Judges 19:20 (KJV)

What does Judges 19:20 mean?

Judges 19:20 shows an old man welcoming a traveling Levite and his companions, assuring them of peace and offering to meet all their needs, but insisting they must not spend the night in the street. The verse highlights the old man's concern for their safety and his willingness to take responsibility for their well-being.

The speaker is an old man living in Gibeah, addressing a Levite traveler, his servant, and his concubine who have arrived in the city at night. In the context of ancient Israel, hospitality was crucial, especially because spending the night outdoors could be dangerous. The old man's insistence that they not lodge in the street hints at his awareness of potential threats in the city.

The Hebrew behind Judges 19:20

• שָׁלוֹם (shalom, H7965): This word means "peace," but it also carries the sense of well-being, safety, and completeness. The old man is not just offering a polite greeting; he is assuring the travelers of their safety and care under his roof.
• רְחֹב (rekhov, H7339): This word means "street" or "open square." The old man's warning not to lodge in the street suggests he knows the public spaces in Gibeah are unsafe at night, which foreshadows the events that follow in the chapter.
• מַחְסוֹר (machsor, H4270): Translated as "wants" or "needs," this word shows the old man's commitment to providing for all the travelers' necessities, not just a place to sleep.

Why Judges 19:20 matters

• This verse highlights the importance of hospitality in ancient Israel, especially when travelers were vulnerable and dependent on the kindness of strangers for safety.
• The old man's warning about not staying in the street sets up the tension and danger that will unfold later in the story, showing he is aware of the city's moral decline.
• Understanding the depth of the word שָׁלוֹם (shalom) here helps readers see that the old man is offering more than just shelter—he is promising protection and well-being in a dangerous environment.