Old Testament
Judges 2:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They named that place Bochim, and they offered sacrifices there to the LORD.
Compare translations
And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the LORD.
What Judges 2:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 2:5, the Israelites named the location Bochim, which means "weeping," as a response to their sorrow over their disobedience to God. After entering the Promised Land, they had failed to drive out the remaining Canaanite nations and had turned away from God's commands. This act of naming the place reflects their recognition of their failures and the consequences of their actions. They offered sacrifices to the LORD, seeking forgiveness and restoration. This moment signifies a turning point where the people acknowledge their need for God's mercy and guidance. It highlights the importance of repentance and the desire to reconnect with God after straying from His path. The sacrifices symbolize their commitment to return to a right relationship with Him, emphasizing the need for humility and accountability in their spiritual journey.
How to apply Judges 2:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to acknowledge our mistakes and seek forgiveness from God. Just as the Israelites offered sacrifices, we too can approach God with humility, recognizing our need for His grace. Regular reflection on our actions can help us stay aligned with His will.
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 Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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 2:5
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 2:5
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 2:5 mean?
Judges 2:5 describes the Israelites naming a place Bochim, meaning 'weeping,' as they mourned their disobedience to God. They recognized their failure to follow His commands and offered sacrifices to seek forgiveness and restoration.
What is the significance of the name Bochim in Judges 2:5?
The name Bochim, which means 'weeping,' signifies the Israelites' sorrow over their disobedience to God. It reflects their acknowledgment of their failures and their desire to reconnect with God through repentance.
What does the sacrifice in Judges 2:5 represent?
The sacrifices offered by the Israelites in Judges 2:5 represent their commitment to seek forgiveness from God and restore their relationship with Him. It emphasizes the importance of humility and accountability in their spiritual journey.
Why did the Israelites weep in Judges 2:5?
The Israelites wept in Judges 2:5 because they were grieving over their disobedience to God after failing to drive out the Canaanites and turning away from His commands. Their tears symbolize their recognition of the consequences of their actions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.