Old Testament
Judges 21:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They cried out, "LORD, God of Israel, why has this happened? Why is an entire tribe now missing from Israel?"
Compare translations
And said, O LORD God of Israel, why is this come to pass in Israel, that there should be to day one tribe lacking in Israel?
What Judges 21:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 21:3, the Israelites are in deep distress over the loss of a tribe, specifically the tribe of Benjamin, after a civil conflict. They are questioning God about how such a tragedy could occur, reflecting their confusion and sorrow. The verse captures their collective lament and highlights the seriousness of the situation, as they realize that the unity of Israel is at stake. The Israelites are not just mourning the loss of people; they are grappling with the implications of a tribe being wiped out, which threatens their identity and future as a nation. Their cry to the Lord signifies their dependence on Him for understanding and guidance in this crisis. This moment illustrates the gravity of sin and its consequences, as well as the need for divine intervention in times of turmoil. The Israelites' plea serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God in moments of despair and confusion, emphasizing the need for community and support during difficult times.
How to apply Judges 21:3 to your life
When facing loss or confusion, it's essential to turn to God in prayer, just as the Israelites did. Seeking understanding and guidance from God can help us navigate through difficult times. We should also support one another in our communities during crises, fostering unity and healing.
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 21:3
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 21:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 21:3 mean?
Judges 21:3 expresses the deep sorrow of the Israelites over the loss of the tribe of Benjamin after a civil conflict. They are questioning God about how such a tragedy could happen, highlighting their confusion and the threat to their national identity.
What is the significance of the missing tribe in Judges 21:3?
The missing tribe refers to Benjamin, which symbolizes a serious crisis for Israel's unity and identity. The verse underscores the consequences of sin and conflict, as the Israelites grapple with the implications of losing a tribe.
Why do the Israelites cry out to God in Judges 21:3?
The Israelites cry out to God in Judges 21:3 seeking understanding and guidance in their distress over the loss of a tribe. Their plea reflects their dependence on God during a time of crisis and confusion.
What themes are present in Judges 21:3?
Judges 21:3 highlights themes of loss, divine inquiry, tribal identity, and community crisis. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God during difficult times and the need for support within the community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.