Old Testament
Judges 11:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Next, Israel sent messengers to Sihon, king of the Amorites who ruled from Heshbon, saying, 'Please let us pass through your land to reach our destination.'
Compare translations
And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, the king of Heshbon; and Israel said unto him, Let us pass, we pray thee, through thy land into my place.
What Judges 11:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites are seeking permission from Sihon, the king of the Amorites, to pass through his territory. They are on a journey and want to avoid conflict by asking for safe passage. This request highlights the Israelites' desire for peace and cooperation rather than confrontation. It also reflects their strategic approach to navigating through foreign lands, as they aim to reach their destination without engaging in battle. The mention of Heshbon, the capital of the Amorites, indicates the significance of this location in their journey. The Israelites are not demanding or threatening; instead, they are politely asking for permission, which shows respect for Sihon's authority. This moment sets the stage for the subsequent events in the narrative, where the response of Sihon will determine the course of action for the Israelites. Overall, this verse illustrates themes of diplomacy, respect for authority, and the complexities of territorial interactions during this period.
How to apply Judges 11:19 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of seeking permission and showing respect in our interactions with others. In our daily lives, we can apply this by approaching situations with humility and a willingness to communicate openly, fostering better relationships and understanding.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Judges 11:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Judges 11:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 11:19 mean?
Judges 11:19 describes the Israelites asking Sihon, the king of the Amorites, for permission to pass through his land. This request shows their intention to avoid conflict and highlights the importance of diplomacy in their journey.
What is the significance of Heshbon in Judges 11:19?
Heshbon is mentioned as the capital of the Amorites, indicating its strategic importance in the Israelites' journey. The request to pass through this territory reflects the complexities of territorial interactions during that time.
What themes are present in Judges 11:19?
Judges 11:19 illustrates themes of diplomacy, respect for authority, and conflict avoidance. The Israelites' polite request emphasizes their desire for peaceful relations as they navigate through foreign lands.
Why did the Israelites ask Sihon for permission in Judges 11:19?
The Israelites asked Sihon for permission to pass through his land to avoid confrontation and seek safe passage to their destination. This approach reflects their respect for Sihon's authority and their preference for peaceful interactions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.