Old Testament

Judges 18:13

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

From there they continued into the hill country of Ephraim and arrived at Micah's house.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And they passed thence unto mount Ephraim, and came unto the house of Micah.

What Judges 18:13 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Judges 18:13, a group of Danite spies travels through the hill country of Ephraim and arrives at the house of Micah. This journey signifies their search for a new territory to settle, as they were seeking a place to call home after failing to conquer their allotted land. Micah's house is significant because it represents a center of idolatry and personal worship, which contrasts with the worship of Yahweh. The Danites' visit to Micah's house highlights their disregard for proper worship and their inclination towards idolatry. This moment foreshadows the eventual conflict and moral decline that will follow as they adopt Micah's idols for their own use. The passage illustrates the consequences of straying from true worship and the dangers of personal interpretation of faith, leading to a broader societal decline in Israel.

How to apply Judges 18:13 to your life

This verse reminds us to be cautious about where we seek guidance and inspiration. Just as the Danites were drawn to Micah's idolatry, we must ensure that our sources of faith and direction align with true worship of God. Evaluate your influences and seek to follow God's path.

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.

A painting of Samuel anointing the young David in Bethlehem

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

An old color photograph of Hebron on a hillside above olive groves.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Judges 18:13

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 18:13

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 18:13 mean?

Judges 18:13 describes the journey of Danite spies who travel to Micah's house in the hill country of Ephraim. This visit highlights their search for a new territory and their inclination towards idolatry, contrasting with the worship of Yahweh.

What is the significance of Micah's house in Judges 18:13?

Micah's house represents a center of idolatry and personal worship, which the Danites are drawn to. This signifies their departure from true worship and foreshadows the moral decline that follows as they adopt Micah's idols.

What themes are present in Judges 18:13?

Judges 18:13 includes themes of idolatry, worship, territorial expansion, moral decline, and community decisions. These themes illustrate the consequences of straying from true worship and the impact on society.

What can we learn from Judges 18:13?

Judges 18:13 teaches us to be cautious about our sources of guidance and inspiration. It encourages us to evaluate our influences and ensure they align with true worship of God.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.