Old Testament
Judges 20:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Judges 20:5, a man recounts a horrific event that took place in Gibeah.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
During the night, the men of Gibeah came after me. They surrounded the house, intending to kill me. Instead, they raped my concubine, and she died.
And the men of Gibeah rose against me, and beset the house round about upon me by night, and thought to have slain me: and my concubine have they forced, that she is dead.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 20:5, a man recounts a horrific event that took place in Gibeah. He describes how the men of Gibeah surrounded his house at night with the intention of killing him. Instead of harming him, they assaulted his concubine, leading to her death. This incident highlights the extreme violence and moral decay present in Israel during this time. The man's account serves as a catalyst for the subsequent conflict between the tribes of Israel and the people of Gibeah. It illustrates the consequences of lawlessness and the breakdown of societal norms, as the men of Gibeah acted without fear of retribution. The narrative emphasizes the need for justice and accountability in a community, as well as the importance of protecting the vulnerable. The tragic fate of the concubine underscores the severity of the situation and the urgent need for the tribes to unite against such evil acts.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 20:5 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of standing against injustice and protecting the vulnerable in our communities. It calls for vigilance and accountability, encouraging us to foster environments where everyone feels safe and valued, and to take action against wrongdoing.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What happened in Judges 20:5?
In Judges 20:5, a man describes a night of terror in Gibeah where he was surrounded by men who intended to kill him. Instead of attacking him, they assaulted his concubine, leading to her death. This event highlights the extreme violence and moral decay in Israel at that time, serving as a catalyst for conflict among the tribes of Israel.
What is the significance of the concubine's death in this verse?
The death of the concubine in Judges 20:5 is significant as it underscores the severity of the violence and lawlessness in Gibeah. It serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of moral decay and the failure to protect the vulnerable. This incident prompts the tribes of Israel to unite against such evil acts, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability in society.
How does Judges 20:5 relate to themes of justice?
Judges 20:5 relates to themes of justice by illustrating the urgent need for accountability in the face of horrific acts. The man's account of his concubine's assault and death serves as a rallying point for the tribes of Israel to seek justice against the men of Gibeah. It highlights the importance of standing against injustice and protecting those who are vulnerable in society.
What can we learn from the events in Judges 20:5?
From Judges 20:5, we learn the importance of vigilance against injustice and the responsibility to protect the vulnerable in our communities. The verse serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals and communities to foster safe environments and to unite against wrongdoing, ensuring that such acts of violence do not go unchallenged.
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.
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