Old Testament

Judges 20:4

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, a Levite man is recounting his experience in Gibeah, a city in the territory of Benjamin.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

The Levite, the husband of the murdered woman, answered, "My concubine and I came to Gibeah in Benjamin's territory to spend the night.

KJVKing James Version

And the Levite, the husband of the woman that was slain, answered and said, I came into Gibeah that belongeth to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to lodge.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, a Levite man is recounting his experience in Gibeah, a city in the territory of Benjamin. He mentions that he and his concubine had traveled there to find a place to stay for the night. The context is significant because it sets the stage for the tragic events that follow, including the violence and moral decay present in Israel during this time. The Levite's statement highlights the vulnerability of travelers in ancient Israel, especially women, and foreshadows the horrific fate that awaits his concubine. This moment serves as a critical turning point in the narrative, illustrating the consequences of societal breakdown and the need for justice and protection for the innocent.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 20:4 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of protecting the vulnerable in our communities. We should be aware of those who may be at risk, especially when they are away from home. It encourages us to foster environments where everyone feels safe and valued, reflecting God's justice and care for all.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What is the significance of the Levite's journey to Gibeah?

The Levite's journey to Gibeah highlights the precarious situation of travelers in ancient Israel, particularly the dangers faced by women. His recounting of their trip sets the stage for the tragic events that follow, illustrating the moral decay and societal breakdown of the time. This journey serves as a critical backdrop for understanding the consequences of neglecting justice and protection for the vulnerable.

How does Judges 20:4 relate to the themes of justice and community responsibility?

Judges 20:4 underscores the themes of justice and community responsibility by illustrating the vulnerability of individuals, especially women, in a society that has strayed from moral values. The Levite's experience serves as a call to action for communities to protect the innocent and ensure safety for all, emphasizing the need for collective accountability in upholding justice.

What lessons can we learn about protecting the vulnerable from this verse?

This verse teaches us the critical importance of safeguarding the vulnerable in our communities. It reminds us to be vigilant and proactive in creating safe environments, especially for those who may be at risk, such as travelers or individuals in precarious situations. By fostering a culture of care and protection, we reflect God's justice and compassion.

What events follow the Levite's statement in Judges 20?

Following the Levite's statement in Judges 20:4, a series of tragic events unfold, including the brutal assault and murder of his concubine. This leads to a violent conflict between the tribes of Israel and the people of Gibeah, highlighting the severe consequences of moral decay and the urgent need for justice in the face of such atrocities.

Book Summary

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.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

Premium

Unlock the full Judges summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Judges — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 21 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Judges summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.

← Verse 3 Verse 5 →