Old Testament

Judges 19:25

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 is confronted by a group of men who refuse to listen to him.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

But the men wouldn't listen to him. So the Levite grabbed his concubine and shoved her outside to them. They raped her and brutalized her all through the night until dawn. When morning began to break, they finally let her go.

KJVKing James Version

But the men would not hearken to him: so the man took his concubine, and brought her forth unto them; and they knew her, and abused her all the night until the morning: and when the day began to spring, they let her go.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, a Levite is confronted by a group of men who refuse to listen to him. In a desperate attempt to protect himself, he pushes his concubine outside to the men, who then proceed to assault her throughout the night. This horrific act highlights the extreme moral decay and violence present in society at that time. The Levite's actions reflect a troubling lack of regard for his concubine's safety and humanity, showcasing the dire consequences of selfishness and the failure to protect the vulnerable. The verse serves as a stark reminder of the importance of compassion and responsibility towards others, especially those who are defenseless. It also illustrates the devastating impact of societal breakdown, where violence and abuse become rampant, and individuals are treated as objects rather than people with dignity.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 19:25 to your life

This verse challenges us to reflect on how we treat others, especially those who are vulnerable. It calls for a commitment to protect and support those in need, ensuring that we stand against injustice and advocate for the dignity of every individual.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 19:25 mean?

Judges 19:25 describes a tragic event where a Levite sacrifices his concubine to a group of men who then assault her throughout the night. This verse illustrates the severe moral decline and violence in society at that time, highlighting the consequences of selfishness and the failure to protect the vulnerable.

What is the meaning of 'abused her all the night' in Judges 19:25?

The phrase 'abused her all the night' refers to the brutal and violent assault that the concubine endured at the hands of the men. It emphasizes the horrific nature of the act and the complete disregard for her humanity and safety.

How does Judges 19:25 reflect societal issues?

Judges 19:25 reflects societal issues such as violence, abuse, and a lack of compassion for the vulnerable. It highlights how societal breakdown can lead to individuals being treated as objects rather than people deserving of dignity and protection.

What lessons can we learn from Judges 19:25?

Judges 19:25 teaches the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable and standing against injustice. It challenges us to reflect on our responsibilities towards others and the need for compassion in our actions.

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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