Judges 19:16
New International Version
That evening an old man from the hill country of Ephraim, who was living in Gibeah (the inhabitants of the place were Benjamites), came in from his work in the fields.

New Living Translation
That evening an old man came home from his work in the fields. He was from the hill country of Ephraim, but he was living in Gibeah, where the people were from the tribe of Benjamin.

English Standard Version
And behold, an old man was coming from his work in the field at evening. The man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was sojourning in Gibeah. The men of the place were Benjaminites.

Berean Standard Bible
That 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.

King James Bible
And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place were Benjamites.

New King James Version
Just then an old man came in from his work in the field at evening, who also was from the mountains of Ephraim; he was staying in Gibeah, whereas the men of the place were Benjamites.

New American Standard Bible
Then behold, an old man was coming out of the field from his work at evening. Now the man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was staying in Gibeah, but the men of the place were Benjaminites.

NASB 1995
Then behold, an old man was coming out of the field from his work at evening. Now the man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was staying in Gibeah, but the men of the place were Benjamites.

NASB 1977
Then behold, an old man was coming out of the field from his work at evening. Now the man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was staying in Gibeah, but the men of the place were Benjamites.

Legacy Standard Bible
But behold, an old man was coming from his work, from the field, at evening. Now the man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was sojourning in Gibeah, but the men of the place were Benjamites.

Amplified Bible
Then behold, there was an old man who was coming out of the field from his work at evening. He was from the hill country of Ephraim but was staying in Gibeah, and the men of the place were sons (descendants) of Benjamin.

Christian Standard Bible
In the evening, an old man came in from his work in the field. He was from the hill country of Ephraim, but he was residing in Gibeah where the people were Benjaminites.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the evening, an old man came in from his work in the field. He was from the hill country of Ephraim but was residing in Gibeah, and the men of that place were Benjaminites.

American Standard Version
And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even: now the man was of the hill-country of Ephraim, and he sojourned in Gibeah; but the men of the place were Benjamites.

Contemporary English Version
Soon an old man came in through the gates on his way home from working in the fields. Most of the people who lived in Gibeah belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, but this man was originally from the hill country of Ephraim.

English Revised Version
And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even; now the man was of the hill country of Ephraim, and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place were Benjamites.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
That evening an old man came into the city from his work in the fields. He was from the mountain region of Ephraim but lived in Gibeah. The other people who lived there were from the tribe of Benjamin.

Good News Translation
While they were there, an old man came by at the end of a day's work on the farm. He was originally from the hill country of Ephraim, but he was now living in Gibeah. (The other people there were from the tribe of Benjamin.)

International Standard Version
Just then, an old man was coming out of the fields that evening from work. The man was from the mountainous region of Ephraim and had been staying in Gibeah, even though the men of that place were descendants of Benjamin.

Majority Standard Bible
That 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.

NET Bible
But then an old man passed by, returning at the end of the day from his work in the field. The man was from the Ephraimite hill country; he was living temporarily in Gibeah. (The residents of the town were Benjaminites.)

New Heart English Bible
Look, there came an old man from his work out in the field at evening. Now the man was of the hill country of Ephraim, and he was residing in Gibeah; but the men of the place were Benjamites.

Webster's Bible Translation
And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at evening, who was also of mount Ephraim; and he dwelt in Gibeah: but the men of the place were Benjaminites.

World English Bible
Behold, an old man came from his work out of the field at evening. Now the man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he lived in Gibeah; but the men of the place were Benjamites.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And behold, an old man has come from his work from the field in the evening, and the man [is] of the hill-country of Ephraim, and he [is] a sojourner in Gibeah, and the men of the place [are] Benjamites.

Young's Literal Translation
And lo, a man, an aged one, hath come from his work from the field in the evening, and the man is of the hill-country of Ephraim, and he is a sojourner in Gibeah, and the men of the place are Benjamites.

Smith's Literal Translation
And behold, an old man came in from his work out of the field in the evening, and the man from mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeab; and the men of the place, sons of the Jaminite.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And behold they saw an old man, returning out of the field and from his work in the evening, and he also was of mount Ephraim, and dwelt as a stranger in Gabaa; but the men of that country were the children of Jemini.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And behold, they saw an old man, returning from the field and from his work in the evening, and he was also from mount Ephraim, and he was living as a stranger in Gibeah. For the men of that region were of the sons of Benjamin.

New American Bible
In the evening, however, an old man came from his work in the field; he was from the mountain region of Ephraim, though he was living in Gibeah where the local people were Benjaminites.

New Revised Standard Version
Then at evening there was an old man coming from his work in the field. The man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was residing in Gibeah. (The people of the place were Benjaminites.)
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at evening, and the man was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin, but the men of the place were Benjamites whose deeds were exceedingly bad.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And behold, an old man came from his work from the field in the evening, and the man was from the Mountain of Aphreim, and was dwelling in Gabah of Benyamin, and the people of the place, the children of Benjamin, their works were very evil
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even; now the man was of the hill-country of Ephraim, and he sojourned in Gibeah; but the men of the place were Benjamites.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And behold, an old man came out of the field from his work in the evening; and the man was of mount Ephraim, and he sojourned in Gabaa, and the men of the place were sons of Benjamin.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Levite and His Concubine
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. 16 That 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?”…

Cross References
Genesis 19:1-3
Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, / 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.

Judges 17:7-9
And there was a young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah who had been residing within the clan of Judah. / This man left the city of Bethlehem in Judah to settle where he could find a place. And as he traveled, he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim. / “Where are you from?” Micah asked him. “I am a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah,” he replied, “and I am on my way to settle wherever I can find a place.”

Genesis 18:1-5
Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. / And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. / “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. ...

Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Luke 10:33-34
But a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, and when he saw him, he had compassion. / He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

1 Samuel 9:11-14
And as they were climbing the hill to the city, they met some young women coming out to draw water and asked, “Is the seer here?” / “Yes, he is ahead of you,” they answered. “Hurry now, for today he has come to the city because the people have a sacrifice on the high place. / As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.” ...

Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in,

1 Kings 13:14-19
and went after the man of God. He found him sitting under an oak tree and asked, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” “I am,” he replied. / So the prophet said to the man of God, “Come home with me and eat some bread.” / But the man replied, “I cannot go home with you, and I will not eat bread or drink water with you in this place. ...

Acts 16:14-15
Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. / 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.

2 Samuel 12:4
Now a traveler came to the rich man, who refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for his guest.”

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

2 Kings 4:8-10
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. / Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. / Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”

1 Peter 4:9
Show hospitality to one another without complaining.

Leviticus 19:33-34
When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. / You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 10:18-19
He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. / So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.


Treasury of Scripture

And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place were Benjamites.

his work

Genesis 3:19
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

Psalm 104:23
Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.

Psalm 128:2
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

Jump to Previous
Aged Benjaminites Benjamites Country Dwelt Ephraim E'phraim Evening Hill Hill-Country Mount Sojourned Sojourning Staying Work
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Aged Benjaminites Benjamites Country Dwelt Ephraim E'phraim Evening Hill Hill-Country Mount Sojourned Sojourning Staying Work
Judges 19
1. A Levite goes to Bethlehem to fetch home his concubine
16. An old man entertains him at Gibeah
22. The Gibeonites abuse his concubine to death
29. He divides her into twelve pieces, and sends them to the twelve tribes














That evening
The timing of events in biblical narratives often holds significance. Evening in ancient Israel was a time of transition, marking the end of the day's labor and the beginning of rest. It was also a time when travelers sought shelter, as night travel was dangerous. This sets the stage for the unfolding events, emphasizing the urgency and vulnerability of the situation.

an old man from the hill country of Ephraim
The hill country of Ephraim was a central region in Israel, known for its rugged terrain and significant biblical history. Ephraim was one of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son. The mention of the old man being from Ephraim highlights the tribal connections and tensions present in the narrative. It also suggests a sense of hospitality and kinship, as the old man might feel a connection to the Levite, who was also from Ephraim.

who was residing in Gibeah
Gibeah was a city in the territory of Benjamin, notorious for the events that unfold in this chapter. The old man's residence in Gibeah, despite being from Ephraim, indicates a possible displacement or migration, common in the period of the Judges when tribal boundaries were fluid. This detail foreshadows the conflict between the tribes of Israel and Benjamin that arises later.

(the men of that place were Benjamites)
The parenthetical note emphasizes the tribal identity of Gibeah's inhabitants. The Benjamites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for their warrior skills. This detail is crucial for understanding the ensuing conflict, as the actions of the men of Gibeah lead to a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel.

came in from his work in the field
The old man's return from the field suggests a life of labor and simplicity, typical of agrarian societies in ancient Israel. Fields were essential for sustenance, and working them was a daily necessity. This detail underscores the normalcy and routine of life, contrasting sharply with the horrific events that follow. It also highlights the old man's industriousness and perhaps his isolation, as he is not part of the city's social fabric, which may explain his willingness to offer hospitality to the travelers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Old Man from Ephraim
An elderly man who was originally from the hill country of Ephraim but was residing in Gibeah. His presence introduces a contrast between hospitality and the inhospitable nature of the Benjamites.

2. Hill Country of Ephraim
A region in Israel known for its rugged terrain and significant biblical history. It was the home of several notable figures, including Joshua and Samuel.

3. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin. It becomes the setting for the tragic events that follow, highlighting the moral decay within Israel.

4. Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, known for their warrior skills. In this context, they are depicted as morally corrupt, setting the stage for the conflict that ensues.

5. Evening Arrival
The timing of the old man's arrival underscores the urgency and vulnerability of the situation, as evening was a time when travelers sought shelter.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Hospitality
The old man's willingness to offer shelter contrasts with the inhospitable nature of the Benjamites. Christians are called to practice hospitality, reflecting God's love and care.

Moral Decay and Its Consequences
The events in Gibeah serve as a warning of the dangers of moral decay within a community. Believers must uphold righteousness and justice.

The Role of the Stranger
The old man, a stranger in Gibeah, becomes a vessel of God's provision. God often uses unexpected people to fulfill His purposes.

Community Responsibility
The actions of the Benjamites reflect on the entire community. Christians are called to hold each other accountable and promote godly living.(16) Which was also of mount Ephraim.--He was therefore a fellow-countryman of the Levite, but his hospitable feelings were aroused before he had been informed of this fact.

Toward the side of mount Ephraim.--Rather, the depths of the hill-country of Ephraim.

I am now going to the house of the Lord.--We are not told anywhere else in the story that the Levite was going to Shiloh (Judges 18:31; Joshua 18:1), but that he was returning to his home in Mount Ephraim. Hence some render the words, "I walk at the house of Jehovah"--i.e., I am a Levite, engaged in the service of the Tabernacle at Shiloh. It is true that this would be no answer to the question, "Whither goest thou?" On the other hand, the phrase is not a usual one for going to a place, and the Levite perhaps meant to imply an additional reason why the inhospitable reception was very unworthy. His office ought to have procured him a welcome, yet he who belongs to God's house cannot find shelter in any house in Gibeah. The LXX. adopt another reading, and render it "to my house" (reading Bithi). The reading of the MSS. may have come from regarding the last letter as an abbreviation of Jehovah.

Verse 16. - Which was also of mount Ephraim. The Hebrew is, And the man was from the hill country of Ephraim. It does not mean that he also, as well as the Levite, was from Ephraim.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
That evening
בָּעֶ֔רֶב (bā·‘e·reḇ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6153: Evening

an old
זָקֵ֗ן (zā·qên)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2205: Old

man
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

from the hill country
מֵהַ֣ר (mê·har)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

of Ephraim,
אֶפְרַ֔יִם (’ep̄·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory

who was residing
גָ֖ר (ḡār)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1481: To turn aside from the road, sojourn, to shrink, fear, to gather for, hostility

in Gibeah
בַּגִּבְעָ֑ה (bag·giḇ·‘āh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1390: Gibeah -- 'hill', three cities in Palestine

(the men
וְאַנְשֵׁ֥י (wə·’an·šê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of that place
הַמָּק֖וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

were Benjamites)
יְמִינִֽי׃ (yə·mî·nî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1145: Benjamite -- a Benjaminite

came in
בָּ֣א (bā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

from
מִֽן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

his work
מַעֲשֵׂ֤הוּ (ma·‘ă·śê·hū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4639: An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property

in
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the field.
הַשָּׂדֶה֙ (haś·śā·ḏeh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land


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OT History: Judges 19:16 Behold there came an old man (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 19:15
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