And it shall be, when their fathers or their brethren come unto us to complain, that we will say unto them, Be favourable unto them for our sakes: because we reserved not to each man his wife in the war: for ye did not give unto them at this time, that ye should be guilty.

JUDGES 21:22KJV
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Judges 21:22 (KJV)

What does Judges 21:22 mean?

Judges 21:22 describes how the leaders of Israel plan to respond if the fathers or brothers of the women taken from Jabesh-gilead come to complain about their daughters or sisters being given as wives to the Benjaminites. The leaders will ask these families to be understanding, explaining that this was done to help the tribe of Benjamin survive, and that the families are not guilty of breaking their oath since they did not willingly give their daughters.

In this verse, the elders are speaking to the rest of Israel about a delicate situation after a civil war nearly wiped out the tribe of Benjamin. The leaders anticipate that the families of the women who were taken might be upset, so they prepare a response to calm them. The verse shows the leaders trying to balance keeping their oath (not to give daughters to Benjamin) with finding a way for Benjamin to have wives and continue as a tribe.

The Hebrew behind Judges 21:22

  • "Complain" (רִיב, riv): This word often means to bring a legal case or dispute. Here, it shows that the leaders expect a formal protest or grievance from the families, not just casual grumbling.
  • "Be favourable" (חָנַן, chanan): This word means to show grace or favor. The leaders are asking the families to be gracious and understanding, not insisting on their rights.
  • "Guilty" (חָטָא, chata): This word means to be at fault or to sin. The leaders reassure the families that they are not guilty of breaking their oath, since the women were not given willingly but taken.

Why Judges 21:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies how the leaders tried to solve a difficult problem without technically breaking their oath, showing the complexity of keeping vows in ancient Israel.
  • It highlights the importance of community survival and the lengths the Israelites went to ensure that no tribe was lost, even after severe conflict.
  • The verse helps explain the unusual actions taken in the wider story, showing the leaders’ attempt to maintain both justice and mercy in a complicated situation.

Where else these words appear

“guilty” Hebrew H816 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • Numbers 5:6 Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;
  • Ezekiel 6:6 In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.

“complain” Hebrew H7378 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 26:20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
  • Nehemiah 13:17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
  • Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

“favourable” Hebrew H2603 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
  • Job 19:21 Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.
  • Psalms 109:12 Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.