Old Testament
Judges 19:8
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Judges 19:8, the narrative describes a moment of hospitality and delay.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
On the morning of the 5th day, he got up early to leave. But the young woman's father said, "Come on, have something to eat first." So they lingered until the afternoon, and the two of them ate together.
And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart: and the damsel’s father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee. And they tarried until afternoon, and they did eat both of them.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 19:8, the narrative describes a moment of hospitality and delay. The man, who is traveling with a young woman, intends to leave early on the fifth day. However, the young woman's father encourages him to stay a bit longer and share a meal. This interaction highlights the importance of hospitality in their culture, as the father seeks to comfort the traveler and ensure he is well-fed before continuing his journey. The act of lingering until the afternoon suggests a bond formed over shared food and conversation, emphasizing the value placed on relationships and community. This scene sets the stage for the events that follow, illustrating how seemingly small moments can have significant implications in the larger narrative. The father’s insistence on delaying the departure reflects a common theme in ancient societies where hospitality was paramount, and it also foreshadows the challenges that lie ahead for the travelers.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 19:8 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of hospitality and taking time to connect with others. In our fast-paced lives, we should prioritize moments of togetherness, offering comfort and support to those around us. Simple acts of kindness can strengthen relationships and create lasting bonds.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 19:8 mean?
Judges 19:8 describes a moment of hospitality where the young woman's father encourages the traveler to stay and eat before leaving. This highlights the cultural importance of hospitality and the bonds formed through shared meals.
What is the significance of hospitality in Judges 19:8?
In Judges 19:8, hospitality is shown as a vital cultural norm, reflecting the value placed on relationships and community. The father's insistence on sharing a meal emphasizes the importance of caring for guests.
What does 'tarried until afternoon' mean in Judges 19:8?
'Tarried until afternoon' means that the traveler and the young woman's father stayed longer than planned, enjoying each other's company and a meal together. This reflects the significance of taking time to connect with others.
How does Judges 19:8 relate to community values?
Judges 19:8 reflects community values by showcasing the importance of hospitality and interpersonal relationships. The act of sharing a meal signifies care and support within the community, which was essential in ancient cultures.
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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