New International Version At that time the Israelites left that place and went home to their tribes and clans, each to his own inheritance. New Living Translation Then the people of Israel departed by tribes and families, and they returned to their own homes. English Standard Version And the people of Israel departed from there at that time, every man to his tribe and family, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance. Berean Standard Bible And at that time, each of the Israelites returned from there to his own tribe and clan, each to his own inheritance. Berean Literal Bible And the sons of Israel departed from there at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and every man went out from there to his inheritance. King James Bible And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance. New King James Version So the children of Israel departed from there at that time, every man to his tribe and family; they went out from there, every man to his inheritance. New American Standard Bible And the sons of Israel departed from there at that time, every man to his tribe and family, and each one departed from there to his inheritance. NASB 1995 The sons of Israel departed from there at that time, every man to his tribe and family, and each one of them went out from there to his inheritance. NASB 1977 And the sons of Israel departed from there at that time, every man to his tribe and family, and each one of them went out from there to his inheritance. Legacy Standard Bible Then the sons of Israel went away from there at that time, every man to his tribe and family, and each one of them went out from there to his inheritance. Amplified Bible The sons of Israel departed from there at that time, each man to his tribe and family, and each man went from there to his inheritance. Berean Annotated Bible And at that time, each of the Israelites (God prevails) returned from there to his own tribe and clan, each to his own inheritance. Christian Standard Bible At that time, each of the Israelites returned from there to his own tribe and family. Each returned from there to his own inheritance. Holman Christian Standard Bible At that time, each of the Israelites returned from there to his own tribe and family. Each returned from there to his own inheritance. American Standard Version And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance. Contemporary English Version Afterwards, the rest of the Israelites returned to their homes and families. English Revised Version And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance. GOD'S WORD® Translation At that time the people of Israel left. Each man went to his tribe and family. They all went home. Good News Translation At the same time the rest of the Israelites left, and every man went back to his own tribe and family and to his own property. International Standard Version The Israelis left there at that time, each man to his tribe and family, and each of them went down from there to his territorial allotment. NET Bible Then the Israelites dispersed from there to their respective tribal and clan territories. Each went from there to his own property. New Heart English Bible The children of Israel departed there at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance. Webster's Bible Translation And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went from thence every man to his inheritance. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd at that time, each of the Israelites returned from there to his own tribe and clan, each to his own inheritance. World English Bible The children of Israel departed from there at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they each went out from there to his own inheritance. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the sons of Israel go up and down there at that time, each to his tribe, and to his family; and they each go out there to his inheritance. Berean Literal Bible And the sons of Israel departed from there at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and every man went out from there to his inheritance. Young's Literal Translation And the sons of Israel go up and down thence at that time, each to his tribe, and to his family; and they go out thence each to his inheritance. Smith's Literal Translation And the sons of Israel will go from there in that time, a man to his tribe and to his family, and they will go forth from there, a man to his inheritance. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe children of Israel also returned by their tribes, and families, to their dwellings. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible At that time the Israelites dispersed from there for their own tribes and clans; they set out from there each to his own heritage. New Revised Standard Version So the Israelites departed from there at that time by tribes and families, and they went out from there to their own territories. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the sons of Israel went from there at that time, each man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from there, each man to his inheritance OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the children of Israel went thence at that time every man to his tribe and his kindred; and they went thence every man to his inheritance. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Wives for the Benjamites…23The Benjamites did as instructed and carried away the number of women they needed from the dancers they caught. They went back to their own inheritance, rebuilt their cities, and settled in them. 24And at that time, each of the Israelites returned from there to his own tribe and clan, each to his own inheritance. 25In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.… Cross References And at that time, Judges 20:1 Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out, and the congregation assembled as one man before the LORD at Mizpah. Joshua 24:1 Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officers of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. Joshua 18:1 Then the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there. And though the land was subdued before them, each of the Israelites returned from there Joshua 22:9 So the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh left the Israelites at Shiloh in the land of Canaan to return to their own land of Gilead, which they had acquired according to the command of the LORD through Moses. 2 Samuel 19:8 So the king got up and sat in the gate, and all the people were told: “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” So they all came before the king. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled, each man to his home. 1 Kings 12:16 When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, to his own tribe and clan, Joshua 7:14 In the morning you must present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe that the LORD selects shall come forward clan by clan, and the clan that the LORD selects shall come forward family by family, and the family that the LORD selects shall come forward man by man. Numbers 1:2-4 “Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. / You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army. / And one man from each tribe, the head of each family, must be there with you. Numbers 26:52-56 Then the LORD said to Moses, / “The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance, according to the number of names. / Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. … each to his own inheritance. Joshua 24:28 Then Joshua sent the people away, each to his own inheritance. Joshua 18:10 And Joshua cast lots for them in the presence of the LORD at Shiloh, where he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions. Numbers 36:7-9 No inheritance in Israel may be transferred from tribe to tribe, because each of the Israelites is to retain the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. / Every daughter who possesses an inheritance from any Israelite tribe must marry within a clan of the tribe of her father, so that every Israelite will possess the inheritance of his fathers. / No inheritance may be transferred from one tribe to another, for each tribe of Israel must retain its inheritance.” Judges 2:6 After Joshua had dismissed the people, the Israelites went out to take possession of the land, each to his own inheritance. 1 Samuel 10:25 Then Samuel explained to the people the rights of kingship. He wrote them on a scroll and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, each to his own home. 2 Chronicles 10:16 When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So all the Israelites went home, Deuteronomy 12:8-9 You are not to do as we are doing here today, where everyone does what seems right in his own eyes. / For you have not yet come to the resting place and the inheritance that the LORD your God is giving you. Treasury of Scripture And the children of Israel departed there at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance. Jump to Previous Children Clans Departed Heritage Home Inheritance Israel Israelites Thence Time Tribe TribesJump to Next Children Clans Departed Heritage Home Inheritance Israel Israelites Thence Time Tribe TribesJudges 21 1. The people bewail the desolation of Benjamin8. By the destruction of Jabesh Gilead they provide them four hundred wives. 16. They advise the remainder to surprise the virgins that danced at Shiloh And at that time, Israel’s response to the crisis in Benjamin had reached its conclusion. After civil war, mourning, and careful provision for the surviving Benjaminites, the tribes could finally turn from emergency measures toward the ordinary responsibilities God had assigned them. Jdg 20:1 Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba… each of the Israelites returned from there The assembly at Shiloh dispersed after the nation had acted to preserve Benjamin from extinction. Israel’s unity had been necessary in judgment and restoration, yet the tribes did not remain gathered as a permanent central government. Their common life depended upon renewed faithfulness to the Lord rather than merely upon a crisis-driven alliance. Jos 22:9 So the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe… to his own tribe and clan, Every Israelite returned to the family and tribal community through which land, leadership, worship, protection, and covenant responsibilities were ordered. The Lord had formed Israel as one people, but He had also given each tribe a distinct place within the nation. The preservation of Benjamin guarded the integrity of that inheritance. Jos 7:14 In the morning you must present yourselves tribe by tribe.… each to his own inheritance. The land was a gift from God, distributed according to His covenant promise and entrusted to each family for future generations. Returning to their inheritance signaled a measure of restored order after a season when Israel’s sin had brought devastation within its own borders. Yet the closing words of Judges soon reveal that outward order could not cure the deeper problem of hearts living without submission to God’s appointed rule. Jos 24:28 Then Joshua sent the people away, each to his own… Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe collective people of God, consisting of the twelve tribes descended from the sons of Jacob. In this context, they are recovering from a civil conflict with the tribe of Benjamin. 2. Tribes and Clans The organizational structure of the Israelite society, where each tribe and clan had its own inheritance and land allotment as given by God through Moses and Joshua. 3. Inheritance The land and possessions that were allotted to each tribe and clan as their permanent possession, a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. 4. Civil Conflict The backdrop of this verse is the aftermath of a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, which nearly led to the extinction of Benjamin. 5. Shiloh Although not mentioned directly in this verse, Shiloh was the religious center at the time, where the tabernacle was located, and where the Israelites gathered for significant events. Teaching Points The Importance of InheritanceThe concept of inheritance in Israel was not just about land but about identity and continuity of God's promises. Christians today can reflect on their spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is eternal and secure. Unity and Restoration After conflict, the Israelites returned to their own tribes and clans, emphasizing the importance of unity and restoration. In the church, believers are called to seek reconciliation and unity after disputes. God's Faithfulness Despite the chaos and conflict, God's promises regarding the land and the people were upheld. This reminds believers of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even when circumstances seem dire. Community and Belonging Each Israelite returning to their inheritance highlights the importance of community and belonging. Christians are encouraged to find their place within the body of Christ, contributing to the community with their unique gifts. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 21:24?2. How can we apply "each to his own inheritance" in our daily lives? 3. What does Judges 21:24 teach about community restoration and unity? 4. How does Judges 21:24 connect with God's promises to Israel in Genesis? 5. In what ways can we promote peace and reconciliation within our communities? 6. How does returning "to his own inheritance" reflect God's provision and faithfulness? 7. How does Judges 21:24 reflect the unity or division among the Israelite tribes? 8. What historical context led to the events described in Judges 21:24? 9. Does Judges 21:24 suggest a resolution or continuation of conflict among the Israelites? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 21? What Does Judges 21:24 Mean And at that time– The phrase marks the close of a difficult season in Israel’s history, immediately following the war against Benjamin (Judges 20–21). – It signals God-ordained transition: there was a period for assembling in judgment, and now a time for returning home (cf. Ecclesiastes 3:1; Judges 20:1; Joshua 8:30). – Though the nation had been fractured by sin and civil conflict, the wording reminds us that God still oversees each moment of Israel’s story, moving them from crisis toward order. each of the Israelites returned from there – “From there” points to Shiloh, where the people had gathered before the LORD (Judges 21:12, 19). – Their unified action shifts from collective warfare to individual obedience—each person taking personal responsibility to leave the assembly and go back (cf. Joshua 22:4; 1 Kings 12:16). – The return underscores that national repentance and reconciliation ultimately show up in ordinary life: fields tilled, families restored, worship resumed in hometowns. to his own tribe and clan – God had arranged Israel by tribes and smaller family groupings (Numbers 1:52; Deuteronomy 29:10). – After acting as one army, they now step back into the structures God established, affirming that covenant identity is lived locally. – The verse highlights accountability: each clan would now address the lingering consequences of the conflict, ensuring that the lessons learned at Shiloh were carried back home (cf. Joshua 7:16–18; 1 Samuel 10:20–21). each to his own inheritance – The inheritance refers to the parcels of land allotted under Joshua (Joshua 13–21). – Returning “each to his own” stresses personal stewardship: God’s gifts are to be protected, cultivated, and passed on (Numbers 36:7–9; Proverbs 13:22). – It also reaffirms covenant promise—despite the nation’s moral spiral, God’s grant of land still stands (Genesis 15:18; Deuteronomy 4:21). – By ending the account this way, Scripture contrasts the chaos that has filled Judges with the stability God always intended for His people (Joshua 21:43–45). summary Judges 21:24 records Israel’s move from collective turmoil back to God-assigned normalcy. At the LORD’s chosen moment, every Israelite departs Shiloh, re-embracing tribal and family structures and resuming stewardship of the land God had promised. The verse affirms that, even after grievous sin and civil war, God restores order, honors His covenant, and calls each believer to live faithfully within the specific sphere He has entrusted to them. Verse 24. - Every man to his inheritance. Compare the breaking up of the national assembly in the days of Joshua (Joshua 24:28; Judges 2:6).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And at thatהַהִ֔יא (ha·hî) Article | Pronoun - third person feminine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are time, בָּעֵ֣ת (bā·‘êṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6256: Time, now, when each אִ֥ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of the Israelites בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son returned וַיִּתְהַלְּכ֨וּ (way·yiṯ·hal·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk from there מִשָּׁ֤ם (miš·šām) Preposition-m | Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither to his own tribe לְשִׁבְט֖וֹ (lə·šiḇ·ṭōw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe and clan, וּלְמִשְׁפַּחְתּ֑וֹ (ū·lə·miš·paḥ·tōw) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people each אִ֖ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person to his own inheritance. לְנַחֲלָתֽוֹ׃ (lə·na·ḥă·lā·ṯōw) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion Additonal Resources Judges 21:24 Blue Letter BibleJudges 21:24 Bible Gateway Judges 21:24 Bible.com Judges 21:24 NIV |
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