Judges 18:19

Judges 18:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Be quiet,” they told him. “Put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?”

King James Version KJV

And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: is it better for thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel?

American Standard Version ASV

And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thy hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: is it better for thee to be priest unto the house of one man, or to be priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel?

Bible in Basic English BBE

And they said to him, Be quiet; say nothing, and come with us and be our father and priest; is it better for you to be priest to one man's house or to be priest to a tribe and a family in Israel?

Free Bible Version FBV

“Be quiet! Don't say anything! Come with us, and you can be our ‘father’ and priest. Wouldn't it be better for you if instead of being a priest for just one man's household that you were the priest of an Israelite tribe and family?”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And they answered him, Holde thy peace: lay thine hande vpon thy mouth, and come with vs to be our father and Priest. Whether is it better that thou shouldest be a Priest vnto ye house of one man, or that thou shouldest be a Priest vnto a tribe and to a familie in Israel?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and they say to him, 'Keep silent, lay thy hand on thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us for a father and for a priest: is it better thy being a priest to the house of one man, or thy being priest to a tribe and to a family in Israel?'

World English Bible WEB

They said to him, “Hold your peace, put your hand on your mouth, and go with us. Be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be priest to the house of one man, or to be priest to a tribe and a family in Israel?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And they said to him, Hold thy peace, lay thy hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: Is it better for thee to be a priest to the house of one man, or that thou shouldst be a priest to a tribe and a family in Israel?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they said to him: Hold thy peace and put thy finger on thy mouth and come with us, that we may have thee for a father, and a priest. Whether is better for thee, to be a priest in the house of one man, or in a tribe and family in Israel?

Translation for Translators T4T

They replied, “Be quiet! Do not say anything! You come with us and be like a father to us and a priest for us. Is it better for you to stay here and be a priest for the people in the house of one man, or to be a priest for a clan, and a priest for a whole tribe of Israelis?” [RHQ]

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 18:19

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 18:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּאמְרוּ֩ ל֨/וֹ הַחֲרֵ֜שׁ שִֽׂים יָדְ/ךָ֤ עַל פִּ֨י/ךָ֙ וְ/לֵ֣ךְ עִמָּ֔/נוּ וֶֽ/הְיֵה לָ֖/נוּ לְ/אָ֣ב וּ/לְ/כֹהֵ֑ן הֲ/ט֣וֹב הֱיוֹתְ/ךָ֣ כֹהֵ֗ן לְ/בֵית֙ אִ֣ישׁ אֶחָ֔ד א֚וֹ הֱיוֹתְ/ךָ֣ כֹהֵ֔ן לְ/שֵׁ֥בֶט וּ/לְ/מִשְׁפָּחָ֖ה בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

וַ/יֹּאמְרוּ֩ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

ל֨/וֹ Prep | Suff

הַחֲרֵ֜שׁ chârash H2790 to plow/plot V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms

שִֽׂים sûwm H7760 to set V-Qal-Impv-2ms

יָדְ/ךָ֤ yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

פִּ֨י/ךָ֙ peh H6310 lip N-ms | Suff

וְ/לֵ֣ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms

עִמָּ֔/נוּ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

וֶֽ/הְיֵה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לָ֖/נוּ Prep | Suff

לְ/אָ֣ב ʼâb H1 father Prep | N-ms

וּ/לְ/כֹהֵ֑ן kôhên H3548 priest Conj | Prep | N-ms

הֲ/ט֣וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Part | Adj

הֱיוֹתְ/ךָ֣ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

כֹהֵ֗ן kôhên H3548 priest N-ms

לְ/בֵית֙ bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֶחָ֔ד ʼechâd H259 one Adj

א֚וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj

הֱיוֹתְ/ךָ֣ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

כֹהֵ֔ן kôhên H3548 priest N-ms

לְ/שֵׁ֥בֶט shêbeṭ H7626 tribe Prep | N-ms

וּ/לְ/מִשְׁפָּחָ֖ה mishpâchâh H4940 family Conj | Prep | N-fs

בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel Prep | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 18:19

וַ/יֹּאמְרוּ֩ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

ל֨/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

הַחֲרֵ֜שׁ chârash H2790 "to plow/plot" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms

This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.

Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil

Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.

שִֽׂים sûwm H7760 "to set" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.

Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set

Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.

יָדְ/ךָ֤ yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

פִּ֨י/ךָ֙ peh H6310 "lip" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.

Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21

Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.

וְ/לֵ֣ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

עִמָּ֔/נוּ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

וֶֽ/הְיֵה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לָ֖/נוּ "" Prep | Suff

לְ/אָ֣ב ʼâb H1 "father" Prep | N-ms

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

וּ/לְ/כֹהֵ֑ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Conj | Prep | N-ms

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

הֲ/ט֣וֹב ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Part | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.

Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)

Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.

הֱיוֹתְ/ךָ֣ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

כֹהֵ֗ן kôhên H3548 "priest" N-ms

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

לְ/בֵית֙ bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אֶחָ֔ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

א֚וֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj

Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.

Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then

Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.

הֱיוֹתְ/ךָ֣ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

כֹהֵ֔ן kôhên H3548 "priest" N-ms

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

לְ/שֵׁ֥בֶט shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" Prep | N-ms

This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.

Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe

Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.

וּ/לְ/מִשְׁפָּחָ֖ה mishpâchâh H4940 "family" Conj | Prep | N-fs

This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.

Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats

Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.

בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" Prep | N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — Judges 18:19

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 18:19 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 18:19
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 18:19
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 18:19
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 18:19
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 18:19
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 18:19
Cambridge Bible on Judges 18:19
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 18:19
Sermons on Judges 18:19

Context — The Danites Take Micah’s Idols

17And the five men who had gone to spy out the land went inside and took the graven image, the ephod, the household idols, and the molten idol, while the priest stood at the entrance of the gate with the six hundred armed men. 18When they entered Micah’s house and took the graven image, the ephod, the household idols, and the molten idol, the priest said to them, “What are you doing?”

19“Be quiet,” they told him. “Put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?”

20So the priest was glad and took the ephod, the household idols, and the graven image, and went with the people. 21Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them, they turned and departed.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Job 29:9	The princes refrained from speaking and covered their mouths with their hands.
2	Job 21:5	Look at me and be appalled; put your hand over your mouth.
3	Judges 17:10	“Stay with me,” Micah said to him, “and be my father and priest, and I will give you ten shekels of silver per year, a suit of clothes, and your provisions.” So the Levite went in
4	Micah 7:16	Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their might. They will put their hands over their mouths, and their ears will become deaf.
5	Proverbs 30:32	If you have foolishly exalted yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand over your mouth.
6	2 Kings 8:8–9	So the king said to Hazael, “Take a gift in your hand, go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD through him, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’” So Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him a gift of forty camel loads of every good thing from Damascus. And he went in and stood before him and said, “Your son Ben-hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’”
7	2 Kings 6:21	And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?”
8	Job 40:4–5	“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. I have spoken once, but I have no answer— twice, but I have nothing to add.”
9	2 Kings 13:14	When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!”
10	Matthew 23:9	And do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.

Judges 18:19 Summary

[This verse shows how the tribe is trying to persuade the priest to join them and become their spiritual leader, promising him a more prominent role and greater influence. However, this offer is not in line with God's instructions, as seen in Numbers 3:10, which highlights the importance of following God's commands. The priest is being tempted to prioritize his own gain over serving God, which can be a danger for all of us, as warned in 1 Timothy 6:10, where it is written that 'the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil'. By examining this verse, we can learn the importance of staying true to God's will and not being swayed by personal ambitions or desires.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the priest being asked to be a father and a priest to the tribe?

The tribe is seeking a spiritual leader who can guide them and provide for their spiritual needs, much like the role of priests in the book of Exodus, as seen in Exodus 4:14-16, where Moses is instructed by God to speak to the people on His behalf.

Why do the men tell the priest to put his hand over his mouth?

They are essentially telling him to be quiet and not to protest or resist their offer, emphasizing the importance of silence and obedience in certain situations, as also seen in Proverbs 10:19, which advises that 'when words are many, sin is not absent, but he who restrains his lips is prudent'

What does it mean for the priest to be a priest for a house of one person versus a tribe and family in Israel?

It means that the priest is being offered a choice between serving a single individual, Micah, or serving a larger group of people, the tribe, which would bring him more prestige and influence, as seen in the example of the priest Eli in 1 Samuel 2:28, who served the Israelites at the tabernacle

Is this a legitimate offer for the priest to become a priest for the tribe?

No, this is not a legitimate offer because the tribe is not following God's instructions for appointing priests, as outlined in Numbers 3:10, which states that only the descendants of Aaron can serve as priests, highlighting the importance of adhering to God's commands and ordinances

Reflection Questions

What are some times in my life when I have been tempted to prioritize personal gain over serving God and others?
How can I ensure that my priorities are aligned with God's will, rather than my own desires or ambitions?
In what ways can I be a spiritual leader or 'father' to those around me, providing guidance and support?
What are some potential consequences of prioritizing personal gain or prestige over serving God and others, as seen in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 18:19

And they said unto him, hold thy peace,.... Be silent, make no disturbance, be quiet and easy: lay thy hand upon thy mouth; as a token of silence; so the Egyptians used to paint Harpocrates, the god

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 18:19

And they went up, and pitched in Kirjath-je'arim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahanehdan unto this day: behold, it is behind Kirjath-je'arim. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 18:19

Lay thy hand upon thy mouth, i.e. be silent, as this phrase is used, 29:9 40:4 . The same thing repeated in other words. A father and a priest: see Poole on "". A family in Israel, to wit, a tribe that is (and being oft put for that is) a family. For it is certain this was not an expedition of the whole tribe, which numbered 64,000 men, , but only of one family, which it seems were more vexed with the Philistines or Amorites, and therefore resolved to seek new habitations at a great distance from them. And after this time we find the body of the Danites in their old and proper portions in Samson’ s time, which, though placed before this, was long after it.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 18:19

Judges 18:19 And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: [is it] better for thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel?Ver. 19. Lay thine hand upon thy mouth.] Digito compesce labellum. See Job 21:5; Job 29:9. Or that thou be a priest unto a tribe.] Thus the Papists offered Luther a cardinalship to be quiet: they sent unto him Vergerius, to put him in mind of the example of Aeneas Sylvius, who following his own opinions, with much slavery and labour, could get no further preferment than to be canon of Trent, but being changed to the better, became bishop, cardinal, and finally Pope Pius II. He called to his memory also Bessarion of Nice, who by complying with the Church of Rome, wanted not much of being Pope. But he answered, I care neither for Rome’ s favour nor fury. Hist. of Counc. of Trent, 73.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 18:19

(19) Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.—Comp. Job 21:5; Job 29:9; Proverbs 30:32. The laying of the finger on the lip is one of the most universal of gestures. It is the attitude of Horus, the Egyptian god of silence. (See Apul. Metamorph. 1: at ille digitum, a pollice proximum ori suo admovens . . . tace. tace, inquit.) A father and a priest.—Judges 17:10. Unto a tribe and a family.—Both to a shebet and a mishpecah. (See Note on Judges 18:1.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 18:19

Verse 19. Lay thine hand upon thy mouth] This was the token of silence. The god of silence, Harpocrates, is represented on ancient statues with his finger pressed on his lips.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 18:19

19. lay thine hand upon thy mouth] Cf. Micah 7:16, Job 21:5; Job 29:9 etc. a father and a priest] See Judges 17:10 n.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 18:19

19. Lay thine hand upon thy mouth — A proverbial expression for maintaining utter silence.

Sermons on Judges 18:19

	Sermon	Description
	The Flood by Lawrence Chambers	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the impending judgment that will come upon those who have been indifferent and careless towards the things of God. He describes a day when s
	Melchizedec by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer explores the significance of Melchizedec as a type of Christ, emphasizing that Melchizedec's priesthood foreshadows the eternal and superior priesthood of Jesus. He high
	(I Want an Answer) Will I Ever Be Found Out? by Stephen Olford	In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man who becomes drunk and neglects his faithful dog. One night, an intruder enters the man's garage, but the man is too intoxicat
	Psalm 37:7 by Bill Ammon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His children. He compares it to a mother comforting and caring for her child. The preacher also di
	Knowing God Through Brokenness by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God personally and experiencing eternal life as defined by Jesus in John 17. It highlights that eternal life is not just living for
	Job Chapter 40: by Stan Ford	In this sermon, the preacher references several verses from the Bible, including Matthew 6:26, Revelation 3:8, and Revelation 22:20. He emphasizes the message of the Christian fait
	Studies in Job-03 Job-3 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Job and explores the theme of God's sovereignty and power. The sermon begins by highlighting God's role as the creator of the un