Overview
The Bible addresses jael across 6 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Judges. Closely related themes include Treachery, Tents, Milk and Nail. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jael, Sisera, Jabin and Barak.
Key Bible verses about jael
Old Testament
Judges
Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.
And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle. mantle: or, rug, or, blanket
And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.
Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any man doth come and enquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here? that thou shalt say, No.
Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died. and took: Heb. and put
And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples.
People in the Bible and jael
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying jael for yourself
- Begin with Judges 4:17, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Consider the lives of Jael, Sisera and Jabin and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Treachery, Tents, Milk and Nail.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about jael?
The Bible addresses jael across 6 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Judges. Closely related themes include Treachery, Tents, Milk and Nail. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jael, Sisera, Jabin and Barak.
How many Bible verses are about jael?
The Bible references jael in 6 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention jael?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Judges 4:17: “Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with jael?
Jael, Sisera, Jabin and Barak.
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