Judges 19:24 Meaning and Explanation
“Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The old man offers his own daughter and the concubine to the mob in a desperate attempt to protect his guest.
What Does Judges 19:24 Mean?
In a moment of terrible desperation, the old man offers the mob his own virgin daughter and the concubine, begging them only to spare his male guest the vile thing they intend. His words are anguished and deeply troubling, a host so bound by the duty to protect a guest that he would surrender the women of his house. The verse records a choice that the narrative itself holds up as part of the unfolding horror.
Scripture here is not commending the old man's offer but exposing how grievously distorted human judgment becomes in a society that has abandoned the fear of God. The same dreadful logic appeared at Sodom, and the Bible lets the parallel indict Gibeah without comment. This is a passage that should grieve us, showing what becomes of the defenseless when a community collapses into lawlessness. The very fact that such things are recorded, without approval and without flinching, testifies to a longing for the righteous King who will one day defend the weak and put an end to every cruelty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 19:24
What does Judges 19:24 mean?
The old man offers his own daughter and the concubine to the mob in a desperate attempt to protect his guest.