Old Testament

Judges 19:26

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Judges 19:26, the narrative describes a tragic moment where a woman, after enduring severe mistreatment, returns to the house of her lord at dawn.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

At daybreak, the woman returned to the house where her lord was and collapsed at the doorway. She lay there until it was fully light.

KJVKing James Version

Then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door of the man’s house where her lord was, till it was light.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Judges 19:26, the narrative describes a tragic moment where a woman, after enduring severe mistreatment, returns to the house of her lord at dawn. She collapses at the doorway, indicating her physical and emotional exhaustion. This scene highlights the gravity of her situation and the dire consequences of the events that transpired. The imagery of her lying at the threshold until it is fully light symbolizes her vulnerability and the darkness of her circumstances. It serves as a poignant reminder of the suffering faced by individuals in abusive relationships and the need for compassion and justice. The passage sets the stage for the unfolding events that will lead to significant consequences for the community, emphasizing the importance of accountability and moral integrity in society. This moment is not just a personal tragedy but reflects broader themes of societal failure and the need for protection of the vulnerable.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 19:26 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize and support those who are suffering from abuse or injustice. It reminds us of the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals to seek help and the need for communities to stand against wrongdoing. Compassion and action are essential.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 19:26 mean?

Judges 19:26 describes a woman who, after suffering mistreatment, returns to her lord's house at dawn and collapses at the doorway. This moment highlights her physical and emotional exhaustion, symbolizing her vulnerability and the dire consequences of her situation.

What is the significance of the woman collapsing at the doorway in Judges 19:26?

The woman's collapse at the doorway signifies her extreme vulnerability and the impact of her traumatic experiences. It serves as a powerful image of her suffering and the urgent need for compassion and justice in abusive situations.

What themes are present in Judges 19:26?

Judges 19:26 encompasses themes of abuse, vulnerability, justice, compassion, and societal failure. It reflects the broader issues of how individuals in distress are treated and the moral responsibilities of the community.

How can Judges 19:26 be applied in today's context?

Judges 19:26 encourages us to recognize and support those suffering from abuse or injustice. It highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals to seek help and the need for communities to actively oppose wrongdoing.

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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