Old Testament
Judges 19:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, a man decides not to spend another night in the city where he was staying.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
But this time the man refused to stay another night. He got up and left, traveling as far as the area near Jebus — that is, Jerusalem — with his two saddled donkeys and his concubine.
But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus, which is Jerusalem; and there were with him two asses saddled, his concubine also was with him.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a man decides not to spend another night in the city where he was staying. Instead, he chooses to leave and travel towards Jebus, which is known as Jerusalem. He is accompanied by his concubine and two donkeys that are saddled for their journey. This decision reflects a sense of urgency or discomfort with the current situation, prompting him to move on. The mention of Jebus indicates a significant location, as it would later become an important city in Israel's history. The man’s choice to leave suggests a desire for safety or a better environment, highlighting the importance of making wise decisions about where to stay and whom to trust. This moment sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the following verses, emphasizing the themes of travel, relationships, and the search for refuge.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 19:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our surroundings and make decisions that prioritize our safety and well-being. It reminds us to trust our instincts when we feel uncomfortable and to seek better environments for ourselves and our loved ones.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 19:10 mean?
Judges 19:10 describes a man who decides not to stay another night in a city, choosing instead to travel towards Jebus, known as Jerusalem, with his concubine and two donkeys. This reflects his urgency and discomfort with his current situation.
What is the significance of Jebus in Judges 19:10?
Jebus, mentioned in Judges 19:10, is significant as it is the ancient name for Jerusalem, a city that would later become central to Israel's history and religious life.
Why did the man leave in Judges 19:10?
The man left in Judges 19:10 likely due to a sense of urgency or discomfort with his surroundings, indicating a desire for safety and a better environment for himself and his concubine.
What does the term 'concubine' mean in Judges 19:10?
In Judges 19:10, 'concubine' refers to a woman who has a recognized relationship with a man but is not his wife, often having a lower status in the household.

The Book of Judges
Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin
After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.
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