Judges 19:17
Judges 19:17 in Multiple Translations
When he looked up and saw the traveler in the city square, the old man asked, “Where are you going, and where have you come from?”
And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?
And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the wayfaring man in the street of the city; and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?
And when he saw the traveller in the street of the town, the old man said, Where are you going? and where do you come from?
He looked over and noticed the traveler in the square and asked, “Where are you going and where have you come from?”
And when he had lift vp his eyes, he sawe a wayfairing man in the streetes of the citie: then this olde man sayde, Whither goest thou, and whence camest thou?
And he lifteth up his eyes, and seeth the man, the traveller, in a broad place of the city, and the aged man saith, 'Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?'
He lifted up his eyes, and saw the wayfaring man in the street of the city; and the old man said, “Where are you going? Where did you come from?”
And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a way-faring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?
And the old man lifting up his eyes, saw the man sitting with his bundles in the street of the city, and said to him: Whence comest thou? and whither goest thou?
He realized that the man from the tribe of Levi was only traveling and did not have a home in that city. So he asked the man, “Where have you come from? And where are you going?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 19:17
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 19:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֣א
עֵינָ֗י/ו
וַ/יַּ֛רְא
אֶת
הָ/אִ֥ישׁ
הָ/אֹרֵ֖חַ
בִּ/רְחֹ֣ב
הָ/עִ֑יר
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
הָ/אִ֧ישׁ
הַ/זָּקֵ֛ן
אָ֥נָה
תֵלֵ֖ךְ
וּ/מֵ/אַ֥יִן
תָּבֽוֹא
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֵינָ֗י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
וַ/יַּ֛רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
הָ/אֹרֵ֖חַ
ʼârach
H732
to journey
Art | V-Qal
בִּ/רְחֹ֣ב
rᵉchôb
H7339
street/plaza
Prep | N-fs
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/אִ֧ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
הַ/זָּקֵ֛ן
zâqên
H2205
old
Art | Adj
אָ֥נָה
ʼân
H575
where?
Adv
תֵלֵ֖ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וּ/מֵ/אַ֥יִן
ʼayin
H370
where?
Conj | Prep | Part
תָּבֽוֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 19:17
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
עֵינָ֗י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וַ/יַּ֛רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | 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.
הָ/אֹרֵ֖חַ
ʼârach
H732
"to journey"
Art | V-Qal
This verb means to travel or journey, like going on a trip. In Exodus 33:7, Moses would journey to the tent of meeting outside the camp to talk with God. It is about moving from one place to another.
Definition: 1) to wander, journey, go, keep company with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to journey, go 1a2) (part.) 1a2a) wandering, wayfarer, journeying 1a3) (subst.) 1a3a) wanderer, wayfarer, traveller
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: go, wayfaring (man). See also: Judges 19:17; Job 34:8; Jeremiah 9:1.
בִּ/רְחֹ֣ב
rᵉchôb
H7339
"street/plaza"
Prep | N-fs
A street or plaza, referring to a public area or open space, like a marketplace or a thoroughfare. This word is used to describe urban settings and community gathering places, often in stories about city life and trade. It appears in books like Nehemiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: broad or open place or plaza
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: broad place (way), street. See also H1050 (בֵּית רְחוֹב). See also: Genesis 19:2; Proverbs 7:12; Psalms 55:12.
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
הָ/אִ֧ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | 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.
הַ/זָּקֵ֛ן
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
אָ֥נָה
ʼân
H575
"where?"
Adv
The Hebrew word for 'where' is used to ask about location or direction, like in Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13. It can also mean 'when' or 'how long'.
Definition: 1) where?, whither? (of place) 2) when?, until when?, how long? (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] any (no) whither, now, where, whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 16:8; 2 Kings 6:6; Psalms 13:2.
תֵלֵ֖ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
וּ/מֵ/אַ֥יִן
ʼayin
H370
"where?"
Conj | Prep | Part
Ayin is a Hebrew word that means 'where' or 'whence'. It's used in many Bible verses, including Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13, to ask about a location or origin.
Definition: where?, whence?
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: whence, where. See also: Genesis 29:4; 2 Kings 20:14; Psalms 121:1.
תָּבֽוֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — Judges 19:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Crime of the Benjamites
15They stopped to go in and lodge in Gibeah. The Levite went in and sat down in the city square, but no one would take them into his home for the night.
16That evening an old man from the hill country of Ephraim, who was residing in Gibeah (the men of that place were Benjamites), came in from his work in the field.
17When he looked up and saw the traveler in the city square, the old man asked, “Where are you going, and where have you come from?”
18The Levite replied, “We are traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote hill country of Ephraim, where I am from. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and now I am going to the house of the LORD; but no one has taken me into his home, 19even though there is both straw and feed for our donkeys, and bread and wine for me and the maidservant and young man with me. There is nothing that we, your servants, lack.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 32:17 | He instructed the one in the lead, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘To whom do you belong, where are you going, and whose animals are these before you?’ |
| 2 | Genesis 16:8 | “Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied. |
Judges 19:17 Summary
[This verse shows us the importance of being kind and welcoming to others, especially those who may be strangers or in need. The old man in the story asks the traveler about his journey and shows him hospitality, which is something we can all learn from. As it says in Romans 12:13, we are to 'practice hospitality' and care for one another. By doing so, we can reflect the love and kindness of God, who welcomes and cares for us all, as seen in John 13:35.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the old man asking the traveler about his journey?
The old man's question in Judges 19:17 shows his concern and hospitality towards the traveler, which is a reflection of the biblical value of treating strangers with kindness, as seen in Exodus 22:21 and Leviticus 19:34.
Why did the old man approach the traveler in the city square?
The old man approached the traveler because he noticed that no one in the city was willing to take him in, as mentioned in Judges 19:15, and he wanted to show him hospitality and care, similar to the example of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.
What can we learn from the old man's actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of being attentive to the needs of others and showing them kindness and compassion, just like the old man did, as encouraged in Proverbs 19:17 and Matthew 25:35-40.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of hospitality in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the biblical theme of hospitality, which is emphasized in various passages such as Hebrews 13:2 and 1 Peter 4:9, where believers are encouraged to welcome and care for strangers and travelers.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show hospitality to strangers or travelers in my community, just like the old man in this verse?
- How can I be more attentive to the needs of those around me, and what are some practical steps I can take to show them kindness and care?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances?
- How can I apply the principles of hospitality and compassion demonstrated by the old man in this verse to my relationships with others, especially those who may be marginalized or overlooked?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 19:17
And when he had lifted up his eyes,.... For it may be, as he came out of the field, he was musing and meditating with his eyes downwards directed, but coming into the city looked up: he saw a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 19:17
And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 19:17
Judges 19:17 And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?Ver. 17. Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?] Necessary questions to be asked of such as shall be entertained by us, lest we take a snake into our bosoms. Abundans cautela non nocet. It is good to be hospitable, but with it to be cautious.
Sermons on Judges 19:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Integrity of Heart by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and how he tried to cover up his sins until God exposed him. The preacher then shares a story about a little girl who had |
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Where Have We Come From? by Todd Atkinson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of maintaining a sense of community as a church grows larger. They emphasize the need to communicate in a more formal manner to |