Old Testament
Judges 21:22
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the Israelites are addressing a situation where they need to justify their actions regarding the lack of wives for the men who fought in the war.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
When their fathers or brothers come to us to complain, we will say to them, 'Please be favorable to them for our sakes, because we did not reserve a wife for each man during the war. You did not give your daughters to them at this time, so you are not guilty.'
And it shall be, when their fathers or their brethren come unto us to complain, that we will say unto them, Be favourable unto them for our sakes: because we reserved not to each man his wife in the war: for ye did not give unto them at this time, that ye should be guilty.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites are addressing a situation where they need to justify their actions regarding the lack of wives for the men who fought in the war. They plan to explain to the fathers or brothers of the women that they did not provide wives for their men during the conflict. The reasoning is that since the families did not offer their daughters to marry the soldiers, they are not at fault for the situation. This reflects a cultural practice of seeking favor and understanding in difficult circumstances, emphasizing the importance of community and familial ties in resolving conflicts. The Israelites are trying to navigate a delicate situation where they need to maintain peace and ensure that the men have wives, while also acknowledging the role of the families in this matter. This highlights the complexities of relationships and responsibilities within the community, especially in times of war and strife. Explore related responsibility.
Key themes
Related topics
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 21:22 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of communication and understanding in resolving conflicts. When faced with difficult situations, it is vital to explain our actions clearly and seek favor from others, fostering harmony and cooperation within our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 21:22 mean?
Judges 21:22 explains how the Israelites planned to justify their actions regarding the lack of wives for their soldiers. They intended to tell the families of the women that they were not at fault since the families did not offer their daughters for marriage during the war.
What is the significance of community in Judges 21:22?
The verse highlights the importance of community and familial ties in resolving conflicts. It shows how the Israelites sought to maintain peace by communicating their reasoning to the families affected by their decisions.
What does the phrase 'be favorable unto them for our sakes' mean in Judges 21:22?
The phrase means that the Israelites were asking the families to show understanding and kindness towards the soldiers who lacked wives, emphasizing the need for cooperation and support in difficult situations.
How does Judges 21:22 relate to marriage customs?
The verse illustrates the cultural practice of arranging marriages and the responsibilities that come with it, particularly in the context of war, where the lack of wives for soldiers became a pressing issue.
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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