother who killed them, and on the men of Shechem who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers.
The text uses the name to emphasize the tragic consequence of Abimelech’s violence against his own brothers, framing it as divine justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jerubbaal mean?
Why is Jerubbaal also called Gideon?
Is there another form of this name?
Where does this name appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (13 verses across 2 books)
Judges 12 verses
Therefore on that day he named him Jerub-Baal, saying, “Let Baal contend against him, because he has broken down his…
Judges 7:1Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people who were with him, rose up early and encamped beside the spring of…
Judges 8:29Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and lived in his own house.
Judges 8:35neither did they show kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, that is, Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had…
Judges 9:1Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother’s brothers, and spoke with them and with all the family of…
Judges 9:2“Please speak in the ears of all the men of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are…
Judges 9:5He went to his father’s house at Ophrah, and killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, being seventy persons, on one…
Judges 9:16“Now therefore, if you have dealt truly and righteously, in that you have made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt…
Judges 9:19if you then have dealt truly and righteously with Jerubbaal and with his house today, then rejoice in Abimelech, and…
Judges 9:24that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and that their blood might be laid on Abimelech…
Judges 9:28Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Isn’t he the son of…
Judges 9:57and God repaid all the wickedness of the men of Shechem on their heads; and the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal…