Old Testament
Judges 19:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Judges 19:10 means
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.
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
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 Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. 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.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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 19:10
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 19:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.