Old Testament
Judges 21:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then someone said, "There's a yearly festival to the LORD held at Shiloh." Shiloh is north of Bethel, east of the road that runs from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah.
Compare translations
Then they said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly in a place which is on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goeth up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.
What Judges 21:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 21:19, the verse highlights an important annual festival dedicated to the LORD that takes place in Shiloh. This location is described geographically, situated north of Bethel, east of the road leading to Shechem, and south of Lebonah. The mention of this festival indicates a time of worship and gathering for the Israelites, emphasizing the significance of communal religious practices in their culture. Festivals like this were opportunities for the people to come together, celebrate their faith, and reaffirm their covenant with God. The specific details about the location serve to provide context and help the reader understand the geography of the area, which was important for the Israelites as they navigated their land and their relationship with God. This verse not only marks a physical place but also symbolizes the spiritual importance of worship and community in the life of the Israelites.
How to apply Judges 21:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to prioritize communal worship and celebrate our faith together. Just as the Israelites gathered for their annual festival, we should seek opportunities to connect with our faith community, participate in worship, and strengthen our relationship with God and each other.
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 Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 21:19
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 21:19
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 21:19 mean?
Judges 21:19 refers to an annual festival dedicated to the LORD that takes place in Shiloh, highlighting the importance of communal worship among the Israelites. It also provides geographical context for the location of Shiloh in relation to nearby towns.
What is the significance of the festival mentioned in Judges 21:19?
The festival mentioned in Judges 21:19 signifies a time for the Israelites to gather, worship, and celebrate their faith together. It emphasizes the role of communal religious practices in strengthening their relationship with God.
Where is Shiloh located according to Judges 21:19?
According to Judges 21:19, Shiloh is located north of Bethel, east of the road from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah. This geographical detail helps readers understand the setting of the festival.
What does the verse imply about worship in Israelite culture?
The verse implies that worship was a central aspect of Israelite culture, as it describes an annual festival where people gathered to honor the LORD. Such events were crucial for maintaining their faith and community bonds.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.