Judges 10:4
And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havothjair unto this day, which are in the land of Gilead.
Judges 10:4 · King James Version
Meaning
According to the passage, Jair, the son of Manasseh, had thirty sons who rode on thirty ass colts. These sons were influential leaders in their own right, each presiding over a city in the region of Gilead. The cities they ruled over were collectively known as Havothjair. The mention of the ass colts symbolizes power and authority, as riding on such animals was a sign of wealth and status in ancient times. The fact that each son had their own city emphasizes the extent of Jair's dominion over the land. This verse serves to highlight the prosperity and success of Jair's lineage, showcasing their leadership and control over a significant portion of Gilead's territory. The naming of the cities as "Havothjair" indicates the lasting legacy of Jair's family, as these cities were still known by that name at the time the passage was written. Overall, this verse illustrates the strength and importance of Jair's descendants in the land of Gilead.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Judges, there is an interesting theological interpretation related to the number thirty. The thirty sons of Jair who rode on thirty ass colts and had thirty cities symbolize completeness and fulfillment. The number thirty often represents dedication and consecration in the Bible. The fact that each son had an ass colt to ride on could indicate their status and authority as leaders of the cities mentioned. The cities themselves, called Havothjair, were located in the land of Gilead. The name Havothjair means "villages of Jair" and serves as a reminder of this patriarch's legacy and the inheritance passed down to his descendants. The mention that these cities are still known as such "unto this day" adds a sense of historical significance and continuity to the story. Overall, this verse highlights themes of inheritance, authority, and legacy, reflecting the divine plan and purpose behind Jair's descendants and their possessions.
Judges 10:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havvoth-jair unto this day, which are in the land of Gilead.
World English Bible
He had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkey colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havvoth Jair to this day, which are in the land of Gilead.
Douay-Rheims
Having thirty sons, that rode on thirty ass colts, and were princes of thirty cities, which from his name were called Havoth Jair, that is, the towns of Jair, until this present day, in the land of Galaad.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he had thirtie sonnes that rode on thirtie assecolts, and they had thirtie cities, which are called Hauoth-Iair vnto this day, and are in the land of Gilead.