Old Testament
Judges 19:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Her husband set out after her, bringing a servant and two donkeys, hoping to speak kindly to her and win her back. When she brought him into her father's house and her father saw him, he welcomed him warmly.
Compare translations
And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father’s house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.
What Judges 19:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a husband who is determined to reconcile with his wife after she has left him. He sets out on a journey, accompanied by a servant and two donkeys, indicating that he is prepared for a serious effort to win her back. His intention is to speak kindly to her, showing that he values their relationship and wants to mend the rift between them. When he arrives at her father's house, he is warmly welcomed, which suggests that the family is supportive of their union. This moment highlights the importance of communication and reconciliation in relationships, as well as the role of family in supporting couples during difficult times. The husband's actions reflect a commitment to restoring their bond, emphasizing the need for patience and understanding in resolving conflicts.
How to apply Judges 19:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to actively seek reconciliation in our relationships. It reminds us of the importance of approaching conflicts with kindness and a willingness to listen. Just as the husband made an effort to win back his wife, we should strive to mend broken relationships in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Judges 19:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Judges 19:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 19:3 mean?
Judges 19:3 describes a husband's journey to reconcile with his wife after she has left him. He brings a servant and two donkeys, indicating his serious intent to win her back and restore their relationship.
What is the significance of the husband's actions in Judges 19:3?
The husband's actions in Judges 19:3 highlight the importance of communication and effort in relationships. His willingness to travel and speak kindly to his wife shows a commitment to reconciliation and the value of their bond.
What does the phrase 'speak kindly' in Judges 19:3 imply?
The phrase 'speak kindly' in Judges 19:3 implies that the husband intends to approach his wife with gentleness and understanding, aiming to mend their relationship through positive communication.
What themes are present in Judges 19:3?
Judges 19:3 presents themes of reconciliation, communication, family support, and commitment. It emphasizes the importance of kindness and the effort needed to restore broken relationships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.