And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah: In some languages this clause may be rendered simply “They replied to him.”
That is why we have turned to you now is literally “Therefore now we have turned to you.” When the elders respond to Jephthah, they do not answer his first question, but they seem to address the second one. Revised English Bible is close to the Hebrew by rendering the word for “Therefore” as “It is because of that.” New Revised Standard Version and New International Version say “Nevertheless,” while Contemporary English Version has “But.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh tries to supply a natural response with “Honestly,” and so does New American Bible with “In any case.” The Septuagint changes the text to read “Not so,” but there is little reason to support this change. Turned renders the key Hebrew verb shuv. It meant “turn away from” in verse 2.19, but here it has the sense of “turn toward.” The elders who once rejected Jephthah seem to have changed their minds now concerning him and now turn to him for help. Good News Translation says “We are turning to you now,” which carries a tone of supplication. Some languages may use an appealing kind of language, for example, “Please, we are coming to you now.” Contemporary English Version‘s “But we do want you to come back” is slightly different from the text here, so it should not be used as a model.
That you may go with us and fight with the Ammonites: See the comments on verse 11.6. The elders are asking Jephthah to go with them to fight the Ammonites (compare verse 4.8). Surprisingly, the subject of the verb fight is not “we” but you (Jephthah). This is a subtle change from 11.6, where the Israelites first said they would do the fighting.
And be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead: This clause is certainly the high point of the section, as the community requests Jephthah to be their head. The repetition of the keyword head from verse 10.18 signals this climax. Translators should try to keep this link by using the same word here as there. If this is not possible, they may say “chief” (New Jerusalem Bible) or use a similar term. But it is important to not use the word “deliverer,” the word used to characterize the leaders chosen and sent by God, since this is not what the people are requesting. This situation is more parallel to Abimelech becoming the leader of those at Shechem. The Hebrew preposition rendered over is literally “for,” but translators should use an expression that is natural in their language. All the inhabitants emphasizes the position of power Jephthah is being offered. This passage is reminiscent of Jotham’s fable, when the trees looked for someone to reign over them (verse 9.8-15).
Translation models for this verse are:
• The leaders of Gilead responded, saying, “Nevertheless, we turn to you now so you can go with us to fight the Ammonites. You will become our head—head of all the people in Gilead.”
• They replied to him, “Be that as it may, we are turning to you now to help us. We want you to go with us and fight the Ammonites. You will be the head of all the people of Gilead.”
Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .