Old Testament
Judges 20:30
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
On the third day, the Israelites marched against Benjamin and took up their battle positions near Gibeah, just as they had before.
Compare translations
And the children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day, and put themselves in array against Gibeah, as at other times.
What Judges 20:30 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 20:30, the Israelites prepare for battle against the tribe of Benjamin for the third time. They position themselves near Gibeah, indicating a strategic approach to their conflict. This repetition shows their determination to confront the wrongdoing that had occurred within Benjamin. The Israelites had already faced defeat in previous encounters, but they remained resolute in their mission to seek justice for the horrific crime committed against a Levite's concubine. Their actions reflect a commitment to uphold righteousness, even in the face of adversity. The mention of 'as at other times' suggests that they were following a familiar battle strategy, indicating both their experience and the seriousness of the situation. This verse highlights the themes of conflict, justice, and perseverance, as the Israelites are willing to engage in battle multiple times to achieve their goal of restoring order and punishing evil.
How to apply Judges 20:30 to your life
This verse encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, even when faced with repeated challenges. It reminds us that seeking justice may require persistence and courage. We should be willing to confront wrongdoing in our communities, just as the Israelites did, to uphold what is right.
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 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
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 PlansAsk AI about Judges 20:30
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 20:30
Related Bible verses
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 20:30 mean?
Judges 20:30 describes the Israelites preparing for battle against the tribe of Benjamin for the third time, indicating their determination to seek justice for a crime committed against a Levite's concubine. Their strategic positioning near Gibeah shows their commitment to confronting wrongdoing despite previous defeats.
What does 'put themselves in array' mean in Judges 20:30?
'Put themselves in array' means the Israelites organized and positioned themselves strategically for battle against Benjamin, indicating a planned approach to their conflict.
Why did the Israelites fight against Benjamin in Judges 20:30?
The Israelites fought against Benjamin to seek justice for a horrific crime committed against a Levite's concubine, demonstrating their commitment to uphold righteousness.
What can we learn from Judges 20:30?
Judges 20:30 teaches us the importance of persistence in seeking justice and confronting wrongdoing, encouraging us to stand firm in our convictions even when faced with repeated challenges.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.