Old Testament
Judges 20:45
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The survivors turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon. The Israelites picked off 5,000 of them along the roads, then chased the rest as far as Gidom, killing another 2,000.
Compare translations
And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.
What Judges 20:45 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the remaining soldiers from the tribe of Benjamin are fleeing after a devastating defeat. They head towards a place called the rock of Rimmon, which is a refuge in the wilderness. As they escape, the Israelites pursue them along the roads, managing to kill 5,000 of the fleeing men. The chase continues to Gidom, where they kill an additional 2,000. This passage highlights the intensity of the conflict and the determination of the Israelites to eliminate the threat posed by the Benjaminites after a civil war. The numbers indicate a significant loss for Benjamin, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the consequences of their actions. The relentless pursuit reflects the seriousness of the conflict and the desire for justice among the Israelites, who were responding to the atrocities committed by the tribe of Benjamin.
How to apply Judges 20:45 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of accountability and the consequences of our actions. Just as the Israelites pursued justice, we should strive to address wrongdoing in our lives and communities, seeking resolution and restoration rather than allowing issues to fester.
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 20:45
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 20:45
Related Bible verses
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 20:45 mean?
Judges 20:45 describes the aftermath of a battle where the surviving soldiers from the tribe of Benjamin flee to a refuge called the rock of Rimmon. The Israelites pursue them, killing a total of 7,000 men, highlighting the severity of the conflict and the consequences of the Benjaminites' actions.
What is the significance of the rock of Rimmon in Judges 20:45?
The rock of Rimmon serves as a place of refuge for the fleeing Benjaminites. It symbolizes a last stand in their desperate attempt to escape the consequences of their defeat.
What does the number 5,000 represent in Judges 20:45?
In Judges 20:45, the number 5,000 represents the soldiers from the tribe of Benjamin who were killed by the Israelites as they fled along the roads. This figure emphasizes the heavy losses suffered by Benjamin during this conflict.
How does Judges 20:45 relate to themes of justice?
Judges 20:45 highlights the Israelites' determination to seek justice against the Benjaminites for their wrongdoings. The relentless pursuit and significant casualties reflect the seriousness of addressing wrongdoing in their society.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.