Judges 21:6
Judges 21:6 in Multiple Translations
And the Israelites grieved for their brothers, the Benjamites, and said, “Today a tribe is cut off from Israel.
And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day.
And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day.
And the children of Israel were moved with pity for Benjamin their brother, saying, Today one tribe has been cut off from Israel.
The Israelites felt sorry for their brother Benjamin, saying, “Today one tribe has been hacked off from Israel!
And the children of Israel were sory for Beniamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day.
And the sons of Israel repent concerning Benjamin their brother, and say, 'There hath been to-day cut off one tribe from Israel,
The children of Israel grieved for Benjamin their brother, and said, “There is one tribe cut off from Israel today.
And the children of Israel repented for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day.
And the children of Israel being moved with repentance for their brother Benjamin, began to say: One tribe is taken away from Israel.
The Israelis felt sorry for their fellow Israelis from the tribe of Benjamin. They said, “Today one of our Israeli tribes ◄has disappeared/no longer exists►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 21:6
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 21:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּנָּֽחֲמוּ֙
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
אֶל
בִּנְיָמִ֖ן
אָחִ֑י/ו
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
נִגְדַּ֥ע
הַ/יּ֛וֹם
שֵׁ֥בֶט
אֶחָ֖ד
מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יִּנָּֽחֲמוּ֙
nâcham
H5162
to be sorry
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בִּנְיָמִ֖ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
N-proper
אָחִ֑י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
נִגְדַּ֥ע
gâdaʻ
H1438
to cut down/off
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
הַ/יּ֛וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
שֵׁ֥בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
N-ms
אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 21:6
וַ/יִּנָּֽחֲמוּ֙
nâcham
H5162
"to be sorry"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To comfort means showing pity or sympathy, as seen in God's actions throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40. The word can also imply regret or remorse, like in the story of Jonah, who was sorry for his actions. It involves easing someone's pain or discomfort.
Definition: : comfort 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself Also means: na.cham (נָחַם ": relent" H5162H)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). See also: Genesis 5:29; Isaiah 12:1; Psalms 23:4.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
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.
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.
בִּנְיָמִ֖ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
"Benjamin"
N-proper
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.
אָחִ֑י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
נִגְדַּ֥ע
gâdaʻ
H1438
"to cut down/off"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cut down or destroy something, like a tree. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to cut, hew, chop, cut down, hew down, hew off, cut off, cut in two, shave off 1a) (Qal) to hew, chop in two 1b) (Niphal) to be chopped off, be hewn off 1c) (Piel) to cut off or down in two, hew off or down in two 1d) (Pual) to chop down, hew down
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: cut (asunder, in sunder, down, off), hew down. See also: Deuteronomy 7:5; Isaiah 10:33; Psalms 75:11.
הַ/יּ֛וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
שֵׁ֥בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | 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 21:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Wives for the Benjamites
4The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings.
5The Israelites asked, “Who among all the tribes of Israel did not come to the assembly before the LORD?” For they had taken a solemn oath that anyone who failed to come up before the LORD at Mizpah would surely be put to death.
6And the Israelites grieved for their brothers, the Benjamites, and said, “Today a tribe is cut off from Israel.
7What should we do about wives for the survivors, since we have sworn by the LORD not to give them our daughters in marriage?” 8So they asked, “Which one of the tribes of Israel failed to come up before the LORD at Mizpah?” And, in fact, no one from Jabesh-gilead had come to the camp for the assembly.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 21:15 | The people grieved for Benjamin, because the LORD had made a void in the tribes of Israel. |
| 2 | Judges 20:23 | They went up and wept before the LORD until evening, inquiring of Him, “Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites?” And the LORD answered, “Go up against them.” |
| 3 | Luke 19:41–42 | As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. |
| 4 | Hosea 11:8 | How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred! |
| 5 | Judges 11:35 | As soon as Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “No! Not my daughter! You have brought me to my knees! You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back.” |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 2:26 | Then Abner called out to Joab: “Must the sword devour forever? Do you not realize that this will only end in bitterness? How long before you tell the troops to stop pursuing their brothers?” |
Judges 21:6 Summary
In Judges 21:6, the Israelites are grieving because they realized that their actions might wipe out the entire tribe of Benjamin. This shows how much they cared about their brothers and the unity of their nation, as seen in Psalm 133:1. They understood that losing a tribe would have a big impact on their community, just like how the Bible teaches us to consider the effects of our actions on others, as mentioned in Galatians 6:2 and Proverbs 10:12. We can learn from their example by being mindful of how our actions affect those around us and by working to promote unity and understanding, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:3 and Romans 12:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites grieve for the Benjamites in Judges 21:6?
The Israelites grieved because they realized that the tribe of Benjamin was almost wiped out due to their actions, and this would have a lasting impact on the nation of Israel, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:12 and Psalm 122:6.
What does it mean for a tribe to be 'cut off from Israel'?
When the Israelites said 'a tribe is cut off from Israel', they meant that the tribe of Benjamin was in danger of being completely destroyed or eliminated, which would have significant consequences for the unity and future of the nation, as mentioned in Leviticus 26:33 and Ezekiel 37:21-22.
How does this verse relate to the concept of unity among God's people?
This verse highlights the importance of unity among God's people, as seen in Psalm 133:1 and John 17:21-23, and how the actions of one group can affect the entire community, emphasizing the need for love, compassion, and forgiveness, as taught in Matthew 18:21-22 and Ephesians 4:32.
What can we learn from the Israelites' grief and concern for their brothers?
We can learn the importance of empathy, compassion, and concern for one another, as taught in Romans 12:15 and Galatians 6:2, and the need to consider the long-term consequences of our actions on others and the community as a whole, as mentioned in Proverbs 10:12 and 1 Corinthians 12:26.
Reflection Questions
- How can I show compassion and empathy towards those who are suffering or facing difficult circumstances, just like the Israelites did for the Benjamites?
- What are some ways I can promote unity and understanding among different groups or individuals within my community, as encouraged in Judges 21:6 and Ephesians 4:3?
- How can I balance the need for justice and accountability with the need for mercy and forgiveness, as seen in this verse and in Matthew 18:21-35?
- What are some potential consequences of allowing division or conflict to persist within a community, and how can I work to prevent or resolve these issues, as warned in Judges 21:6 and 1 Corinthians 3:3?
- How can I apply the principles of love, compassion, and forgiveness to my relationships with others, especially in situations where there may be conflict or disagreement, as taught in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 and Colossians 3:13?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 21:6
And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother,.... Not that they went to war with them, as if their cause was not good; but for the severity they had exercised towards them,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 21:6
And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 21:6
Children of Israel repented them; not for the war, which was just, and necessary, and good; but for their immoderate severity in the execution of it, and for thee dreadful consequences of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 21:6
Judges 21:6 And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day.Ver. 6. And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin.] But why did they not repent of their unlawful oath, which now they might as lawfully have broken? Howsoever, it was well done of them to put off their arms and their anger against Benjamin together. Claudian saith in commendation of Theodosius, “ Post acies odiis idem qui terminus armis. ”
Cambridge Bible on Judges 21:6
6. cut off] cut down; the figure is that of hewing down trees, cf. Isaiah 10:33; Isaiah 14:12.
Sermons on Judges 21:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 2 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being anointed by God to preach the word. He highlights the brokenness and suffering in the world and the need for God's h |
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Oh, America, America! by Leonard Ravenhill | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of the Holy Ghost in preaching the word of God. It mentions a preacher named Bob Phillips who had a powerful impact on the audience d |
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Jesus - Lamb of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Jesus weeping over the city of Jerusalem. He emphasizes that Jesus came to offer peace and salvation to the people, but they r |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 4 by Alan Cairns | This sermon delves into the reality of hell as depicted in the Bible, emphasizing the urgent need for America to heed the voices from hell that testify to its existence. It challen |
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The Difficulty of Escaping the Damnation of Hell (Reading) by Edward Payson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses those who are focused on accumulating wealth and worldly possessions. He questions whether this is the right place to store their treasures a |
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Call for the Wailing Women - Part 3 by Nancy Leigh DeMoss | This sermon emphasizes the connection between sinful choices and the inevitable consequences we face, urging listeners to recognize the judgment of God that is both present in the |
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(Basics) 42. Jesus Love Is Seen in His Dying by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God blesses us with material possessions so that we can use them to bless others. Jesus taught that it i |