Judges 20:31 Meaning and Explanation
“And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite of the people, and kill, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field, about thirty men of Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Benjamin charges out and is lured from the city, striking down about thirty men as before, unaware of the trap.
What Does Judges 20:31 Mean?
The trap begins to close. Benjamin, emboldened by two victories, charges out against Israel and is 'drawn away from the city,' exactly as planned. They strike down about thirty men along the roads, just as in the earlier battles, and read the success as proof that this day will be like the others. They do not yet see that they are being lured into ruin.
The verse captures the peril of unbroken confidence. Benjamin's past triumphs blind them to present danger; what seems like more of the same is in fact the snare set for their destruction. They had defied their brothers and shielded the guilty, and their very boldness now leads them out to their fall. The narrative quietly warns that success in a wrong cause can harden the heart and dull discernment, drawing the proud unawares toward the judgment they have invited.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 20:31
What does Judges 20:31 mean?
Benjamin charges out and is lured from the city, striking down about thirty men as before, unaware of the trap.