Question 1

What does Judges 21:18 mean?

Accepted Answer

Judges 21:18 explains that the Israelites could not give their own daughters as wives to the men of the tribe of Benjamin, because they had made a solemn oath cursing anyone who did so. This verse highlights a dilemma caused by their earlier vow, which now prevents them from helping the Benjaminites rebuild their tribe through marriage. The leaders of Israel are speaking to each other after a civil war nearly wiped out the tribe of Benjamin. They are trying to find a way for the remaining Benjaminites to have wives and preserve their tribe, but their own oath stands in the way. The verse shows the tension between keeping a serious promise ("sworn," H7650) and the need to care for one of their own tribes.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Judges 21:18

Accepted Answer

"Sworn" (שָׁבַע, shava‘, H7650) means to make a binding oath or promise. In this context, it emphasizes the seriousness of the Israelites’ commitment, which they feel cannot be broken even for a good cause. "Cursed" (אָרַר, arar, H779) is a strong word for invoking a curse or calling down misfortune. The use of this word shows how severe the consequences would be for anyone who broke the oath. "Give" (נָתַן, natan, H5414) appears twice and means to hand over or provide. The repetition underlines the act the Israelites have forbidden themselves from doing—giving their daughters as wives.

Question 3

Why Judges 21:18 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies why the Israelites could not simply solve the problem by arranging marriages from their own families, even though they wanted to help Benjamin survive. It highlights the serious weight placed on oaths in ancient Israel, even when those oaths later created difficult or unintended situations. The verse sets up the unusual solutions that follow in the chapter, helping readers understand the background to the actions the Israelites take next.

Judges 21:18 (KJV)