Old Testament
Judges 19:15
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 Levite and his companions arrive in the city of Gibeah, seeking a place to stay for the night.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
They turned off the road to spend the night in Gibeah. The Levite went in and sat down in the town square, but no one offered to take them in for the night.
And they turned aside thither, to go in and to lodge in Gibeah: and when he went in, he sat him down in a street of the city: for there was no man that took them into his house to lodging.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a Levite and his companions arrive in the city of Gibeah, seeking a place to stay for the night. They turn off the main road and enter the town, but despite their need for hospitality, no one in Gibeah offers them shelter. This situation highlights the lack of kindness and hospitality in the city, which is significant given the cultural importance of welcoming travelers in ancient Israel. The Levite's experience reflects a broader theme of social decay and moral failure in the community, as the expectation would be for the townspeople to provide lodging for strangers. The absence of hospitality not only puts the travelers at risk but also serves as a commentary on the spiritual and ethical state of the people in Gibeah, foreshadowing the troubling events that will unfold later in the chapter.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 19:15 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of hospitality and kindness towards others, especially those in need. In our daily lives, we should strive to be welcoming and supportive, creating a community where everyone feels safe and valued. Small acts of kindness can make a significant difference.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 19:15 mean?
Judges 19:15 describes a Levite and his companions arriving in Gibeah, seeking shelter for the night, but finding no one willing to offer them hospitality. This reflects a lack of kindness in the community and highlights the cultural expectation of welcoming travelers.
What is the significance of hospitality in Judges 19:15?
Hospitality is crucial in Judges 19:15 as it underscores the moral and social responsibilities of the community. The absence of hospitality in Gibeah indicates a deeper social decay and a failure to uphold the values of kindness and support for those in need.
Why did no one offer shelter in Judges 19:15?
No one offered shelter in Judges 19:15, which highlights the lack of hospitality and kindness in Gibeah. This situation reflects a broader moral failure within the community, where the expected duty to care for travelers is neglected.
What themes are present in Judges 19:15?
Judges 19:15 presents themes of hospitality, social decay, moral failure, and community responsibility. It emphasizes the plight of travelers and the expectation of kindness in ancient societies.
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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