Judges 19:5 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →On the fourth day the Levite prepares to leave, but the father urges him to eat first.
What Does Judges 19:5 Mean?
On the fourth morning the guests rise early, ready to set out, but the father presses one more delay: comfort your heart with a morsel of bread, then go. The language is gracious, almost affectionate, the words of a host reluctant to let a beloved daughter and son-in-law slip away. A simple meal becomes a reason to stay just a little longer.
To comfort the heart with bread is a quietly human picture, the strengthening that food and fellowship give before a hard road. There is nothing wrong with the kindness itself. But the verse begins a pattern of postponement that grows heavier with each repetition, a reminder that even good intentions, when they will not release what must move on, can keep a traveler on the road past the safe hour. Scripture often shows that the difference between blessing and danger can lie in a single delayed step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 19:5
What does Judges 19:5 mean?
On the fourth day the Levite prepares to leave, but the father urges him to eat first.