Old Testament

Judges 21:16

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

At a Glance

In Judges 21:16, the leaders of Israel are faced with a dilemma after a civil conflict that resulted in the near annihilation of the tribe 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 elders of the assembly said, "What can we do to find wives for the men who are left? All the women of Benjamin have been killed."

KJVKing James Version

Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Judges 21:16, the leaders of Israel are faced with a dilemma after a civil conflict that resulted in the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin. With most of the women from Benjamin dead, the elders are concerned about how to provide wives for the remaining men of the tribe. This situation highlights the importance of community and family in ancient Israelite society, where lineage and tribal identity were crucial. The elders' question reflects their responsibility to ensure the survival of the tribe and the continuation of their heritage. This moment also underscores the consequences of conflict and the need for reconciliation and restoration within the community. The elders are seeking a solution that honors their commitment to the tribe while addressing the dire circumstances they face. Their concern for the future of Benjamin illustrates the interconnectedness of the tribes and the importance of maintaining relationships and support among them.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 21:16 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of community support in times of crisis. Just as the elders sought solutions for the tribe of Benjamin, we should actively seek ways to help those in need within our communities. Building strong relationships and supporting one another can help ensure the well-being of all.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 21:16 mean?

Judges 21:16 describes the elders of Israel grappling with the challenge of finding wives for the remaining men of the tribe of Benjamin after a devastating conflict. Their concern reflects the importance of family and community in preserving tribal identity and heritage.

Why were the elders concerned in Judges 21:16?

The elders were concerned because the women of Benjamin had been killed, leaving the remaining men without wives. They recognized the need to preserve the tribe's future and maintain their heritage.

What themes are present in Judges 21:16?

Judges 21:16 touches on themes of community responsibility, the importance of tribal identity, the consequences of conflict, and the need for reconciliation and preservation of heritage.

How does Judges 21:16 relate to community support?

The verse illustrates the elders' proactive approach to supporting the tribe of Benjamin in a time of crisis. It serves as a reminder of the importance of helping those in need within our communities.

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.

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