Judges 19:18
New International Version
He answered, “We are on our way from Bethlehem in Judah to a remote area in the hill country of Ephraim where I live. I have been to Bethlehem in Judah and now I am going to the house of the LORD. No one has taken me in for the night.

New Living Translation
“We have been in Bethlehem in Judah,” the man replied. “We are on our way to a remote area in the hill country of Ephraim, which is my home. I traveled to Bethlehem, and now I’m returning home. But no one has taken us in for the night,

English Standard Version
And he said to him, “We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote parts of the hill country of Ephraim, from which I come. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and I am going to the house of the LORD, but no one has taken me into his house.

Berean Standard Bible
The Levite replied, “We are traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote hill country of Ephraim, where I am from. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and now I am going to the house of the LORD; but no one has taken me into his home,

King James Bible
And he said unto him, We are passing from Bethlehemjudah toward the side of mount Ephraim; from thence am I: and I went to Bethlehemjudah, but I am now going to the house of the LORD; and there is no man that receiveth me to house.

New King James Version
So he said to him, “We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah toward the remote mountains of Ephraim; I am from there. I went to Bethlehem in Judah; now I am going to the house of the LORD. But there is no one who will take me into his house,

New American Standard Bible
And he said to him, “We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote part of the hill country of Ephraim, for I am from there, and I went to Bethlehem in Judah. But I am now going to my house, and no one will take me into his house.

NASB 1995
He said to him, “We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote part of the hill country of Ephraim, for I am from there, and I went to Bethlehem in Judah. But I am now going to my house, and no man will take me into his house.

NASB 1977
And he said to him, “We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote part of the hill country of Ephraim, for I am from there, and I went to Bethlehem in Judah. But I am now going to my house, and no man will take me into his house.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he said to him, “We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote part of the hill country of Ephraim. I am from there, and I went to Bethlehem in Judah. But I am now going to the house of Yahweh, and no man is taking me into his house.

Amplified Bible
The Levite replied, “We are passing through from Bethlehem [in the territory] of Judah to the most remote part of the hill country of Ephraim; I am from there. I went to Bethlehem of Judah, but I am now going [home] to my house, and there is no man [in the city] who will take me into his house [for the night].

Christian Standard Bible
He answered him, “We’re traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote hill country of Ephraim, where I am from. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and now I’m going to the house of the LORD. No one has taken me into his home,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He answered him, “We’re traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote hill country of Ephraim, where I am from. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and now I’m going to the house of the LORD. No one has taken me into his home,

American Standard Version
And he said unto him, We are passing from Beth-lehem-judah unto the farther side of the hill-country of Ephraim; from thence am I, and I went to Beth-lehem-judah: and I am now going to the house of Jehovah; and there is no man that taketh me into his house.

Contemporary English Version
"We've come from Bethlehem in Judah," the Levite answered. "We went there on a visit. Now we're going to the place where the LORD is worshiped, and later we will return to our home in the hill country of Ephraim. But no one here will let us spend the night in their home.

English Revised Version
And he said unto him, We are passing from Beth-lehem-judah unto the farther side of the hill country of Ephraim; from thence am I, and I went to Beth-lehem-judah: and I am now going to the house of the LORD; and there is no man that taketh me into his house.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Levite replied, "We're on our way from Bethlehem in Judah to a remote area in the mountains of Ephraim. That's where I'm from. I had gone to Bethlehem in Judah. Now I'm going to the LORD's house, but no one has offered to take me into his home.

Good News Translation
The Levite answered, "We have been in Bethlehem in Judah, and now we are on our way home deep in the hill country of Ephraim. No one will put us up for the night,

International Standard Version
He replied, "We're traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote part of the mountainous region of Ephraim, because I'm from there, and I've been visiting Bethlehem in Judah. I'm going home now, but no one will take me into his home.

Majority Standard Bible
The Levite replied, ?We are traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote hill country of Ephraim, where I am from. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and now I am going to the house of the LORD; but no one has taken me into his home,

NET Bible
The Levite said to him, "We are traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote region of the Ephraimite hill country. That's where I'm from. I had business in Bethlehem in Judah, but now I'm heading home. But no one has invited me into their home.

New Heart English Bible
He said to him, "We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah to the farther side of the hill country of Ephraim. I am from there, and I went to Bethlehem in Judah. And I am going to my home, and there is no one who will take me into his home.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said to him, We are passing from Beth-lehem-Judah towards the side of mount Ephraim; from thence am I: and I went to Beth-lehem-judah, but I am now going to the house of the LORD; and there is no man that receiveth me into his house.

World English Bible
He said to him, “We are passing from Bethlehem Judah to the farther side of the hill country of Ephraim. I am from there, and I went to Bethlehem Judah. I am going to Yahweh’s house; and there is no one who has taken me into his house.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he says to him, “We are passing over from Beth-Lehem-Judah to the sides of the hill-country of Ephraim—I [am] from there, and I go to Beth-Lehem-Judah; and I am going to the house of YHWH, and there is no man gathering me into the house,

Young's Literal Translation
And he saith unto him, 'We are passing over from Beth-Lehem-Judah unto the sides of the hill-country of Ephraim -- thence I am, and I go unto Beth-Lehem-Judah; and to the house of Jehovah I am going, and there is no man gathering me into the house,

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say to him, We are passing from the House of Bread of Judah, even to the sides of mount Ephraim, from whence I am. And I will go to the House of Bread of Judah, and to the house of Jehovah; I went, and no man receiving me to his house.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He answered him: We came out from Bethlehem Juda, and we are going to our home, which is on the side of mount Ephraim, from whence we went to Bethlehem: and now we go to the house of God, and none will receive us under his roof:

Catholic Public Domain Version
He answered him: “We set out from Bethlehem of Judah, and we are traveling to our own place, which is beside mount Ephraim. From there we went to Bethlehem, and now we go to the house of God. But no one is willing to receive us under his roof.

New American Bible
He said to him, “We are traveling from Bethlehem of Judah far up into the mountain region of Ephraim, where I am from. I have been to Bethlehem of Judah, and now I am going home; but no one has taken me into his house.

New Revised Standard Version
He answered him, “We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote parts of the hill country of Ephraim, from which I come. I went to Bethlehem in Judah; and I am going to my home. Nobody has offered to take me in.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he said to him, We are travelling from Beth-lehem of Judah toward the side of mount Ephraim; from thence am I; and I went as far as Beth-lehem of Judah, but now I am going to the house of the LORD, but there is no man to take us into his house.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He said to him: “We are traveling from Bayth Lekhem of Yehuda unto the borders of the Mountain, and from there I am. And I went unto Bayth Lekhem of Yehuda, and I am going to the house of LORD JEHOVAH, and there is no man who brings us to a house
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he said unto him: 'We are passing from Beth-lehem in Judah unto the farther side of the hill-country of Ephraim; from thence am I, and I went to Beth-lehem in Judah, and I am now going to the house of the LORD; and there is no man that taketh me into his house.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he said to him, We are passing by from Bethleem Juda to the sides of mount Ephraim: I am from thence, and I went as far as Bethleem Juda, and I am going home, and there is no man to take me into his house.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Levite and His Concubine
17When he looked up and saw the traveler in the city square, the old man asked, “Where are you going, and where have you come from?” 18The Levite replied, “We are traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote hill country of Ephraim, where I am from. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and now I am going to the house of the LORD; but no one has taken me into his home, 19even though there is both straw and feed for our donkeys, and bread and wine for me and the maidservant and young man with me. There is nothing that we, your servants, lack.”…

Cross References
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.

Genesis 18:1-8
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. ...

Joshua 21:2
at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock.”

1 Samuel 9:9-10
(Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.) / “Good,” said Saul to his servant. “Come, let us go.” So they set out for the city where the man of God was.

1 Samuel 28:7-8
Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I can go and consult her.” “There is a medium at Endor,” his servants replied. / So Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes, and he set out with two of his men. They came to the woman at night, and Saul said, “Consult a spirit for me. Bring up for me the one I name.”

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.”

1 Kings 13:7-10
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.’” ...

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.”

Isaiah 58:7
Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Ezekiel 16:49
Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy.

Matthew 10:11-14
Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy there and stay at his house until you move on. / As you enter the home, greet its occupants. / If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it, but if it is not, let your peace return to you. ...

Matthew 25:35-40
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, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...

Luke 9:4-5
Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that area. / If anyone does not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that town, as a testimony against them.”

Luke 10:5-7
Whatever house you enter, begin by saying, ‘Peace to this house.’ / If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. / Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

Luke 10:33-35
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. / The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’


Treasury of Scripture

And he said to him, We are passing from Bethlehemjudah toward the side of mount Ephraim; from there am I: and I went to Bethlehemjudah, but I am now going to the house of the LORD; and there is no man that receives me to house.

I am now The LXX.

Judges 19:29
And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, together with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel.

the house

Judges 18:31
And they set them up Micah's graven image, which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh.

Judges 20:18
And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first.

Joshua 18:1
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

receiveth [heb] gathereth

Judges 19:5
And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's father said unto his son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way.

Psalm 26:9
Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:

John 15:6
If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

Jump to Previous
Area Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Bethlehemjudah Beth-Lehem-Judah Country Ephraim E'phraim Hill Hill-Country Home House Inmost Judah Mount Parts Passing Receiveth Remote Side Thence Towards Way
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Area Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Bethlehemjudah Beth-Lehem-Judah Country Ephraim E'phraim Hill Hill-Country Home House Inmost Judah Mount Parts Passing Receiveth Remote Side Thence Towards Way
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














We are on our way
This phrase indicates a journey or pilgrimage, a common theme in the Bible where individuals or groups are often depicted as travelers or sojourners. The Hebrew root for "way" is "derek," which can mean a road, path, or journey. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of life as a journey towards God, emphasizing faith and trust in divine guidance.

from Bethlehem in Judah
Bethlehem, meaning "house of bread," is a significant location in biblical history, known as the birthplace of King David and later Jesus Christ. Its mention here situates the narrative within the tribal territory of Judah, highlighting the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. Historically, Bethlehem was a small town, yet it played a pivotal role in God's redemptive plan.

to a remote area in the hill country of Ephraim
The hill country of Ephraim was a central region in Israel, known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance. Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel, was often associated with leadership and strength. The mention of a "remote area" suggests isolation and vulnerability, setting the stage for the events that follow in the narrative.

where I am from
This phrase underscores the importance of identity and belonging in ancient Israelite culture. One's place of origin was closely tied to their family and tribal affiliations, which were crucial for social and religious identity. It also reflects the biblical theme of returning to one's roots or homeland.

I have been to Bethlehem in Judah
Repetition of Bethlehem emphasizes its significance in the story. The journey to and from Bethlehem may symbolize a search for provision or sustenance, as the town's name suggests. It also connects the narrative to the broader biblical theme of God's provision and faithfulness.

and now I am going to the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to a place of worship, likely the tabernacle or a designated site for offering sacrifices. This phrase highlights the centrality of worship and devotion in the life of the Israelites. It reflects a desire to seek God's presence and favor, a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

But no one has taken me into his home
Hospitality was a vital aspect of ancient Near Eastern culture, and the lack of it here underscores the moral and social decay present in the narrative. This phrase highlights the failure of the community to uphold the values of kindness and generosity, which were expected of God's people. It serves as a critique of the society's spiritual state and foreshadows the tragic events that follow.

Verse 18. - The side of mount Ephraim. See ver. 1, note. I am going to the house of the Lord, i.e. to the tabernacle at Shiloh. But some translate the words I frequent, am conversant with, walk in, the house of the Lord, i.e. am a Levite. But the former seems the best rendering on the whole.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[The Levite] replied,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“We are
אֲנַ֜חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū)
Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587: We

traveling
עֹבְרִ֨ים (‘ō·ḇə·rîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

from Bethlehem
לֶ֣חֶם (le·ḥem)
Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1035: Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun

in Judah
יְהוּדָה֮ (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

to
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the remote
יַרְכְּתֵ֣י (yar·kə·ṯê)
Noun - fdc
Strong's 3411: Flank, side, extreme parts, recesses

hill country
הַר־ (har-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

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

where
מִשָּׁ֣ם (miš·šām)
Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

I am from.
אָנֹ֔כִי (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

I went
וָאֵלֵ֕ךְ (wā·’ê·lêḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

Bethlehem
לֶ֖חֶם (le·ḥem)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1035: Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun

in Judah,
יְהוּדָ֑ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

and now I am
אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

going
הֹלֵ֔ךְ (hō·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to the house
בֵּ֤ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of the LORD;
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

but no
וְאֵ֣ין (wə·’ên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

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

has taken
מְאַסֵּ֥ף (mə·’as·sêp̄)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove

me into his home,
הַבָּֽיְתָה׃ (hab·bā·yə·ṯāh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1004: A house


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OT History: Judges 19:18 He said to him We are passing (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 19:17
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