Old Testament
Judges 19:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The man got up to leave, but his father-in-law pressured him, so he ended up staying another night.
Compare translations
And when the man rose up to depart, his father in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again.
What Judges 19:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 19:7, we see a man who is preparing to leave his father-in-law's home after a visit. However, his father-in-law insists that he stay longer, showing a desire for hospitality and connection. This moment highlights the cultural importance of hospitality in ancient Israel, where guests were often encouraged to stay longer than initially planned. The father-in-law's urging reflects a common practice of valuing relationships and ensuring that guests feel welcomed and cared for. The man ultimately decides to stay another night, which suggests that he values the relationship with his father-in-law and is willing to accommodate his wishes. This passage illustrates the dynamics of family relationships and the importance of hospitality in fostering connections between people.
How to apply Judges 19:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to value hospitality and the relationships we have with family and friends. It reminds us to be open to spending more time with loved ones, as these moments can strengthen our bonds and create lasting memories. Embracing hospitality can enrich our lives and those around us.
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 19:7
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 19:7
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 19:7 mean?
Judges 19:7 describes a man who intends to leave his father-in-law's home but is persuaded to stay another night. This reflects the cultural value of hospitality in ancient Israel, where hosts often encouraged guests to prolong their visits.
What is the significance of hospitality in Judges 19:7?
The verse highlights the importance of hospitality in ancient Israel, showing how hosts valued relationships and connection with their guests. The father-in-law's insistence on the man staying longer illustrates the cultural norm of making guests feel welcome.
How does Judges 19:7 relate to family relationships?
In Judges 19:7, the interaction between the man and his father-in-law shows the dynamics of family relationships, where the father-in-law's desire for connection leads to the man extending his visit. This reflects the importance of nurturing family bonds.
What cultural practices are shown in Judges 19:7?
Judges 19:7 illustrates the cultural practice of hospitality in ancient Israel, where it was common for hosts to encourage guests to stay longer. This practice highlights the value placed on relationships and community bonds during that time.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.