Judges 19:8

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Judges 19:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart; and the damsel`s father said, Strengthen thy heart, I pray thee, and tarry ye until the day declineth; and they did eat, both of them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart; and the damsel`s father said, Strengthen thy heart, I pray thee, and tarry ye until the day declineth; and they did eat, both of them.
Judges 19:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Judges 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart; and the damsel`s father said, Strengthen thy heart, I pray thee, and tarry ye until the day declineth; and they did eat, both of them.

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 he rose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart, etc.] With a full intention to take his leave of his father, and be gone: and the damsel’s father said, comfort thine heart, I pray thee; with a meal’s meat, with a breakfast, before he set out on his journey, that he might be heartier and stronger for it: and they tarried until afternoon; or “until the decline of the day” f394, when the sun had passed the meridian, and was declining, as it immediately does when noon is past: and they did eat both of them; the man stayed and took a dinner with his father-in-law; and though no mention is made of the concubine, neither in this, nor in the other instances, no doubt she ate with them.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“tarried--with reluctance. until afternoon--literally, "the decline of the day." People in the East, who take little or nothing to eat in the morning, do not breakfast till from ten to twelve A.M., and this meal the hospitable relative had purposely protracted to so late a period as to afford an argument for urging a further stay.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“And even in the morning of the fifth day he suffered himself to be induced to remain till the afternoon. התמהמהוּ is an imperative, "Tarry till the day turns," i.e., till mid-day is past. Judges 19:9”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification