Judges 20:6

Judges 20:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.

American Standard Version ASV

And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel; for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So I took her, cutting her into parts which I sent through all the country of the heritage of Israel: for they have done an act of shame in Israel.

Free Bible Version FBV

I took my concubine and cut her into pieces, and I sent these pieces of her to every part of the country that had been given to Israel, because those men had done something shameful and disgusting in Israel.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then I tooke my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the countrey of the inheritance of Israel: for they haue committed abomination and villenie in Israel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and I lay hold on my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and send her into all the country of the inheritance of Israel; for they have done wickedness and folly in Israel;

World English Bible WEB

I took my concubine and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel; for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I took her and cut her in pieces, and sent the, parts into all the borders of your possession: because there never was so heinous a crime, and so great an abomination committed in Israel.

Translation for Translators T4T

I took her body home and cut it into pieces. Then I sent one piece to each area of Israel, because I wanted you all to know about this wicked and disgraceful/shameful thing that has been done here in Israel.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:6

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 20:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וָֽ/אֹחֵ֤ז בְּ/פִֽילַגְשִׁ/י֙ וָֽ/אֲנַתְּחֶ֔/הָ וָֽ/אֲשַׁלְּחֶ֔/הָ בְּ/כָל שְׂדֵ֖ה נַחֲלַ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כִּ֥י עָשׂ֛וּ זִמָּ֥ה וּ/נְבָלָ֖ה בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

וָֽ/אֹחֵ֤ז ʼâchaz H270 to grasp Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

בְּ/פִֽילַגְשִׁ/י֙ pîylegesh H6370 concubine Prep | N-fs | Suff

וָֽ/אֲנַתְּחֶ֔/הָ nâthach H5408 to cut Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff

וָֽ/אֲשַׁלְּחֶ֔/הָ shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

שְׂדֵ֖ה sâdeh H7704 field N-ms

נַחֲלַ֣ת nachălâh H5159 inheritance N-fs

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj

עָשׂ֛וּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3cp

זִמָּ֥ה zimmâh H2154 wickedness N-fs

וּ/נְבָלָ֖ה nᵉbâlâh H5039 folly Conj | N-fs

בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel Prep | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:6

וָֽ/אֹחֵ֤ז ʼâchaz H270 "to grasp" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

The Hebrew word means to grasp or take hold of something, often holding it in possession. It can also mean to be caught or settled. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.

Definition: 1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession 1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of 1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled 1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay 1d) (Hophal) fastened

Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay, take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get, have or take) possess(-ion). See also: Genesis 22:13; Nehemiah 7:3; Psalms 48:7.

בְּ/פִֽילַגְשִׁ/י֙ 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.

וָֽ/אֲנַתְּחֶ֔/הָ nâthach H5408 "to cut" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs | 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.

וָֽ/אֲשַׁלְּחֶ֔/הָ shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs | 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/כָל 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.

שְׂדֵ֖ה sâdeh H7704 "field" N-ms

A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.

Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)

Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.

נַחֲלַ֣ת nachălâh H5159 "inheritance" N-fs

Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.

Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion

Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל 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.

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

עָשׂ֛וּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

זִמָּ֥ה zimmâh H2154 "wickedness" N-fs

This Hebrew word refers to a wicked or evil plan, and can include things like adultery, incest, and idolatry. It is used to describe the bad intentions or schemes of people in the Bible.

Definition: 1) plan, device, wickedness, evil plan, mischievous purpose 1a) plan, purpose 1b) evil device, wickedness 1c) not chaste, incest, licentiousness, adultery, idolatry, harlotry

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: heinous crime, lewd(-ly, -ness), mischief, purpose, thought, wicked (device, mind, -ness). See also: Leviticus 18:17; Ezekiel 16:27; Psalms 26:10.

וּ/נְבָלָ֖ה nᵉbâlâh H5039 "folly" Conj | N-fs

Folly or wickedness is the meaning of this Hebrew word, describing immoral or profane actions. It can also refer to punishment or a crime, emphasizing the negative consequences of foolish behavior.

Definition: 1) senselessness, folly 1a) disgraceful folly 1a1) of immorality, profane actions 1b) disgrace, contumely disgrace

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: folly, vile, villany. See also: Genesis 34:7; Judges 20:10; Isaiah 9:16.

בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" Prep | N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — Judges 20:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 20:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:6
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:6
Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:6
Sermons on Judges 20:6

Context — The Decree of the Assembly

4So the Levite, the husband of the murdered woman, answered: “I and my concubine came to Gibeah in Benjamin to spend the night. 5And during the night, the men of Gibeah rose up against me and surrounded the house. They intended to kill me, but they abused my concubine, and she died.

6Then 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.

7Behold, all you Israelites, give your advice and verdict here and now.” 8Then all the people stood as one man and said, “Not one of us will return to his tent or to his house.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 19:29	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.
2	Joshua 7:15	The one who is caught with the things devoted to destruction must be burned, along with all that belongs to him, because he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD and committed an outrage in Israel.’”
3	Judges 19:23	The owner of the house went out and said to them, “No, my brothers, do not do this wicked thing! After all, this man is a guest in my house. Do not commit this outrage.
4	Genesis 34:7	When Jacob’s sons heard what had happened, they returned from the field. They were filled with grief and fury, because Shechem had committed an outrage in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter—a thing that should not be done.
5	Judges 20:10	We will take ten men out of every hundred from all the tribes of Israel, and a hundred out of every thousand, and a thousand out of every ten thousand, to supply provisions for the army when they go to Gibeah in Benjamin to punish them for the atrocity they have committed in Israel.”
6	2 Samuel 13:12–13	“No, my brother!” she cried. “Do not humiliate me, for such a thing should never be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! Where could I ever take my shame? And you would be like one of the fools in Israel! Please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.”

Judges 20:6 Summary

In Judges 20:6, the Levite takes a drastic action to expose the evil that has been done to his concubine, by cutting her into pieces and sending her throughout the land of Israel's inheritance. This act is a call to action, to make the Israelites understand the severity of the crime committed against his concubine. The Levite's actions demonstrate the importance of standing up against evil and injustice, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Isaiah 1:17, where we are encouraged to learn to do good and seek justice. By studying this verse, we can learn the importance of taking a stand against evil and promoting justice and righteousness, as encouraged in Micah 6:8 and Proverbs 24:23-25.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Levite cut his concubine into pieces and send her throughout the land of Israel's inheritance?

The Levite did this to shock and outrage the Israelites, to make them understand the severity of the crime committed against his concubine, as seen in Judges 20:6. This act was a drastic call to action, similar to how the prophet Hosea was instructed to marry a prostitute to illustrate God's relationship with Israel, as seen in Hosea 1:2.

What was the lewd and disgraceful act committed in Israel?

The lewd and disgraceful act referred to in Judges 20:6 was the brutal abuse and murder of the Levite's concubine by the men of Gibeah, as described in Judges 19:22-30 and Judges 20:5.

How does this event relate to the larger story of Israel's history?

This event in Judges 20:6 is part of a larger narrative of Israel's cycles of sin, judgment, and redemption, as seen in the book of Judges, and it ultimately points to the need for a righteous leader, which is later fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as prophesied in Deuteronomy 18:15 and fulfilled in Acts 3:22-23.

What can we learn from the Levite's actions in this verse?

We can learn that the Levite's actions, although drastic, demonstrate the importance of standing up against evil and injustice, as seen in Judges 20:6, and the need for righteous indignation, as encouraged in Isaiah 1:17 and Proverbs 24:23-25.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can stand up against injustice and evil in my own community, just like the Levite did in Judges 20:6?
How can I balance my desire for justice with the need for mercy and compassion, as seen in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 9:13?
What are some ways that I can support and care for those who have been victims of abuse and trauma, like the Levite's concubine, as encouraged in Galatians 6:2 and James 1:27?
How can I use my voice and influence to bring attention to important social issues and to call others to action, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9 and Isaiah 58:1?
What can I learn from the Levite's example about the importance of taking a stand against evil, even if it's difficult or unpopular, as seen in Daniel 3:16-18 and Acts 5:29?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:6

And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces,.... Lest it should be thought that these barbarous creatures, after they had used her in such a manner that occasioned her death, that they had

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:6

And the men of Gibeah rose against me, and beset the house round about upon me by night, and thought to have slain me: and my concubine have they forced, that she is dead. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:6

i.e. A lewd folly; most ignominious and impudent wickedness.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:6

Judges 20:6 And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.Ver. 6. For they have committed lewdness.] Wickedness with a witness: such as may not go unpunished.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:6

6. all the country of the inheritance of Israel] We hardly expect inheritance in plain prose; contrast Judges 19:29. The word may be a later insertion. they have committed lewdness] Similarly Hosea 6:9, Ezekiel 16:43; Ezekiel 22:9; lit. evil purpose, i.e. unchastity; in this sense the word is frequent in the Law of Holiness and in Ezekiel (see Driver, Introd, p. 49, No. 11). LXX. cod. A, Luc. omit lewdness and, perhaps rightly; the word may have been added to emphasize the iniquity.

Sermons on Judges 20:6

	Sermon	Description
	Anger, Danger, Dreams and Destiny by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman explores the themes of anger, danger, dreams, and destiny in his sermon, drawing from Genesis 34-36. He emphasizes the destructive nature of unchecked anger, urging l
	Understanding Drug Addicts by Jackie Pullinger	Jackie Pullinger emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion towards drug addicts, sharing her experiences with individuals who have faced deep pain and shame. She highlig

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