King James Version

What Does Judges 20:6 Mean?

Judges 20:6 in the King James Version says “And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: fo...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Judges 20:6 · KJV

Context

4

And the Levite , the husband of the woman that was slain, answered and said, I came into Gibeah that belongeth to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to lodge. the Levite: Heb. the man the Levite

5

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. forced: Heb. humbled

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.

7

Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel.

8

And all the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any of us go to his tent, neither will we any of us turn into his house.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces (וָאֹחֵז בְּפִילַגְשִׁי וָאֲנַתְּחֶהָ)—the verb 'cut in pieces' (נָתַח, natach) is used for butchering sacrificial animals (Exodus 29:17; Leviticus 1:6). Sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel—he distributed her dismembered body as a grotesque summons to action. For they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel (זִמָּה וּנְבָלָה, zimmah u-nevalah)—'lewdness' suggests premeditated sexual depravity, 'folly' indicates covenant-breaking wickedness that brings shame on God's people.

The Levite's action raises profound moral questions. His dismemberment of his concubine's corpse—whether she was already dead or dying (19:27-29 is ambiguous)—shows shocking callousness. He uses her body as a propaganda tool, yet his method demonstrates the same objectification and brutality that characterized her rape and murder. His theological language ('lewdness and folly in Israel') correctly identifies covenant violation but comes from compromised lips. The verse reveals how outrage against sin can coexist with hard-heartedness. The Levite's concern seems directed more toward Israel's reputation than toward his concubine's dignity. He manipulates her death for maximum political impact while showing no remorse for his role in her demise.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The twelve pieces sent to Israel's twelve tribes deliberately evoked tribal unity and covenant obligation. This macabre method recalled covenant ratification rituals where animals were divided (Genesis 15:10; Jeremiah 34:18-19). Later, Saul would use similar tactics—cutting oxen and sending pieces throughout Israel—to summon troops (1 Samuel 11:7), but Saul's use of animals rather than a human corpse demonstrates how far standards had fallen in Judges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you use others' pain and suffering as tools for your own agendas?
  2. In what ways does your outrage against injustice coexist with hard-heartedness toward victims?
  3. What does it mean to pursue justice in ways that honor rather than further objectify the victim?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וָֽאֹחֵ֤ז1 of 13

“And I took”

H270

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

בְּפִֽילַגְשִׁי֙2 of 13

“my concubine”

H6370

a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour

וָֽאֲנַתְּחֶ֔הָ3 of 13

“and cut her in pieces”

H5408

to dismember

וָֽאֲשַׁלְּחֶ֔הָ4 of 13

“and sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בְּכָל5 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שְׂדֵ֖ה6 of 13

“her throughout all the country”

H7704

a field (as flat)

נַֽחֲלַ֣ת7 of 13

“of the inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃8 of 13

“in Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּ֥י9 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עָשׂ֛וּ10 of 13

“for they have committed”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

זִמָּ֥ה11 of 13

“lewdness”

H2154

a plan, especially a bad one

וּנְבָלָ֖ה12 of 13

“and folly”

H5039

foolishness, i.e., (morally) wickedness; concretely, a crime; by extension, punishment

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 13

“in Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 20:6 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 20:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 19:29Judges 19:23Joshua 7:15Genesis 34:7Judges 20:102 Samuel 13:12-13

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