Old Testament

Judges 20:11

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

So all the men of Israel united against the city, bound together as one.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man.

What Judges 20:11 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Judges 20:11, the verse describes a significant moment when all the men of Israel came together to confront a common enemy. The phrase 'bound together as one' emphasizes their unity and determination. This gathering was not just a physical assembly but also a demonstration of their collective resolve to address a grave injustice that had occurred. The context of this chapter reveals that the Israelites were responding to a horrific crime committed in the city of Gibeah, and their unity was crucial for taking action. The imagery of being 'knit together as one man' suggests a deep bond among the people, highlighting the importance of solidarity in facing challenges. This unity was essential for their strength and effectiveness in battle, illustrating how collaboration can lead to a powerful response against wrongdoing.

How to apply Judges 20:11 to your life

This verse teaches us the importance of unity in addressing issues within our communities. When we come together with a shared purpose, we can tackle challenges more effectively. It encourages us to support one another and work collaboratively for justice and righteousness in our own 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.

A painting of Daniel and his three friends eating vegetables and drinking water in a Babylonian hall, while other young men eat the king's food and drink wine and the steward looks on

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Daniel

A ruined stone tower with a doorway at Burj Beitin, lit by low evening sun under a cloudy sky.

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, 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.

Bethel

Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Judges 20:11

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 20:11

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 20:11 mean about unity?

Judges 20:11 emphasizes the importance of unity among the Israelites as they come together to confront a common enemy. The phrase 'bound together as one' illustrates their collective determination and strength, highlighting how solidarity can empower a group to take decisive action against injustice.

Why did the men of Israel gather against the city?

The men of Israel gathered against the city in response to a horrific crime committed in Gibeah. This collective action was driven by a desire for justice and to address the wrongs that had occurred, demonstrating how serious grievances can mobilize a community to unite for a common cause.

How can we apply the message of Judges 20:11 today?

The message of Judges 20:11 can be applied today by encouraging individuals to unite in their communities to address social injustices. It serves as a reminder that when people come together with a shared purpose, they can create a powerful force for positive change and support one another in overcoming challenges.

What does 'knit together as one man' signify?

The phrase 'knit together as one man' signifies a deep bond and unity among the people of Israel. It suggests that their collective identity and purpose were so intertwined that they acted as a single entity, which is crucial for effective collaboration and strength in facing adversities.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.