Old Testament
Judges 19:24
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 man offers his virgin daughter and his guest's concubine to a mob to protect his guest from harm.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Look — here is my virgin daughter and his concubine. Let me bring them out to you. Do whatever you want with them, but don't do this vile thing to this man."
Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a man offers his virgin daughter and his guest's concubine to a mob to protect his guest from harm. This shocking act highlights the extreme measures people might take to uphold hospitality and protect their own. The man prioritizes his guest's safety over the dignity and safety of the women, reflecting the cultural values of the time, which often placed a higher value on male honor than on the well-being of women. This moment is a grim reminder of the moral decay present in society, where such a choice is even considered. The verse raises questions about the treatment of women and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their own interests, often at the expense of others. It serves as a stark illustration of the consequences of societal breakdown and the loss of moral compass, urging readers to reflect on the value of human life and dignity.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 19:24 to your life
This verse challenges us to consider how we value and protect those around us, especially the vulnerable. It encourages us to reflect on our own actions and decisions, ensuring that we prioritize compassion and respect for all individuals, regardless of gender or status.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 19:24 mean?
Judges 19:24 depicts a man offering his virgin daughter and his guest's concubine to a mob to protect his guest. This act illustrates the extreme lengths to which he would go to uphold hospitality, reflecting the cultural values of the time that prioritized male honor over the dignity of women.
What is the meaning of hospitality in Judges 19:24?
In Judges 19:24, hospitality is shown as a critical value, where the man prioritizes his guest's safety above all else. However, this leads to a disturbing moral choice, highlighting the dangers of placing hospitality above the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
How does Judges 19:24 reflect on gender roles?
Judges 19:24 reflects gender roles by showing how the man values his guest's safety over the dignity of the women involved. This highlights a cultural context where women's worth was often measured against male honor and societal expectations.
What themes are present in Judges 19:24?
Judges 19:24 presents themes of hospitality, moral decay, gender roles, sacrifice, and violence. It serves as a grim reminder of the societal breakdown and the troubling choices individuals may make under pressure.
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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