Judges 18:20 (KJV)

What does Judges 18:20 mean?

Judges 18:20 describes how the priest was pleased and willingly took the special religious items—the ephod, the teraphim, and a carved image—and joined the group of people who were taking them. The verse shows the priest’s eagerness to go along with the Danite men as they left with these objects.

The setting is a moment when men from the tribe of Dan are taking religious items from a household shrine, and the priest who had been serving there decides to go with them. The verse highlights the priest’s reaction—he is glad, not reluctant—and his active choice to take the items and join the group, which sets up the events that follow in the story.

The Hebrew behind Judges 18:20

• "Heart" (לֵבָב, levav): This word often refers to a person’s inner feelings or will. Here, it shows that the priest’s gladness was genuine and internal, not just outward compliance.
• "Glad" (יָטַב, yatav): This word means to be pleased or happy. The verse emphasizes the priest’s positive response, suggesting he saw an advantage or opportunity in going with the Danites.
• "Ephod" (אֵפוֹד, ephod): This was a special priestly garment or object used in worship. Its mention shows the importance of what was being taken.
• "Teraphim" (תְּרָפִים, teraphim): These were household idols or images, often associated with seeking guidance or blessing. Their inclusion highlights the mixed religious practices of the time.

Why Judges 18:20 matters

• The verse clarifies that the priest was not forced or hesitant; he was glad to leave with the Danites, which may reflect on his motives or loyalties.
• By listing the ephod, teraphim, and graven image, the verse draws attention to the religious confusion and syncretism in Israel during the time of the judges.
• This moment is a turning point in the story, as it leads to the establishment of a new center of worship for the tribe of Dan, separate from the main worship of Israel.