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Judges 19:4

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Judges 19:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And his father-in-law, the damsel`s father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And his father-in-law, the damsel`s father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.
Judges 19:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Judges 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the farther side of the hill-country of Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Beth-lehem-judah.
2And his concubine played the harlot against him, and went away from him unto her father`s house to Beth-lehem-judah, and was there the space of four months.
3And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak kindly unto her, to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father`s house; and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.
4And his father-in-law, the damsel`s father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.
5And it came to pass on the fourth day, that they arose early in the morning, and he rose up to depart: and the damsel`s father said unto his son-in-law, Strengthen thy heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward ye shall go your way.
6So they sat down, and did eat and drink, both of them together: and the damsel`s father said unto the man, Be pleased, I pray thee, to tarry all night, and let thy heart be merry.
7And the man rose up to depart; but his father-in-law urged him, and he lodged there again.
← Judges 19:3Judges 19:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And his father in law, the damsel’s father, retained him, etc.] Prevailed upon him to stay some time with him: and he abode with him three days; it seems as if he agreed to stay with him so long, and that time he stayed contentedly: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there; the Levite and his servant were very handsomely entertained, and had everything provided for them convenient for meat, drink, and lodging.”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification