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Judges 19:29

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Judges 19:29 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When he reached his house, he picked up a knife, took hold of his concubine, cut her limb by limb into twelve pieces, and sent her throughout the territory of Israel.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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.

American Standard Version ASV

And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, limb by limb, into twelve pieces, and sent her throughout all the borders of Israel.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when he had come to his house, he got his knife, and took the woman, cutting her up bone by bone into twelve parts, which he sent through all Israel.

Free Bible Version FBV

When he got home he took a knife, and holding onto his concubine, cut her up, limb by limb, into twelve pieces, and sent these pieces of her to every part of Israel.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And whe he was come to his house, he took a knife, and laid hand on his concubine, and deuided her in pieces with her bones into twelue parts, and sent her through all quarters of Israel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and cometh in unto his house, and taketh the knife, and layeth hold on his concubine, and cutteth her in pieces to her bones — into twelve pieces, and sendeth her into all the border of Israel.

World English Bible WEB

When he had come into his house, he took a knife and cut up his concubine, and divided her, limb by limb, into twelve pieces, and sent her throughout all the borders of Israel.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the borders of Israel.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when he was come home he took a sword, and divided the dead body of his wife with her bones into twelve parts, and sent the pieces into all the borders of Israel.

Translation for Translators T4T

When he arrived home, he took a knife and cut the body of the slave woman into twelve pieces. Then he sent one piece to each area of Israel, along with a message telling what had happened.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 19:29

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 19:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּבֹ֣א אֶל בֵּית֗/וֹ וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח אֶת הַֽ/מַּאֲכֶ֨לֶת֙ וַ/יַּחֲזֵ֣ק בְּ/פִֽילַגְשׁ֔/וֹ וַֽ/יְנַתְּחֶ֨/הָ֙ לַ/עֲצָמֶ֔י/הָ לִ/שְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָׂ֖ר נְתָחִ֑ים וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֶ֔/הָ בְּ/כֹ֖ל גְּב֥וּל יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יָּבֹ֣א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
בֵּית֗/וֹ bayith H1004 place N-ms | Suff
וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַֽ/מַּאֲכֶ֨לֶת֙ maʼăkeleth H3979 knife Art | N-fs
וַ/יַּחֲזֵ֣ק châzaq H2388 to strengthen Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/פִֽילַגְשׁ֔/וֹ pîylegesh H6370 concubine Prep | N-fs | Suff
וַֽ/יְנַתְּחֶ֨/הָ֙ nâthach H5408 to cut Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
לַ/עֲצָמֶ֔י/הָ ʻetsem H6106 bone Prep | N-fp | Suff
לִ/שְׁנֵ֥ים shᵉnayim H8147 two Prep | Adj
עָשָׂ֖ר ʻâsâr H6240 ten Adj
נְתָחִ֑ים nêthach H5409 piece N-mp
וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֶ֔/הָ shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
בְּ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
גְּב֥וּל gᵉbûwl H1366 border N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 19:29

וַ/יָּבֹ֣א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בֵּית֗/וֹ bayith H1004 "place" N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַֽ/מַּאֲכֶ֨לֶת֙ maʼăkeleth H3979 "knife" Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word means a knife, used for cutting or eating food, like in the story of Abraham preparing to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis. It's a simple tool for everyday life.
Definition: knife
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: knife. See also: Genesis 22:6; Judges 19:29; Proverbs 30:14.
וַ/יַּחֲזֵ֣ק châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
בְּ/פִֽילַגְשׁ֔/וֹ pîylegesh H6370 "concubine" Prep | N-fs | Suff
A concubine is a woman who lives with a man but is not his wife, as seen in the stories of Abraham and Solomon. This word can also refer to a paramour, or a person's lover. The Bible mentions concubines in the context of polygamy and relationships.
Definition: 1) concubine, paramour 1a) concubine 1b) paramour
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: concubine, paramour. See also: Genesis 22:24; 2 Samuel 5:13; Ezekiel 23:20.
וַֽ/יְנַתְּחֶ֨/הָ֙ nâthach H5408 "to cut" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to cut or divide something into pieces, like cutting meat or hewing wood. It is used in Exodus 29:17, where Moses cuts up a ram for a sacrifice. The word can also mean to dismember or cut up an animal.
Definition: 1) to cut, cut up, cut in pieces, divide 1a) (Piel) to cut up, cut in pieces, divide by joints
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: cut (in pieces), divide, hew in pieces. See also: Exodus 29:17; Judges 19:29; 1 Kings 18:33.
לַ/עֲצָמֶ֔י/הָ ʻetsem H6106 "bone" Prep | N-fp | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
לִ/שְׁנֵ֥ים shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Prep | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
עָשָׂ֖ר ʻâsâr H6240 "ten" Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
נְתָחִ֑ים nêthach H5409 "piece" N-mp
This word refers to a piece or fragment of something, like a piece of meat or a part of an animal. It is used in Leviticus 22:22, where the Bible talks about an animal that is cut into pieces for a sacrifice. The word can also mean a portion or share.
Definition: piece, a piece of flesh or meat
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: part, piece. See also: Exodus 29:17; Leviticus 8:20; Ezekiel 24:6.
וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֶ֔/הָ shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
בְּ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
גְּב֥וּל gᵉbûwl H1366 "border" N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — Judges 19:29

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Judges 20:6–7 Then I took my concubine, cut her into pieces, and sent her throughout the land of Israel’s inheritance, because they had committed a lewd and disgraceful act in Israel. Behold, all you Israelites, give your advice and verdict here and now.”
2 1 Samuel 11:7 He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, and they turned out as one man.
3 Romans 10:2 For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.
4 Deuteronomy 21:22–23 If a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is executed, and you hang his body on a tree, you must not leave the body on the tree overnight, but you must be sure to bury him that day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not defile the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.

Judges 19:29 Summary

This verse is about a man who was deeply disturbed by the tragic death of his concubine and wanted to expose the evil that had been done to her, so he cut her body into twelve pieces and sent them to the twelve tribes of Israel, as a call to action and a plea for justice, similar to how the prophet Jeremiah called the Israelites to repentance in Jeremiah 7:1-7. This act was a dramatic way of saying that something was terribly wrong and needed to be addressed, much like the way Jesus Christ's death on the cross was a sacrifice for our sins, as described in John 3:16 and Romans 5:8. The man's actions were not just about revenge, but about seeking justice and unity among the Israelites, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:11 and Psalm 133:1. By looking at this event, we can learn about the importance of standing up against injustice and promoting unity and compassion among believers, as seen in Micah 6:8 and Acts 2:44-47.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the man in Judges 19:29 cut his concubine into twelve pieces and send her throughout Israel?

The man was sending a dramatic message to the tribes of Israel about the horrific crime that had been committed against his concubine, much like the way the body of Jesus Christ was broken for us, as described in John 19:31-37, and this act was a call for justice and unity among the Israelites, similar to how the Israelites were united in their pursuit of justice in Deuteronomy 13:11.

Is this act of cutting the concubine into pieces a form of revenge or a way of seeking justice?

While it may seem like an act of revenge, the man's action was more about exposing the evil that had been done and seeking justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:1-9, where the Israelites were instructed to follow a specific procedure when a murder occurred in their midst, and in this case, the man was highlighting the need for the Israelites to take action against the wicked men of Gibeah, as mentioned in Judges 20:1-7.

How does this event relate to the rest of the book of Judges?

This event is a pivotal moment in the book of Judges, as it highlights the chaos and lawlessness that existed in Israel during this time period, as described in Judges 17:6 and 21:25, and it sets the stage for the Israelites' response to this crime, which ultimately leads to the defeat of the Benjamites, as seen in Judges 20:1-48.

What can we learn from the concubine's tragic story?

The concubine's story teaches us about the devastating consequences of sin and the importance of seeking justice and protecting the vulnerable, as emphasized in Proverbs 24:23-25 and Isaiah 1:17, and it also reminds us of the need for believers to come together in unity and solidarity, as seen in Psalm 133:1 and Acts 2:44-47.

Reflection Questions

  1. How would I have responded if I were in the man's situation, and what does that reveal about my own heart and values?
  2. In what ways can I, like the man in this verse, stand up against injustice and advocate for those who have been wronged, as seen in Isaiah 1:17 and Micah 6:8?
  3. What are some ways that I can promote unity and solidarity among believers, and how can I work towards creating a culture of justice and compassion, as described in Psalm 133:1 and Acts 2:44-47?
  4. How does the concubine's story relate to the broader theme of redemption and restoration in the Bible, and what hope can I find in that for my own life, as seen in Romans 5:1-11 and Revelation 21:1-4?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 19:29

And when he was come into his house,.... Having taken the dead body of his wife from off the ass, and brought it in thither, and laid it in a proper place and order: he took a knife; a carving knife,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. Divided her ... into twelve pieces.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 19:29

Together with her bones, or, according to her bones, according to the joints of her body, for there he made a division. This might seem to be a barbarous and inhuman act in itself; but may seem excusable, if it be considered that the sadness of the spectacle did highly contribute to stir up the zeal of all the Israelites to avenge his concubine’ s death, and to execute justice upon such profligate offenders; and was necessary, especially in this time of anarchy and general corruption, , to awaken them out of that lethargy in which all the tribes lay. Into twelve pieces; that one piece might be sent to every tribe; whereof none to Levi because they would meet with it in every tribe, being dispersed among them; but one to Benjamin; for he might well presume, that they would as much abhor so villainous an action, though done by some of their own tribe, as any of the rest. Sent her into all the coasts of Israel, by several messengers, by whom also he sent a particular relation of the fact.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 19:29

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.Ver. 29. Laid hold on his concubine, and divided her.] Hoc Levitae factum singulare est, et illegitimum, saith Junius; this deed of the Levite was singular and unlawful, as being against the public and common rights of humanity and honesty, in a husband especially. Others think the Levite did well herein, being moved with a zeal for God’ s glory, and for the promoting of justice, that such a horrible villany might be punished, and God’ s heavy judgments prevented. And sent her into all the coasts of Israel.] Into Benjamin also. See a like practice of Saul in 1 Samuel 11:7

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 19:29

(29) Divided her.—We see again that the narrative is taking us back to wild times, when the passions of men expressed themselves in wild and fierce expedients. A similar method of arousing a nation, but different in its details, is narrated in 1 Samuel 11:7, when Saul sends round the pieces of an ox, as was done by the ancient Scythians (Lucian, Toxaris, chap. 48). Many analogous customs existed among the ancient Highlanders, and have been repeated even in recent days among the Arab tribes (Stanley, i. 301). With her bones.—Literally, according to her bone.Into twelve pieces.—One for each tribe. Benjamin was probably thus appealed to as well as the other tribes. It is needless to suppose that one was sent to Eastern Manasseh or to Levi.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 19:29

Verse 29. Divided her - into twelve pieces] There is no doubt that with the pieces he sent to each tribe a circumstantial account of the barbarity of the men of Gibeah; and it is very likely that they considered each of the pieces as expressing an execration, "If ye will not come and avenge my wrongs, may ye be hewn in pieces like this abused and murdered woman!" It was a custom among the ancient Highlanders in Scotland, when one clan wished to call all the rest to avenge its wrongs, to take a wooden cross, dip it in blood, and send it by a special messenger through all the clans. This was called the fire cross, because at sight of it each clan lighted a fire or beacon, which gave notice to all the adjoining clans that a general rising was immediately to take place.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 19:29

29. and divided her … and sent her throughout all the borders of Israel] The same words in 1 Samuel 11:7, possibly implying that the present description has been copied from the other. But the two accounts differ in meaning: Saul’s summons was intended to convey a threat, the Levite’s to call forth horror. Divided is the regular term for cutting up a sacrificial victim, Exodus 29:17, Leviticus 1:6; Leviticus 1:12, 1 Kings 18:23; 1 Kings 18:33. twelve pieces] Not necessarily referring to the number of the tribes (LXX. cod A); the twelve-fold division of Israel belongs to the later historical theory which finds expression in chs. 20, 21.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 19:29

A knife - Rather, “the” “knife”. The single household implement used, not like our knives at our meals, but for slaughtering and cutting up the animals into joints for eating Genesis 22:6, Genesis 22:10; Proverbs 30:14.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 19:29

29. Together with her bones — Rather, According to her bones, that is, severing her limbs, as he would those of an animal, according to the joints of the bones. Twelve pieces — One for each tribe in Israel.

Sermons on Judges 19:29

SermonDescription
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Welcome Detweiler The Forgiveness of Sins by Welcome Detweiler In this sermon, a missionary in China shares a strange encounter with a man on a journey to a sacred spot in Tibet. The man believed that by performing specific maneuvers and trave
Welcome Detweiler Sunday Night Meditations 58 Message and Song - 1950's by Welcome Detweiler In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reading the Holy Scriptures instead of relying solely on preachers. He compares the value of second-hand items during a pe
Welcome Detweiler Sunday Night Meditations 29 Message and Song - 1950's by Welcome Detweiler In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a missionary in China who encounters a man on a journey to a sacred spot in Tibet. The man is traveling in a strange manner, falling
St. John Chrysostom Homily 6 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches on the significance of the wise men from the East seeking Jesus, emphasizing the divine intervention through the star to lead them to the newborn King of t
Thomas Brooks Ignorant People by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of ignorance in his sermon 'Ignorant People,' arguing that while some may believe ignorance fosters devotion, the Bible clearly states it leads
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