Old Testament
Judges 20:6
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Judges 20:6, the speaker recounts a shocking act of violence in response to a grave injustice.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
I took my concubine, cut her into pieces, and sent them throughout the entire land of Israel, because they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.
And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 20:6, the speaker recounts a shocking act of violence in response to a grave injustice. After a horrific crime was committed against his concubine, he took her body, cut it into pieces, and sent those pieces throughout Israel. This act was meant to provoke outrage and rally the tribes of Israel against the wickedness that had occurred. The speaker's actions highlight the severity of the crime and the moral decay present in society at that time. It serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for justice. The phrase 'lewdness and folly' indicates not just a physical act but a deeper moral failing that had permeated the community. This extreme response illustrates the desperation and anger felt by the speaker, as well as the urgent need for the people of Israel to confront their own corruption and seek restoration.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 20:6 to your life
This verse challenges us to consider how we respond to injustice in our communities. While the method of communication here is extreme, it emphasizes the importance of addressing wrongdoing and advocating for justice. We should seek peaceful and constructive ways to confront and rectify moral failures around us.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 20:6 mean by 'lewdness and folly'?
In Judges 20:6, 'lewdness and folly' refers to the serious moral failures and sinful actions that had taken place in Israel. The speaker is highlighting the gravity of the crime committed against his concubine, which reflects a broader societal decay. This phrase indicates that the wrongdoing was not just an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of immorality that needed to be addressed.
Why did the speaker cut his concubine into pieces?
The act of cutting his concubine into pieces was a shocking and extreme response intended to provoke outrage among the tribes of Israel. By sending the pieces throughout the land, the speaker aimed to draw attention to the horrific crime committed against her and to rally the people to confront the moral corruption within their society. It was a desperate call for justice and accountability.
What can we learn about justice from Judges 20:6?
Judges 20:6 teaches us about the importance of addressing injustice in our communities. While the method used by the speaker is extreme and not advisable, it underscores the urgency of confronting wrongdoing. The verse encourages us to seek justice through peaceful and constructive means, advocating for those who have been wronged and working towards moral restoration in society.
How does this verse reflect the moral state of Israel at the time?
This verse reflects a time of significant moral decay in Israel, where heinous acts were tolerated, and justice was lacking. The speaker's drastic action highlights the desperation felt in the face of widespread sin and corruption. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from moral principles and the need for communities to hold each other accountable.
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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