Judges 19:5 (KJV)

What does Judges 19:5 mean?

Judges 19:5 describes how, on the fourth day of the Levite’s stay, the young woman’s father urges his son-in-law to eat some bread and refresh himself before leaving. The verse shows the father’s hospitality and his desire to delay the Levite’s departure by offering him food and comfort.

In this scene, the Levite is preparing to leave his father-in-law’s house early in the morning after staying several days. The father-in-law, speaking to the Levite (his son-in-law), encourages him to “comfort your heart” with a small meal before setting out. This exchange highlights the customs of hospitality in ancient Israel, where sharing food was a sign of goodwill and relationship.

The Hebrew behind Judges 19:5

• “Comfort” (נָעַד, na‘ad): This word here means to refresh or strengthen, especially by eating. The father-in-law is not just offering food but encouraging a sense of well-being and rest before travel.
• “Morsel” (פַּת, pat): This word refers to a small piece or portion, often of bread. The offer is modest, suggesting a quick meal rather than a full feast, which fits the context of someone about to depart.
• “Afterward” (אַחַר, achar): This word signals that the meal is meant as a brief pause, not a reason to stay longer, though the father-in-law’s repeated invitations in the chapter show a pattern of gentle delay.

Why Judges 19:5 matters

• This verse helps explain the extended delay in the Levite’s journey, which becomes important for understanding the tragic events that follow in the chapter.
• The father-in-law’s repeated hospitality sets a tone of warmth and care but also hints at a reluctance to let his daughter and the Levite leave, which shapes the story’s pacing.
• Understanding the customs of hospitality in this passage clarifies why the Levite stays longer than planned and why food and rest are emphasized before travel.