King James Version

What Does Judges 19:5 Mean?

Judges 19:5 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's father said unto his son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way. Comfort: Heb. Strengthen”

Judges 19:5 · KJV

Comfort

Context

3

And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and 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. friendly: Heb. to her heart

4

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.

5

And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's father said unto his son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way. Comfort: Heb. Strengthen

6

And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry.

7

And when the man rose up to depart, his father in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart—the Levite finally attempted to leave, rising early (vayashkimu vaboqer, וַיַּשְׁכִּימוּ בַבֹּקֶר), suggesting determination to depart before the father could delay him again. However, his resolve proved insufficient. The father's plea—Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way—uses the idiom comfort thine heart (se'ad libbeka, סְעַד לִבְּךָ), literally "sustain your heart," referring to physical refreshment through food (Genesis 18:5, Psalm 104:15).

The diminutive a morsel of bread (pat-lechem, פַּת־לֶחֶם) suggests a small, quick meal, not an elaborate feast. The father's request appeared reasonable—eat a little, then depart. Yet this "small" delay initiated a pattern of procrastination that would prove fatal. The narrative demonstrates how seemingly minor compromises accumulate into disaster. The Levite should have departed immediately on the fourth day, but accepting "just a morsel" led to further delays (verses 6-9), ultimately forcing late afternoon departure (v. 9) and the decision to lodge in Gibeah rather than press on safely.

This pattern mirrors spiritual warfare's subtlety. Satan rarely tempts with obvious evil but with seemingly harmless compromises: "just a little," "not yet," "after this small pleasure." Eve saw the fruit was "good for food... pleasant to the eyes" (Genesis 3:6). Israel said, "Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt" (Numbers 14:4). Achan took "just" a garment and silver (Joshua 7:21). The Levite accepted "just" a morsel—each small compromise led to catastrophe. Believers must cultivate discernment to recognize that delayed obedience equals disobedience, and minor compromises create trajectories toward major sin (James 1:14-15).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Fourth-day departure would still allow daylight travel to reach safety before nightfall, assuming early morning start. The journey from Bethlehem to Mount Ephraim covered 15-20 miles, requiring 6-8 hours by donkey. Early departure (dawn, around 6:00 AM) should have allowed arrival before dark (around 6:00 PM in summer, earlier in winter). However, the father's repeated delays (this "morsel" in v. 5, the meal in v. 6, the breakfast in v. 8) consumed the morning hours, making timely arrival impossible.

The phrase "comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread" reflects ancient understanding of bread as staff of life. In subsistence economies, bread (typically barley for common people, wheat for the wealthy) provided the caloric foundation of every meal. The idiom "strengthen your heart" occurs throughout Scripture, always referring to physical sustenance (Genesis 18:5, Judges 19:5, 8, Psalm 104:15, Acts 27:33-36). This physical meaning points to spiritual realities—Christ is the bread of life (John 6:35), and God's word sustains the soul (Matthew 4:4, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3).

Ancient Near Eastern hospitality customs may also explain the father's insistence. Allowing guests to depart without proper provision brought shame on the host. The father may have genuinely believed he was showing appropriate generosity. However, the narrative's tragic outcome demonstrates that cultural customs, however well-intentioned, cannot substitute for wisdom and discernment. Following social expectations without considering timing, safety, and long-term consequences leads to disaster.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have seemingly small compromises or delays in your obedience created trajectories toward more serious sin or consequences?
  2. How can we distinguish between legitimate rest and refreshment versus procrastination that endangers our spiritual well-being?
  3. What does this passage teach about the necessity of setting boundaries even in relationships with well-meaning people whose influence hinders obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּיּ֣וֹם2 of 18

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָֽרְבִיעִ֔י3 of 18

“And it came to pass on the fourth”

H7243

fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth

וַיַּשְׁכִּ֥ימוּ4 of 18

“when they arose early”

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

בַבֹּ֖קֶר5 of 18

“in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וַיָּ֣קָם6 of 18

“that he rose up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לָלֶ֑כֶת7 of 18
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַיֹּאמֶר֩8 of 18

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲבִ֨י9 of 18

“father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הַֽנַּעֲרָ֜ה10 of 18

“and the damsel's”

H5291

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

אֶל11 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חֲתָנ֗וֹ12 of 18

“unto his son in law”

H2860

a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)

סְעָ֧ד13 of 18

“Comfort”

H5582

to support (mostly figurative)

לִבְּךָ֛14 of 18

“thine heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

פַּת15 of 18

“with a morsel”

H6595

a bit

לֶ֖חֶם16 of 18

“of bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וְאַחַ֥ר17 of 18

“and afterward”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

תֵּלֵֽכוּ׃18 of 18
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 19:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Judges 19:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 18:5Judges 19:81 Samuel 14:27-291 Kings 13:7Acts 9:19Psalms 104:15

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