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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 19:4 His father-in-law, the girl's father, persuaded him to stay, so he remained with him three days, eating, drinking, and lodging there.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/19-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/07_Jdg_19_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 19:4 - The Levite and His Concubine" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="His father-in-law, the girl's father, persuaded him to stay, so he remained with him three days, eating, drinking, and lodging there." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/19-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/19-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/19.htm">Chapter 19</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/19-3.htm" title="Judges 19:3">◄</a> Judges 19:4 <a href="/judges/19-5.htm" title="Judges 19:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/19.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />His father-in-law, the woman&#8217s father, prevailed on him to stay; so he remained with him three days, eating and drinking, and sleeping there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Her father urged him to stay awhile, so he stayed three days, eating, drinking, and sleeping there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And his father-in-law, the girl’s father, made him stay, and he remained with him three days. So they ate and drank and spent the night there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />His father-in-law, the girl’s father, persuaded him to stay, so he remained with him three days, eating, drinking, and lodging there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now his father-in-law, the young woman’s father, detained him; and he stayed with him three days. So they ate and drank and lodged there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />His father-in-law, the girl’s father, prevailed upon him, and he remained with him for three days. So they ate and drank and stayed there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />His father-in-law, the girl&#8217s father, detained him; and he remained with him three days. So they ate and drank and lodged there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And his father-in-law, the girl’s father, detained him; and he remained with him three days. So they ate and drank and lodged there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And his father-in-law, the girl’s father, prevailed upon him; and he remained with him three days. So they ate and drank and spent the night there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So his father-in-law, the girl’s father, detained him; and he stayed there with him for three days. So they ate and drank, and he lodged there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />His father-in-law, the girl’s father, detained him, and he stayed with him for three days. They ate, drank, and spent the nights there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />His father-in-law, the girl&#8217s father, detained him, and he stayed with him for three days. They ate, drank, and spent the nights there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And his father-in-law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and did not want him to leave. So the man stayed three days, eating and drinking with his father-in-law. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He made the Levite stay there with him, celebrating for three days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The father insisted that he stay, and so he stayed for three days. The couple had their meals and spent the nights there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The young woman's father (that is, his father-in-law) made him stay there for three days while they ate and drank during his visit there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />His father-in-law, the girl?s father, persuaded him to stay, so he remained with him three days, eating, drinking, and lodging there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />His father-in-law, the girl's father, persuaded him to stay with him for three days, and they ate and drank together, and spent the night there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />His father-in-law, the young woman's father, welcomed him; and he stayed with him three days. So they ate and drank and stayed there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And his father-in-law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they ate and drank, and lodged there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />His father-in-law, the young lady’s father, kept him there; and he stayed with him three days. So they ate and drank, and stayed there. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And his father-in-law keeps hold on him, father of the young woman, and he abides with him three days, and they eat and drink, and lodge there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And keep hold on him doth his father-in-law, father of the young woman, and he abideth with him three days, and they eat and drink, and lodge there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And his father-in-law, the girl's father, will hold fast upon him, and he will dwell with, him three days: and they will eat and drink and lodge there.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And embraced the man. And the son in law tarried in the house of his father in law three days, eating with him and drinking familiarly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he embraced the man. And the son-in-law stayed in the house of his father-in-law for three days, eating and drinking with him in a friendly manner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />His father-in-law, the young woman’s father, urged him to stay, and so he spent three days eating and drinking and passing the night there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />His father-in-law, the girl’s father, made him stay, and he remained with him three days; so they ate and drank, and he stayed there.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And his father-in-law, the damsel's father, detained him; and he stayed with him three days; so they did eat and drink and lodged there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the father in law the father of the girl kept him, and he stayed with him three days, and they ate and they drank and they lodged there<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And his father-in-law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days; so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And his father-in-law, the father of the damsel, constrained him, and he stayed with him for three days; and they ate and drank, and lodged there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/19-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=5612" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/19.htm">The Levite and His Concubine</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>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. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2859.htm" title="2859: ḥō·ṯə·nōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Make oneself a daughter's husband. A primitive root; to give away in marriage; hence to contract affinity by marriage.">His father-in-law,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5291.htm" title="5291: han·na·‘ă·rāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A girl, maiden. Feminine of na'ar; a girl.">the girl’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇî (N-msc) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">father,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: way·ye·ḥĕ·zaq- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">persuaded him to stay,</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: way·yê·šeḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">so he remained</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with him</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šə·lō·šeṯ (Number-msc) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">three</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days,</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: way·yō·ḵə·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">eating,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: way·yiš·tū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">drinking,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3885.htm" title="3885: way·yā·lî·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- Or liyn; a primitive root; to stop; by implication, to stay permanently; hence to be obstinate.">and lodging</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>On 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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-55.htm">Genesis 24:55</a></span><br />But her brother and mother said, “Let the girl remain with us ten days or so. After that, she may go.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-3.htm">Genesis 18:3-5</a></span><br />“My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. / Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. / And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/19-2.htm">Genesis 19:2-3</a></span><br />and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” / But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-23.htm">1 Samuel 28:23</a></span><br />Saul refused, saying, “I will not eat.” But his servants joined the woman in urging him, and he heeded their voice. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/13-25.htm">2 Samuel 13:25-27</a></span><br />“No, my son,” the king replied, “we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing. / “If not,” said Absalom, “please let my brother Amnon go with us.” “Why should he go with you?” the king asked. / But Absalom urged him, so the king sent Amnon and the rest of his sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/13-7.htm">1 Kings 13:7-10</a></span><br />Then the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” / But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. / For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8</a></span><br />One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/24-29.htm">Luke 24:29</a></span><br />But they pleaded with Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/16-15.htm">Acts 16:15</a></span><br />And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/28-14.htm">Acts 28:14</a></span><br />There we found some brothers who invited us to spend the week with them. And so we came to Rome.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/43-31.htm">Genesis 43:31-34</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came back out. Regaining his composure, he said, “Serve the meal.” / They separately served Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians. They ate separately because the Egyptians would not eat with the Hebrews, since that was detestable to them. / They were seated before Joseph in order by age, from the firstborn to the youngest, and the men looked at one another in astonishment. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-22.htm">1 Samuel 9:22-24</a></span><br />Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and seated them in the place of honor among those who were invited—about thirty in all. / And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you and told you to set aside.” / So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul. Then Samuel said, “Here is what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat, for it has been kept for you for this occasion, from the time I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul dined with Samuel that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/11-13.htm">2 Samuel 11:13</a></span><br />Then David invited Uriah to eat and drink with him, and he got Uriah drunk. And in the evening Uriah went out to lie down on his cot with his master’s servants, but he did not go home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-41.htm">1 Kings 1:41</a></span><br />Now Adonijah and all his guests were finishing their feast when they heard the sound of the ram’s horn. “Why is the city in such a loud uproar?” asked Joab.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-21.htm">1 Kings 19:21</a></span><br />So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he stayed with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/5-17.htm">Abideth</a> <a href="/judges/11-17.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/judges/14-9.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-29.htm">Damsel's</a> <a href="/exodus/10-24.htm">Detained</a> <a href="/judges/9-27.htm">Drank</a> <a href="/judges/13-14.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/judges/9-27.htm">Drinking</a> <a href="/judges/14-14.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/judges/14-9.htm">Eating</a> <a href="/judges/18-19.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/judges/16-2.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-16.htm">Lady's</a> <a href="/genesis/24-25.htm">Lodge</a> <a href="/judges/6-2.htm">Prevailed</a> <a href="/judges/12-15.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/judges/7-8.htm">Retained</a> <a href="/judges/16-14.htm">Sleeping</a> <a href="/judges/16-27.htm">Three</a> <a href="/judges/19-3.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">Abideth</a> <a href="/judges/20-47.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/judges/19-6.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/judges/19-5.htm">Damsel's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-7.htm">Detained</a> <a href="/judges/19-6.htm">Drank</a> <a href="/judges/19-6.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/ruth/3-3.htm">Drinking</a> <a href="/judges/19-5.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/ruth/3-3.htm">Eating</a> <a href="/judges/19-25.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/judges/19-10.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/judges/19-5.htm">Lady's</a> <a href="/judges/19-10.htm">Lodge</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-50.htm">Prevailed</a> <a href="/judges/19-6.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/13-20.htm">Retained</a> <a href="/ruth/3-4.htm">Sleeping</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-24.htm">Three</a> <a href="/judges/19-5.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/19-1.htm">A Levite goes to Bethlehem to fetch home his concubine</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/19-16.htm">An old man entertains him at Gibeah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/19-22.htm">The Gibeonites abuse his concubine to death</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/19-29.htm">He divides her into twelve pieces, and sends them to the twelve tribes</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>His father-in-law, the girl’s father</b><br>In ancient Israelite culture, family relationships were central to social structure. The father-in-law's role was significant, often involving negotiations and hospitality. This reflects the patriarchal society where the father had authority over family matters. The mention of "the girl's father" emphasizes the familial bond and the importance of marriage alliances in maintaining social and economic stability.<p><b>persuaded him to stay</b><br>Hospitality was a crucial aspect of ancient Near Eastern culture. The act of persuasion indicates the father-in-law's desire to extend hospitality, which was a sign of respect and goodwill. This reflects the cultural norm of treating guests with honor and ensuring their comfort, as seen in other biblical narratives like Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors in <a href="/genesis/18.htm">Genesis 18</a>.<p><b>so he remained with him three days</b><br>The number three often signifies completeness or divine perfection in the Bible. Staying three days could symbolize a complete period of rest and fellowship. This duration allowed for the strengthening of family ties and the fulfillment of social obligations. It also mirrors other biblical events where three days are significant, such as Jonah in the belly of the fish or Jesus in the tomb.<p><b>eating, drinking, and lodging there</b><br>These activities highlight the customs of hospitality and fellowship. Sharing meals was a way to build and affirm relationships. Eating and drinking together were acts of peace and friendship, often seen in covenant-making contexts. Lodging indicates the provision of shelter and safety, which were essential aspects of hospitality in a time when travel could be dangerous. This phrase underscores the importance of community and the provision of basic needs within a familial setting.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_levite.htm">The Levite</a></b><br>A man from the tribe of Levi, who is central to the account in <a href="/bsb/judges/19.htm">Judges 19</a>. He is traveling with his concubine and servant.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_concubine.htm">The Concubine</a></b><br>The Levite's concubine, who had left him and returned to her father's house in Bethlehem in Judah.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_father-in-law.htm">The Father-in-law</a></b><br>The concubine's father, who warmly welcomes the Levite and persuades him to stay longer.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/bethlehem_in_judah.htm">Bethlehem in Judah</a></b><br>The town where the concubine's father lives and where the Levite goes to retrieve her.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a></b><br>The Levite's extended stay at his father-in-law's house, which is marked by hospitality and repeated invitations to remain longer.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_hospitality.htm">The Importance of Hospitality</a></b><br>Hospitality is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting God's welcoming nature. As believers, we are called to extend hospitality to others, reflecting God's love and grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_delay.htm">The Dangers of Delay</a></b><br>The Levite's extended stay, while seemingly harmless, sets the stage for later events. This teaches us to be mindful of how delays and distractions can lead us away from God's intended path.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_reconciliation.htm">Family Reconciliation</a></b><br>The Levite's journey to reconcile with his concubine highlights the importance of seeking reconciliation in relationships. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and to pursue reconciliation actively.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_context_and_biblical_narratives.htm">Cultural Context and Biblical Narratives</a></b><br>Understanding the cultural context of biblical accounts, such as the significance of hospitality, enriches our comprehension of Scripture and its application to our lives today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_amidst_human_actions.htm">God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Actions</a></b><br>Even in accounts where human actions seem to dominate, God's sovereignty is at work. We can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances appear chaotic.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where_can_he_find_a_place_to_stay.htm">Where can he find a place to stay?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_jael_and_what_did_she_do.htm">Who was Jael and what did she do?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_102_contradict_god's_changeability.htm">Does Psalm 102's depiction of God as eternal contradict other passages suggesting God changes His mind or actions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_paul_claim_a_clear_conscience.htm">In 1 Corinthians 4:3-4, how can Paul claim a clear conscience when unconsciously held biases could still affect his judgment?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Retained him.</span>--One motive of the father-in-law would doubtless be to practise the full rights of hospitality, which are in the East so specially sacred; but he probably desired further to win back the Levite's heart to his erring daughter.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Retained him</span>. See the same phrase <a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8</a>, where it is rendered <span class="accented">she constrained</span> him. The full phrase is in <a href="/genesis/21-18.htm">Genesis 21:18</a>, <span class="accented">hold him in thy hand.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/19-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">His father-in-law,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹֽתְנוֹ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·ṯə·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2859.htm">Strong's 2859: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, away in marriage, to contract affinity by marriage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the girl’s</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽנַּעֲרָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(han·na·‘ă·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5291.htm">Strong's 5291: </a> </span><span class="str2">A girl, maiden</span><br /><br /><span class="word">father,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">persuaded him to stay,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֶּחֱזַק־</span> <span class="translit">(way·ye·ḥĕ·zaq-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so he remained</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·šeḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with him</span><br /><span class="heb">אִתּ֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’it·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nearness, near, with, by, at, among</span><br /><br /><span class="word">three</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·šeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> </span><span class="str2">Three, third, thrice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">days,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">eating,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאכְלוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·ḵə·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">drinking,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁתּ֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·tū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> </span><span class="str2">To imbibe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and lodging</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּלִ֖ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·lî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3885.htm">Strong's 3885: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there.</span><br /><span class="heb">שָֽׁם׃</span> <span class="translit">(šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/19-4.htm">Judges 19:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/19-4.htm">Judges 19:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/19-4.htm">Judges 19:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/19-4.htm">Judges 19:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/19-4.htm">Judges 19:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/19-4.htm">Judges 19:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/19-4.htm">Judges 19:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/19-4.htm">Judges 19:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/19-4.htm">Judges 19:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/19-4.htm">Judges 19:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/19-4.htm">OT History: Judges 19:4 His father-in-law the young lady's father retained (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/19-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 19:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 19:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/19-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 19:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 19:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>