Old Testament

Judges 19:22

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 group of wicked men from the city surrounds the house where a traveler is staying.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

While they were enjoying themselves, some men of the city, certain sons of Belial, surrounded the house and pounded on the door. They spoke to the old man who owned the house, saying, 'Bring out the man who came to your house so we may know him.'

KJVKing James Version

Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, a group of wicked men from the city surrounds the house where a traveler is staying. They demand that the host bring out the traveler so they can 'know' him, which implies a desire for sexual relations. This scene highlights the moral decay and violence present in the society at that time. The term 'sons of Belial' refers to individuals who are worthless and corrupt, emphasizing their evil intentions. The old man, who is the host, is faced with a grave situation as he tries to protect his guest. This moment serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked immorality and the importance of hospitality, even in perilous circumstances. The actions of the men reflect a complete disregard for human dignity and safety, showcasing the depths of depravity that can exist in a community.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 19:22 to your life

This verse challenges us to consider how we respond to moral challenges in our communities. It encourages us to uphold values of hospitality and protection for those in need, even when faced with societal pressures or threats. We must stand firm against immorality and advocate for righteousness.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 19:22 mean?

Judges 19:22 describes a scene where wicked men demand that a traveler be brought out for immoral purposes. It illustrates the moral decay and violence in society at that time, highlighting the dangers of unchecked immorality.

What is the significance of 'sons of Belial' in Judges 19:22?

The term 'sons of Belial' refers to individuals who are corrupt and worthless. In this context, it emphasizes the evil intentions of the men surrounding the house and their complete disregard for human dignity.

How does Judges 19:22 relate to hospitality?

Judges 19:22 highlights the importance of protecting guests, as the old man tries to defend the traveler from the violent demands of the men. It underscores the value of hospitality, even in dangerous circumstances.

What themes are present in Judges 19:22?

The themes in Judges 19:22 include hospitality, moral decay, violence, wickedness, and the protection of the vulnerable. These themes reflect the societal issues and challenges faced during that time.

Book Summary

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.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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