Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “How can we provide wives for those who are left, since we have taken an oath by the LORD not to give them any of our daughters in marriage?” New Living Translation How can we find wives for the few who remain, since we have sworn by the LORD not to give them our daughters in marriage?” English Standard Version What shall we do for wives for those who are left, since we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them any of our daughters for wives?” Berean Standard Bible What should we do about wives for the survivors, since we have sworn by the LORD not to give them our daughters in marriage?” King James Bible How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives? New King James Version What shall we do for wives for those who remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them our daughters as wives?” New American Standard Bible What are we to do for wives for those who are left, since we have sworn by the LORD not to give them any of our daughters as wives?” NASB 1995 “What shall we do for wives for those who are left, since we have sworn by the LORD not to give them any of our daughters in marriage?” NASB 1977 “What shall we do for wives for those who are left, since we have sworn by the LORD not to give them any of our daughters in marriage?” Legacy Standard Bible What shall we do for wives for those who are left? But we have sworn by Yahweh not to give them any of our daughters in marriage.” Amplified Bible What shall we do for wives for those who are left, since we have sworn [an oath] by the LORD that we will not give them any of our daughters as wives?” Christian Standard Bible What should we do about wives for the survivors? We’ve sworn to the LORD not to give them any of our daughters as wives.” Holman Christian Standard Bible What should we do about wives for the survivors? We’ve sworn to the LORD not to give them any of our daughters as wives.” American Standard Version How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by Jehovah that we will not give them of our daughters to wives? Contemporary English Version Only a few men of Benjamin weren't killed in the war. We need to get wives for them, so the tribe won't completely disappear. But how can we do that, after promising in the LORD's name that we wouldn't let them marry any of our daughters?" English Revised Version How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives? GOD'S WORD® Translation What will we do to provide wives for the men who are left? We swore to the LORD that we would not let any of our daughters marry them." Good News Translation What shall we do to provide wives for the men of Benjamin who are left? We have made a solemn promise to the LORD that we will not give them any of our daughters." International Standard Version What can we do to find wives for the survivors who remain, since we've already taken an oath in the LORD's presence not to give them any of our daughters in marriage?" NET Bible How can we find wives for those who are left? After all, we took an oath in the LORD's name not to give them our daughters as wives." New Heart English Bible How shall we do for wives for those who remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives?" Webster's Bible Translation How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD, that we will not give them of our daughters for wives? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhat should we do about wives for the survivors, since we have sworn by the LORD not to give them our daughters in marriage?” World English Bible How shall we provide wives for those who remain, since we have sworn by Yahweh that we will not give them of our daughters to wives?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionwhat do we do for them—for those who are left—for wives, since we have sworn by YHWH not to give to them from our daughters for wives?” Young's Literal Translation what do we do for them -- for those who are left -- for wives, and we -- we have sworn by Jehovah not to give to them of our daughters for wives?' Smith's Literal Translation What shall we do for them to those being left for wives, and we sware by Jehovah not to give to them from our daughters for wives? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhence shall they take wives? For we have all in general sworn, not to give our daughters to them. Catholic Public Domain Version From where shall they receive wives? For we have all sworn in common that we will not give our daughters to them.” New American Bible What can we do about wives for the survivors, since we have sworn by the LORD not to give them any of our daughters in marriage?” New Revised Standard Version What shall we do for wives for those who are left, since we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them any of our daughters as wives?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they said, What shall we do for those who are left without wives, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them our daughters to wife? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they said: “What shall we do to those who are left without wives, for we have sworn to LORD JEHOVAH that we will not give them women?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives?' Brenton Septuagint Translation What shall we do for wives for the rest that remain? whereas we have sworn by the Lord, not to give them of our daughters for wives. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Wives for the Benjamites…6And the Israelites grieved for their brothers, the Benjamites, and said, “Today a tribe is cut off from Israel. 7What should we do about wives for the survivors, since we have sworn by the LORD not to give them our daughters in marriage?” 8So they asked, “Which one of the tribes of Israel failed to come up before the LORD at Mizpah?” And, in fact, no one from Jabesh-gilead had come to the camp for the assembly.… Cross References Deuteronomy 7:3-4 Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, / because they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you. Joshua 23:12-13 For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them, / know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you. 1 Samuel 14:1-3 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father. / Meanwhile, Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. And the troops who were with him numbered about six hundred men, / including Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left. 1 Kings 11:1-2 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. Ezra 9:12 Now, therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Never seek their peace or prosperity, so that you may be strong and may eat the good things of the land, leaving it as an inheritance to your sons forever.’ Nehemiah 13:25-27 I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves! / Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel—yet foreign women drew him into sin. / Must we now hear that you too are doing all this terrible evil and acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?” Genesis 24:3-4 and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, / but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.” Exodus 34:16 And when you take some of their daughters as brides for your sons, their daughters will prostitute themselves to their gods and cause your sons to do the same. Leviticus 18:24-30 Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. / Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants. / But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you. ... Numbers 36:6-9 This is what the LORD has commanded concerning the daughters of Zelophehad: They may marry anyone they please, provided they marry within a clan of the tribe of their father. / 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. ... 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ... Matthew 22:30 In the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven. 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 9:5 Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? 1 Timothy 5:14 So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander. Treasury of Scripture How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives? sworn Judges 1:18 Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof. 1 Samuel 14:28,29,45 Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint… Jump to Previous Daughters Marriage Oath Provide Sworn WivesJump to Next Daughters Marriage Oath Provide Sworn WivesJudges 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 What should we do about wives for the survivors This phrase reflects the dilemma faced by the Israelites after the civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. The "survivors" refer to the remaining men of Benjamin, who were left without wives due to the near annihilation of their tribe. This situation highlights the consequences of rash vows and the need for wisdom in decision-making. The Israelites were seeking a solution to preserve the tribe of Benjamin, which was essential for maintaining the twelve tribes of Israel, a foundational aspect of Israelite identity and God's covenant with Abraham. since we have sworn by the LORD not to give them our daughters in marriage? Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe collective tribes of Israel who are dealing with the aftermath of a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. 2. Tribe of Benjamin One of the twelve tribes of Israel, nearly annihilated due to their involvement in a grievous sin and the subsequent war. 3. Mizpah A place where the Israelites gathered to discuss the situation and make decisions regarding the tribe of Benjamin. 4. Civil War The conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, resulting in significant loss of life and the near extinction of Benjamin. 5. Oath to the LORD The Israelites had sworn not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites, complicating the restoration of the tribe. Teaching Points The Consequences of Rash VowsMaking vows without considering the long-term implications can lead to difficult situations. The Israelites' oath not to give their daughters to the Benjamites created a moral and social dilemma. Seeking God's Guidance In times of crisis, it is crucial to seek God's wisdom and guidance rather than relying solely on human understanding and decisions. Restoration and Reconciliation The account highlights the importance of restoring relationships and communities, even after severe conflict. The Israelites sought ways to preserve the tribe of Benjamin despite their previous actions. The Importance of Community The Israelites' collective decision-making process underscores the importance of community in addressing and resolving issues. God's Mercy and Justice Despite the Israelites' failures, God's overarching plan includes mercy and justice, reminding us of His faithfulness even when we fall short. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 21:7?2. How can we apply Judges 21:7 to resolve conflicts within our community? 3. What does Judges 21:7 reveal about the consequences of rash vows? 4. How does Judges 21:7 connect to Jesus' teachings on reconciliation? 5. In what ways can we seek God's guidance in difficult situations like Judges 21:7? 6. How does Judges 21:7 challenge us to uphold our commitments responsibly? 7. Why did the Israelites face a dilemma in Judges 21:7 regarding the Benjamites' wives? 8. How does Judges 21:7 reflect on God's justice and mercy? 9. What historical context led to the events in Judges 21:7? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 21? 11. Why does the text promote the abduction of women as a solution for the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:20–23)? 12. Why does Judges 7 seemingly contradict other biblical passages that emphasize the need for adequate numbers in battle (e.g., 1 Chronicles 21:1-5)? 13. If God is all-good, why does He accept human sacrifices in some cases (Judges 11:30-39)? 14. Psalm 94:3-4 depicts the wicked flourishing and boasting; how does this align with other biblical claims that God swiftly judges evil? What Does Judges 21:7 Mean What should we doThe opening question exposes Israel’s immediate crisis: “What should we do…?” Their civil war with Benjamin has brought unintended fallout—a tribe teeters on extinction (Judges 20:47). Israel’s leaders pause to seek a course of action rather than rushing ahead, echoing earlier patterns of inquiring of the LORD (Judges 20:18) and reflecting Proverbs 3:5-6 (“Trust in the LORD with all your heart…”). It reminds us that even when our own choices create tense situations, God still invites us to seek His wisdom (James 1:5). about wives The specific need is wives. • Without marriage and children, Benjamin’s line will vanish, violating God’s design for fruitfulness (Genesis 1:28) and tribal inheritance promises (Numbers 36:7). • Scripture repeatedly shows God valuing the preservation of family lines—see Deuteronomy 25:5-10’s levirate principle. Israel senses responsibility: they caused the loss of Benjamin’s women (Judges 20:48), so they must find a righteous solution. for the survivors Only six hundred Benjamite men remain (Judges 20:47). • These “survivors” represent both the consequence of sin and the mercy of God, who always preserves a remnant (Isaiah 10:20-22; Romans 11:5). • Their survival also preserves Israel’s unity; twelve tribes were God’s covenant structure (Exodus 24:4). Cutting one off would mar His redemptive plan. since we have sworn by the LORD Israel’s predicament deepens because the oath was not casual; it was “by the LORD.” • Numbers 30:2 commands: “When a man makes a vow to the LORD… he shall not violate his word.” • Ecclesiastes 5:4 warns against delaying the fulfillment of vows. The covenant name “LORD” links the vow to God’s own character, making reversal unthinkable (Psalm 15:4—“He who keeps his oath even when it hurts”). not to give them our daughters in marriage Their self-imposed ban removes the simplest remedy. • They must honor the vow (Judges 21:18), so they search for God-honoring alternatives, leading to creative—yet morally complex—solutions (Judges 21:8-23). • The episode illustrates the weight of rash vows (cf. Jephthah in Judges 11:30-39) and warns believers today to measure words before binding ourselves (Matthew 5:37). summary Judges 21:7 captures Israel at a moral crossroads. They long to restore Benjamin but are bound by a solemn oath. The verse exposes the tension between upholding divine law and extending covenant mercy. It highlights: • The importance of seeking God’s wisdom when human plans collapse. • God’s heart to preserve His covenant people, even through their failures. • The gravity of vows and the need for thoughtful, prayerful commitment. Israel’s dilemma ultimately showcases God’s sovereign ability to work redemption out of human missteps, ensuring His purposes endure for every tribe and generation. Hebrew Whatמַה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what should we do נַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה (na·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 6213: To do, make about wives לְנָשִׁ֑ים (lə·nā·šîm) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female for the survivors, לַנּוֹתָרִ֖ים (lan·nō·w·ṯā·rîm) Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3498: To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserve since we וַאֲנַ֙חְנוּ֙ (wa·’ă·naḥ·nū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common plural Strong's 587: We have sworn נִשְׁבַּ֣עְנוּ (niš·ba‘·nū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common plural Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear by the LORD בַֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel not לְבִלְתִּ֛י (lə·ḇil·tî) Preposition-l Strong's 1115: A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until to give תֵּת־ (têṯ-) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5414: To give, put, set them לָהֶ֥ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew our daughters מִבְּנוֹתֵ֖ינוּ (mib·bə·nō·w·ṯê·nū) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common plural Strong's 1323: A daughter in marriage?” לְנָשִֽׁים׃ (lə·nā·šîm) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female Links Judges 21:7 NIVJudges 21:7 NLT Judges 21:7 ESV Judges 21:7 NASB Judges 21:7 KJV Judges 21:7 BibleApps.com Judges 21:7 Biblia Paralela Judges 21:7 Chinese Bible Judges 21:7 French Bible Judges 21:7 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 21:7 How shall we do for wives (Jd Judg. Jdg) |