Old Testament
Judges 19:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He told his servant, "Come on, let's try to reach either Gibeah or Ramah and spend the night in one of those towns."
Compare translations
And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah.
What Judges 19:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a man is speaking to his servant about their journey. They are looking for a place to stay for the night and are considering two nearby towns, Gibeah and Ramah. This moment reflects the practical need for rest and safety during travel. The choice of towns indicates the importance of hospitality in ancient Israelite culture, as travelers often relied on local communities for shelter. The mention of Gibeah and Ramah also sets the stage for the events that will unfold later in the chapter, highlighting the significance of these locations in the narrative. The man's decision to seek lodging shows a common human need for companionship and security, especially when away from home. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of planning and seeking safe havens during our journeys, both physically and metaphorically, in life.
How to apply Judges 19:13 to your life
When traveling or facing new situations, it's wise to seek safe and welcoming places. This verse encourages us to plan ahead and consider our options, ensuring we find support and comfort in our journeys, whether they are physical or emotional.
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 19:13
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 19:13
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 19:13 teach about travel and hospitality?
Judges 19:13 highlights the importance of seeking safe and hospitable places during travel. The man in the verse is actively looking for lodging in Gibeah or Ramah, reflecting the cultural value placed on hospitality in ancient Israel. This teaches us that planning ahead and finding supportive communities is essential when embarking on journeys, whether they are physical travels or metaphorical life experiences.
Why are Gibeah and Ramah significant in this verse?
Gibeah and Ramah are significant as they represent potential safe havens for the traveler. These towns are mentioned as options for lodging, indicating their importance in the narrative. The choice of these locations sets the stage for the events that follow in Judges 19, emphasizing the themes of community and the consequences of hospitality or the lack thereof in the story.
How can Judges 19:13 apply to modern life?
Judges 19:13 can be applied to modern life by reminding us of the importance of seeking safety and comfort in our journeys. Whether traveling to new places or navigating life's challenges, it's crucial to plan ahead and identify supportive environments. This verse encourages us to value community and hospitality, ensuring we find places that offer security and companionship.
What lessons about decision-making can we learn from this verse?
This verse illustrates the process of decision-making when faced with options. The man considers two towns for lodging, showing the importance of evaluating choices based on safety and comfort. It teaches us to weigh our options carefully and seek guidance when making decisions, especially in unfamiliar situations, ensuring we choose paths that lead to positive outcomes.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.