Judges 19:3

Judges 19:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

her husband got up and went after her to speak kindly to her and bring her back, taking his servant and a pair of donkeys. So the girl brought him into her father’s house, and when her father saw him, he gladly welcomed him.

King James Version KJV

And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father’s house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.

American Standard Version ASV

And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak kindly unto her, to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father’s house; and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then her husband got up and went after her, with the purpose of talking kindly to her, and taking her back with him; he had with him his young man and two asses: and she took him into her father's house, and her father, when he saw him, came forward to him with joy.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then her husband went after her, to talk kindly with her and bring her back home. With him went his servant and two donkeys. She took him to her father's house and when her father met him, he gladly welcomed him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And her husband arose and went after her, to speake friendly vnto her, and to bring her againe: he had also his seruant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him vnto her fathers house, and when the yong womans father sawe him, he reioyced of his comming.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And her husband riseth and goeth after her, to speak unto her heart, to bring her back, and his young man [is] with him, and a couple of asses; and she bringeth him into the house of her father, and the father of the young woman seeth him, and rejoiceth to meet him.

World English Bible WEB

Her husband arose and went after her to speak kindly to her, to bring her again, having his servant with him and a couple of donkeys. She brought him into her father’s house; and when the father of the young lady saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak kindly to her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father's house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And her husband followed her, willing to be reconciled with her, and to speak kindly to her, and to bring her back with him, having with him a servant and two asses: and she received him, and brought him into her father’s house. And when his father in law had heard this, and had seen him, he met him with joy,

Translation for Translators T4T

Then her husband took his servant and two donkeys and went to Bethlehem. He went to ask her to come back to live with him again. When he arrived at her father’s house, she invited him to come in. Her father was happy to see him.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 19:3

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 19:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּ֨קָם אִישָׁ֜/הּ וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ אַחֲרֶ֗י/הָ לְ/דַבֵּ֤ר עַל לִבָּ/הּ֙ ל/השיב/ו לַ/הֲשִׁיבָ֔/הּ וְ/נַעֲר֥/וֹ עִמּ֖/וֹ וְ/צֶ֣מֶד חֲמֹרִ֑ים וַ/תְּבִיאֵ֨/הוּ֙ בֵּ֣ית אָבִ֔י/הָ וַ/יִּרְאֵ֨/הוּ֙ אֲבִ֣י הַֽ/נַּעֲרָ֔ה וַ/יִּשְׂמַ֖ח לִ/קְרָאתֽ/וֹ

וַ/יָּ֨קָם qûwm H6965 -kamai Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אִישָׁ֜/הּ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms | Suff

וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אַחֲרֶ֗י/הָ ʼachar H310 after Prep | Suff

לְ/דַבֵּ֤ר dâbar H1696 to speak Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

לִבָּ/הּ֙ lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff

ל/השיב/ו shûwb H7725 to return Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

לַ/הֲשִׁיבָ֔/הּ shûwb H7725 to return Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

וְ/נַעֲר֥/וֹ naʻar H5288 youth Conj | N-ms | Suff

עִמּ֖/וֹ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

וְ/צֶ֣מֶד tsemed H6776 pair Conj | N-ms

חֲמֹרִ֑ים chămôwr H2543 donkey N-cp

וַ/תְּבִיאֵ֨/הוּ֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 place N-ms

אָבִ֔י/הָ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

וַ/יִּרְאֵ֨/הוּ֙ râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

אֲבִ֣י ʼâb H1 father N-ms

הַֽ/נַּעֲרָ֔ה naʻărâh H5291 maiden Art | N-fs

וַ/יִּשְׂמַ֖ח sâmach H8055 to rejoice Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לִ/קְרָאתֽ/וֹ qirʼâh H7125 befall Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 19:3

וַ/יָּ֨קָם qûwm H6965 "-kamai" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.

Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai

Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.

אִישָׁ֜/הּ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms | Suff

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.

וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

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.

אַחֲרֶ֗י/הָ ʼachar H310 "after" Prep | Suff

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after

Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

לְ/דַבֵּ֤ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

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.

לִבָּ/הּ֙ lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff

Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.

ל/השיב/ו shûwb H7725 "to return" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

לַ/הֲשִׁיבָ֔/הּ shûwb H7725 "to return" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

וְ/נַעֲר֥/וֹ naʻar H5288 "youth" Conj | N-ms | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.

Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.

עִמּ֖/וֹ 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.

וְ/צֶ֣מֶד tsemed H6776 "pair" Conj | N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to a pair or team, often of animals, and can also mean an acre of land that a yoke of cattle can plow in a day. It's used to describe a unit or a set of two things working together.

Definition: 1) couple, pair, team, yoke 1a) couple, pair, span (usually of animals) 1b) acre 1b1) the amount of land a span of oxen could plow in one day

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: acre, couple, [idiom] together, two (donkeys), yoke (of oxen). See also: Judges 19:3; 2 Kings 5:17; Isaiah 5:10.

חֲמֹרִ֑ים chămôwr H2543 "donkey" N-cp

The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.

Definition: (he) ass

Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.

וַ/תְּבִיאֵ֨/הוּ֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff

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.

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 "place" 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.

אָבִ֔י/הָ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

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.

וַ/יִּרְאֵ֨/הוּ֙ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

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.

אֲבִ֣י ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms

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.

הַֽ/נַּעֲרָ֔ה naʻărâh H5291 "maiden" Art | N-fs

A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.

Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.

וַ/יִּשְׂמַ֖ח sâmach H8055 "to rejoice" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.

Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad

Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.

לִ/קְרָאתֽ/וֹ qirʼâh H7125 "befall" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.

Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.

Study Notes — Judges 19:3

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Context
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Judges 19:3 Summary
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Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 19:3
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 19:3
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 19:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 19:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 19:3
Cambridge Bible on Judges 19:3
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 19:3
Sermons on Judges 19:3

Context — The Crime of the Benjamites

1Now in those days, when there was no king in Israel, a Levite who lived in the remote hill country of Ephraim took for himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. 2But she was unfaithful to him and left him to return to her father’s house in Bethlehem in Judah. After she had been there four months,

3her husband got up and went after her to speak kindly to her and bring her back, taking his servant and a pair of donkeys. So the girl brought him into her father’s house, and when her father saw him, he gladly welcomed him.

4His father-in-law, the girl’s father, persuaded him to stay, so he remained with him three days, eating, drinking, and lodging there. 5On the fourth day, they got up early in the morning and prepared to depart, but the girl’s father said to his son-in-law, “Refresh your heart with a morsel of bread, and then you can go.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 34:3	And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young girl and spoke to her tenderly.
2	Genesis 50:21	Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.
3	Leviticus 19:17	You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him.
4	John 8:4–5	and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?”
5	John 8:11	“No one, Lord,” she answered. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.”
6	Galatians 6:1	Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
7	Judges 15:1	Later on, at the time of the wheat harvest, Samson took a young goat and went to visit his wife. “I want to go to my wife in her room,” he said. But her father would not let him enter.
8	Leviticus 20:10	If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death.
9	Hosea 2:14	“Therefore, behold, I will allure her and lead her to the wilderness, and speak to her tenderly.
10	Numbers 22:22	Then God’s anger was kindled because Balaam was going along, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him.

Judges 19:3 Summary

This verse shows us that even when relationships are broken, there is always hope for restoration. The Levite's decision to go after his concubine and speak kindly to her demonstrates the importance of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation, just like God seeks to restore our relationship with Him (as seen in Hosea 14:4). We can learn from the Levite's example and apply it to our own lives by seeking to restore relationships and showing kindness to those who have wronged us, just as Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). By doing so, we can reflect God's heart of love and compassion, as seen in Luke 15:20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Levite's concubine leave him in the first place?

The Bible doesn't give a clear reason, but it does say she was unfaithful to him, which suggests a breakdown in their relationship, similar to what happened in Genesis 16:1-4 when Sarai and Abram's relationship was strained due to unmet expectations.

What motivated the Levite to go after his concubine?

The Levite went after his concubine to speak kindly to her and bring her back, indicating a desire to restore their relationship, much like how God desires to restore our relationship with Him, as seen in Hosea 14:4.

How did the concubine's father react to the Levite's arrival?

The concubine's father gladly welcomed the Levite, which suggests that he was happy to see them reconciling, and this warm reception is reminiscent of the father's response in the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:20.

What can we learn from the Levite's actions in this verse?

The Levite's decision to go after his concubine and speak kindly to her demonstrates the importance of seeking restoration and forgiveness in our relationships, as encouraged in Matthew 5:23-24 and Ephesians 4:32.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to seek restoration and forgiveness, just like the Levite did?
How can I demonstrate kindness and compassion to someone who has wronged me, as the Levite did to his concubine?
What role does humility play in seeking reconciliation, and how can I apply this to my own relationships?
In what ways can I model the father's warm welcome in this verse, and show hospitality to others?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 19:3

And her husband arose,.... From the place where he lived: and went after her; to Bethlehemjudah, where her father lived: to speak comfortably to her "or to her heart" (l); having heard perhaps that

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 19:3

And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father's house: and

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 19:3

To speak friendly unto her, or, to speak to her heart, i.e. kindly and comfortably, as that phrase is taken, Genesis 1 21 Ho 2:14, to offer, her pardon and reconciliation, and restitution to her former state. To bring her again, to wit, to his own house. A couple of asses; partly for himself or his wife to ride upon, as there was occasion; and partly for carrying their provision, as appears from . He rejoiced to meet him, hoping the breach would be made up by this means.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 19:3

Judges 19:3 And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, [and] to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father’ s house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.Ver. 3. And her husband arose, and went after her.] Either out of pity to her, or want of her company. She should have sought to him first, as being the peccant party; but she could not bring her heart to it. “ Fastus inest pulchris, &c. ” Having his servant with him.] This Levite had one servant. Balaam the false prophet rode with two. Oh, let not Christ’ s true ministers be slaves to others, servants to themselves. He rejoiced to meet him.] The father and daughter made no means for reconciliation; but when remission came home to them, none could entertain it more thankfully. The nature of many men is forward to accept, and negligent to sue for; they can spend secret wishes upon that which shall cost them no endeavour.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 19:3

(3) To speak friendly unto her.—Literally, to speak to her heart—i.e., to bring about a kindly reconciliation (Genesis 34:3; Genesis 1:21; Rth 2:13). A couple of asses.—One was meant to convey back his wife on her return.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 19:3

Verse 3. He rejoiced to meet him.] He hoped to be able completely to reconcile his daughter and her husband.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 19:3

3. to speak kindly unto her] See marg., and cf. Genesis 34:3; Genesis 50:21, Isaiah 40:2. to bring her again] More natural than the alternative reading given in the marg. a couple of asses] for the necessaries of the journey; by Eastern custom the woman would be expected to walk, Judges 19:10. and she brought him] implies that the reconciliation has taken place; but as nothing is said about this, many prefer to read with LXX. cod. A and he went. he rejoiced] Evidently the Levite was considered to be a desirable son in law, and he had come back to claim his property.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 19:3

3. To speak friendly unto her — Literally, to speak to her heart. “To conciliate her affection, to rekindle her tenderness, to whisper forgiveness to her, and to implore her to return to the home she had left desolate.

Sermons on Judges 19:3

	Sermon	Description
	Your Excuses by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the idea that sinners often contend with God and make excuses for their actions. He explains that there are two types of contending with God
	Should Christian's Drink Alcohol? - Part 1 by Keith Malcomson	Keith Malcomson addresses the controversial topic of alcohol consumption among Christians, highlighting the shift in attitudes towards social drinking within the church. He emphasi
	Christian Cautions (Or the Necessity of Self-Examination) by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of self-examination and living a life free from sin, focusing on various aspects such as the observance of the Sabbath, secret sins,
	The Destruction of Hardened Sinners by Asahel Nettleton	Asahel Nettleton preaches about the importance of receiving reproof and admonition with humility, contrasting the reactions of the humble Christian who values correction and the ha
	The Final Warning by Asahel Nettleton	Asahel Nettleton delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of receiving reproof with humility and the consequences of hardening one's heart against correction. He emphasizes the
	The Kingdom of Heaven by J.H. Newman	J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of understanding the doctrine of the Church through careful examination of Scripture, despite objections or preconceived notions. He empha
	Matthew 5:38-42. Christ Forbids Revenge. by Favell Lee Mortimer	Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the true meaning behind 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,' emphasizing that it was a rule of punishment for civil authorities, not a call