Judges 19:3 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Levite travels to Bethlehem to speak kindly to her and bring her back, and her father gladly welcomes him.
What Does Judges 19:3 Mean?
The Levite rises and journeys after her, intending to speak to her heart and bring her home again. He comes with a servant and a pair of donkeys, the ordinary equipment of a long road. The young woman brings him into her father's house, and the father, glad to see his son-in-law, meets him with joy. For a moment the breach seems ready to heal, and a reconciliation is in reach.
The phrase to speak friendly is literally to speak to her heart, a tender, persuading kind of speech. There is grace in the picture of a man traveling to win back the one who left, and grace in a father who opens his door with gladness rather than blame. These small mercies stand out all the more against the horror that will follow, reminding us that warmth and welcome are real even in a fallen world. Every true reconciliation in Scripture points toward the great reconciling, when God Himself comes after a wandering people to speak to their heart and bring them home.
Judges 19:3 in the Original Language
dabar al-lev (דִּבֶּר עַל־לֵב), 'to speak friendly' -- literally to speak to the heart, that is, to comfort and win over with tender words.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 19:3
What does Judges 19:3 mean?
The Levite travels to Bethlehem to speak kindly to her and bring her back, and her father gladly welcomes him.