Judges 21:6 (KJV)

What does Judges 21:6 mean?

Judges 21:6 describes how the Israelites felt deep sorrow and regret for what had happened to the tribe of Benjamin, realizing that one of the twelve tribes of Israel had been nearly wiped out. The people recognized the seriousness of losing an entire tribe from their nation on that day.

The verse comes after a violent conflict where the other tribes of Israel fought against Benjamin because of a terrible crime. Now, the Israelites are gathered together, speaking among themselves, and they are struck by the loss of their "brother" tribe. Their grief shows a turning point, as they begin to regret the consequences of their earlier actions and worry about the future of their nation with one tribe missing.

The Hebrew behind Judges 21:6

• The word "repented" comes from the Hebrew נָחַם (nacham), which often means to feel sorrow, regret, or to be comforted. Here, it highlights that the Israelites were not just sad but deeply troubled by what had happened to Benjamin.
• The word "brother" is אָח (ach), reminding the reader that the tribes saw each other as family, so the loss was personal and not just political.
• The word "tribe" is שֵׁבֶט (shevet), which refers to one of the distinct family groups making up the nation of Israel. The use of this word underlines the unity and identity at stake.

Why Judges 21:6 matters

• This verse clears up that the Israelites did not act out of ongoing hatred toward Benjamin; instead, they were grieved by the outcome and recognized Benjamin as their brother.
• It highlights the seriousness of internal conflict within a community, showing how even justified actions can have painful, unintended consequences.
• The verse sets up the rest of the chapter, where the Israelites try to find a way to preserve the tribe of Benjamin and restore unity among the tribes.