And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father in law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Behold, now the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and to morrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home.

JUDGES 19:9KJV
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Judges 19:9 (KJV)

What does Judges 19:9 mean?

Judges 19:9 describes the Levite preparing to leave with his concubine and servant, but his father-in-law urges him to stay another night, pointing out that the day is ending and suggesting they rest and enjoy themselves before traveling home early the next morning. The verse shows the father-in-law’s hospitality and concern for their safety and comfort.

The scene takes place in the father-in-law’s house, where the Levite has been staying for several days. The father-in-law (the young woman’s father) is speaking directly to the Levite, encouraging him not to travel late in the day. This moment highlights the customs of hospitality in ancient Israel, where travel after dark was risky, and hosts often insisted guests remain until morning.

The Hebrew behind Judges 19:9

  • "draweth" (רָפָה, raphah): This word often means "to become weak" or "to relax." Here, it describes the day fading or losing its strength, which paints a picture of daylight slipping away and the urgency to avoid night travel.
  • "lodge" (לִין, lin): This verb means "to spend the night." The father-in-law is not just offering a meal but a place to sleep, emphasizing the depth of his hospitality.
  • "heart" (לֵבָב, levav): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" refers to the inner self or emotions. The father-in-law wants the Levite’s heart to be "merry" (יָטַב, yatav), meaning to be well or happy, showing a desire for his guest’s well-being, not just physical rest.

Why Judges 19:9 matters

  • This verse clears up that the Levite was not simply delayed but was being pressed by his host to stay, reflecting the strong cultural value placed on hospitality and guest safety.
  • The emphasis on the day ending and the offer to "make your heart merry" highlights the dangers of travel at night and the importance of rest and enjoyment in the host’s home.
  • Understanding this verse helps set up the tragic events that follow, showing that the Levite’s eventual decision to leave late in the day was against the advice and concern of his host.

Where else these words appear

“evening” Hebrew H6150 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:16 And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.
  • Isaiah 24:11 There is a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

“law” Hebrew H2859 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 34:9 And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.
  • Exodus 18:14 And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
  • Judges 4:11 Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh.

“concubine” Hebrew H6370 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 22:24 And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah.
  • Judges 19:29 And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, together with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel.
  • 2 Samuel 21:11 And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.

“draweth” Hebrew H7503 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 4:26 So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.
  • 2 Samuel 4:1 And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
  • Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.