King James Version
Judges 21:18 in the King James Version says “Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters: for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed be he that gi...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters: for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed be he that giveth a wife to Benjamin.”
Judges 21:18 · KJV
Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?
And they said, There must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel.
Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters: for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed be he that giveth a wife to Benjamin.
Then they said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly in a place which is on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goeth up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah. yearly: Heb. from year to year on the east: or, toward the sunrising of the highway: or, on the highway
Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards;
KJV Study — Public Domain
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“be he that giveth”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
“of our daughters”
H1323a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“have sworn”
H7650to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
“for the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
“be he that giveth”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
“to Benjamin”
H1144binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
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.
Judges 21:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Judges 21:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge