Old Testament
Judges 19:16
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, we see an old man who has just finished his work in the fields.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Then an old man came in from working in the fields that evening. He was originally from the hill country of Ephraim but was living in Gibeah, where the local people were Benjamites.
And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place were Benjamites.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see an old man who has just finished his work in the fields. He is from the hill country of Ephraim but is currently living in Gibeah, a city inhabited by the tribe of Benjamin. This setting is significant as it highlights the cultural and geographical context of the story. The old man represents a figure of wisdom and experience, and his arrival at this time suggests that he may play a crucial role in the unfolding events. The mention of his origin from Ephraim also indicates the diverse backgrounds of the people living in Gibeah, which may lead to tensions or conflicts later in the narrative. This verse sets the stage for the interactions that will follow, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and community in ancient Israelite society, especially in times of need.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 19:16 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of being open to strangers and offering hospitality. In our daily lives, we can practice kindness and welcome those who may be different from us, fostering a sense of community and understanding. Every encounter can lead to meaningful connections.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 19:16 mean?
Judges 19:16 describes an old man returning from work in the fields, highlighting his background from Ephraim and current residence in Gibeah, a city of Benjamites. This sets the stage for the story, emphasizing themes of hospitality and the diverse cultural context of the time.
What is the significance of the old man in Judges 19:16?
The old man represents wisdom and experience, suggesting he may play an important role in the events that follow. His arrival at this moment indicates the need for community and hospitality in a time of crisis.
What does the mention of Ephraim and Gibeah indicate in Judges 19:16?
The mention of Ephraim and Gibeah highlights the cultural diversity of the region, showing that people from different tribes lived together. This diversity can lead to potential conflicts or tensions, which are central to the narrative.
What themes are present in Judges 19:16?
Judges 19:16 presents themes of hospitality, community, cultural diversity, and the importance of wisdom. These themes are crucial for understanding the social dynamics and interactions in ancient Israel.
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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