Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version left that town in search of some other place to stay. On his way he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim. New Living Translation He had left Bethlehem in search of another place to live, and as he traveled, he came to the hill country of Ephraim. He happened to stop at Micah’s house as he was traveling through. English Standard Version And the man departed from the town of Bethlehem in Judah to sojourn where he could find a place. And as he journeyed, he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah. Berean Standard Bible This man left the city of Bethlehem in Judah to settle where he could find a place. And as he traveled, he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim. Berean Literal Bible And the man departed from the city, from Bethlehem in Judah, to stay wherever he could find, and he came to the hill country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah, as he made his journey. King James Bible And the man departed out of the city from Bethlehemjudah to sojourn where he could find a place: and he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed. New King James Version The man departed from the city of Bethlehem in Judah to stay wherever he could find a place. Then he came to the mountains of Ephraim, to the house of Micah, as he journeyed. New American Standard Bible Then the man left the city, Bethlehem in Judah, to stay wherever he would find a place; and as he made his journey, he came to the hill country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah. NASB 1995 Then the man departed from the city, from Bethlehem in Judah, to stay wherever he might find a place; and as he made his journey, he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah. NASB 1977 Then the man departed from the city, from Bethlehem in Judah, to stay wherever he might find a place; and as he made his journey, he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah. Legacy Standard Bible Then the man went from the city, from Bethlehem in Judah, to sojourn wherever he might find a place; and as he made his journey, he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah. Amplified Bible Then the man left the town of Bethlehem in Judah, to stay wherever he could find a place; and as he journeyed, he came to the hill country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah. Berean Annotated Bible This man left the city of Bethlehem (house of bread) in Judah (praised) to settle where he could find a place. And as he traveled, he came to Micah’s (who is like God) house in the hill country of Ephraim (doubly fruitful). Christian Standard Bible The man left the town of Bethlehem in Judah to stay wherever he could find a place. On his way he came to Micah’s home in the hill country of Ephraim. Holman Christian Standard Bible The man left the town of Bethlehem in Judah to settle wherever he could find a place. On his way he came to Micah’s home in the hill country of Ephraim.” American Standard Version And the man departed out of the city, out of Beth-lehem-judah, to sojourn where he could find a place, and he came to the hill-country of Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed. English Revised Version And the man departed out of the city, out of Beth-lehem-judah, to sojourn where he could find a place: and he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed. GOD'S WORD® Translation This man left Bethlehem in Judah to live wherever he could find [a place]. He came to Micah's house in the mountains of Ephraim to carry on his work. Good News Translation He left Bethlehem to find another place to live. While he was traveling, he came to Micah's house in the hill country of Ephraim. International Standard Version The man had left his city Bethlehem in Judah to live wherever he could. As he traveled along, he eventually arrived at Micah's house in the mountainous region of Ephraim, looking for work. NET Bible This man left the town of Bethlehem in Judah to find another place to live. He came to the Ephraimite hill country and made his way to Micah's house. New Heart English Bible The man departed out of the city, out of Bethlehem Judah, to live where he could find a place, and he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he traveled. Webster's Bible Translation And the man departed out of the city from Beth-lehem-judah, to sojourn where he could find a place: and he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis man left the city of Bethlehem in Judah to settle where he could find a place. And as he traveled, he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim. World English Bible The man departed out of the city, out of Bethlehem Judah, to live where he could find a place, and he came to the hill country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah, as he traveled. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the man goes out of the city, out of Beth-Lehem-Judah, to sojourn where he finds, and comes to the hill-country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah, to work his way. Berean Literal Bible And the man departed from the city, from Bethlehem in Judah, to stay wherever he could find, and he came to the hill country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah, as he made his journey. Young's Literal Translation And the man goeth out of the city, out of Beth-Lehem-Judah, to sojourn where he doth find, and cometh to the hill-country of Ephraim, unto the house of Micah, to work his way. Smith's Literal Translation And the man will go from the city from the House of Bread, of Judah, to sojourn wherever he shall find: and he will come to mount Ephraim, even to the house of Micah, to make his way. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow he went out from the city of Bethlehem, and desired to sojourn wheresoever he should find it convenient for him. And when he was come to mount Ephraim, as he was on his journey, and had turned aside a little into the house of Michas, Catholic Public Domain Version Then, departing from the city of Bethlehem, he wished to sojourn wherever he would find it beneficial to himself. And when he had arrived at mount Ephraim, while making the journey, he also turned aside for a little while to the house of Micah. New American Bible The man set out from the city, Bethlehem of Judah, to take up residence wherever he could find a place. On his journey he came into the mountain region of Ephraim as far as the house of Micah. New Revised Standard Version This man left the town of Bethlehem in Judah, to live wherever he could find a place. He came to the house of Micah in the hill country of Ephraim to carry on his work. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the man had left the city of Beth-lehem of Judah to dwell wherever he could find a place; and he came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, to obtain provisions for his journey. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the man went on from the city of Bayth Lekhem of Yehuda to dwell where he could, and he arrived at the Mountain of Aphreim at the house of Mikah to make his way OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the man departed out of the city, out of Beth-lehem in Judah, to sojourn where he could find a place; and he came to the hill-country of Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the man departed from Bethleem the city of Juda to sojourn in whatever place he might find; and he came as far as mount Ephraim, and to the house of Michaias to accomplish his journey. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Micah's Idolatry…7And there was a young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah who had been residing within the clan of Judah. 8This man left the city of Bethlehem in Judah to settle where he could find a place. And as he traveled, he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim. 9“Where are you from?” Micah asked him. “I am a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah,” he replied, “and I am on my way to settle wherever I can find a place.”… Cross References This man left the city of Bethlehem in Judah Ruth 1:1 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the land of Moab. 1 Samuel 17:12 Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah who had eight sons. And in the days of Saul, Jesse was old and well along in years. Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. to settle where he could find a place. Judges 18:1 In those days there was no king in Israel, and the tribe of the Danites was looking for territory to occupy. For up to that time they had not come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. Genesis 26:3 Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. 1 Kings 17:9-10 “Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” / So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” And as he traveled, he came to Micah’s house Judges 18:2 So the Danites sent out five men from their clans, men of valor from Zorah and Eshtaol, to spy out the land and explore it. “Go and explore the land,” they told them. The men entered the hill country of Ephraim and came to the house of Micah, where they spent the night. Judges 18:15 So they turned aside there and went to the home of the young Levite, the house of Micah, and greeted him. Judges 18:18 When they entered Micah’s house and took the graven image, the ephod, the household idols, and the molten idol, the priest said to them, “What are you doing?” in the hill country of Ephraim. 1 Samuel 1:1 Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. Judges 4:5 And she would sit under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, where the Israelites would go up to her for judgment. Joshua 17:15 Joshua answered them, “If you have so many people that the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go to the forest and clear for yourself an area in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim.” 1 Samuel 9:9-10 (Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.) / “Good,” said Saul to his servant. “Come, let us go.” So they set out for the city where the man of God was. 1 Kings 12:28-30 After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves. 2 Kings 17:28-29 Thus one of the priests they had carried away came and lived in Bethel, and he began to teach them how they should worship the LORD. / Nevertheless, the people of each nation continued to make their own gods in the cities where they had settled, and they set them up in the shrines that the people of Samaria had made on the high places. 2 Chronicles 11:14-15 For the Levites left their pasturelands and their possessions and went to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the LORD. / And Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat demons and calf idols he had made. Treasury of Scripture And the man departed out of the city from Bethlehemjudah to sojourn where he could find a place: and he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed. departed Judges 17:11 And the Levite was content to dwell with the man; and the young man was unto him as one of his sons. Nehemiah 13:10,11 And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field… as he journeyed. Jump to Previous Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Bethlehemjudah Beth-Lehem-Judah City Country Departed Ephraim E'phraim Hill Hill-Country House Journey Journeyed Judah Micah Micah's Mount Search Sojourn Somewhere Traveled Way Wherever WorkJump to Next Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Bethlehemjudah Beth-Lehem-Judah City Country Departed Ephraim E'phraim Hill Hill-Country House Journey Journeyed Judah Micah Micah's Mount Search Sojourn Somewhere Traveled Way Wherever WorkJudges 17 1. Of the money that Micah first stole, then restored, his mother makes idols5. And he makes ornaments for them 7. He hires a Levite to be his priest This man left the city of Bethlehem in Judah Bethlehem, known as the "House of Bread," is a significant location in biblical history. It is the birthplace of King David and later Jesus Christ, highlighting its importance in the lineage of the Messiah. The departure from Bethlehem may symbolize a search for spiritual or physical sustenance, as Bethlehem was a small town with limited resources. This movement reflects the broader theme of seeking God's provision and guidance, as seen in the journeys of the patriarchs like Abraham. to settle where he could find a place And as he traveled, he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim Persons / Places / Events 1. The Man from BethlehemThis unnamed Levite is central to the account. He leaves Bethlehem in Judah, seeking a place to reside, which reflects a time of instability and personal wandering. 2. Bethlehem in Judah A significant town in the tribal territory of Judah, known for its later association with King David and Jesus Christ. It represents a place of origin and identity. 3. Hill Country of Ephraim A region in central Israel, known for its rugged terrain. It is significant as the setting for many events in the Book of Judges. 4. Micah A resident of the hill country of Ephraim who has established a shrine in his home, representing the syncretism and idolatry prevalent in Israel during this period. 5. The House of Micah This location becomes a focal point for the account, symbolizing the spiritual confusion and moral decline in Israel. Teaching Points Spiritual WanderingThe Levite's journey from Bethlehem reflects a deeper spiritual wandering. Believers should seek God's guidance rather than relying on their own understanding. The Importance of Spiritual Roots Just as Bethlehem is significant in biblical history, Christians should remain rooted in their faith and heritage, drawing strength and direction from it. Dangers of Syncretism Micah's house represents the blending of true worship with idolatry. Believers must guard against compromising their faith with worldly practices. Seeking God's Place for Us The Levite's search for a place to live challenges us to seek God's will for our lives, trusting Him to lead us to where we can best serve Him. Community and Accountability The Levite's isolation highlights the need for community and accountability in our spiritual journey. We should surround ourselves with fellow believers who encourage and challenge us in our faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 17:8?2. How does Judges 17:8 illustrate the consequences of leaving one's hometown for gain? 3. What can we learn from the Levite's decision to seek a new place? 4. How does Judges 17:8 connect with the theme of spiritual wandering in Scripture? 5. What steps can we take to ensure our decisions align with God's will? 6. How can we discern God's guidance when considering relocation or major life changes? 7. What does Judges 17:8 reveal about the role of Levites in Israelite society? 8. How does Judges 17:8 challenge the concept of religious authority and leadership? 9. What historical context is necessary to understand the significance of Judges 17:8? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 17? 11. In Judges 17:7–13, how credible is the Levite’s priestly status, given the requirements found elsewhere in the Old Testament regarding priestly lineage? 12. Judges 12:1-7 - How does the narrative align with or contradict earlier portrayals of tribal unity and cooperation in Judges? 13. In Judges 17:1-4, how does Micah's mother shift from cursing the stolen silver to dedicating it for an idol, and what does this imply about her religious consistency? 14. Where is Mount Ephraim mentioned in the Bible? What Does Judges 17:8 Mean Leaving Bethlehem in Judah- “This man left the city of Bethlehem in Judah” (Judges 17:8). - The man is a Levite (v.7), whose tribe had God-assigned towns and duties (Numbers 35:1-8; Joshua 21:1-9). His departure signals discontentment or neglect of that calling. - Bethlehem of Judah, though small (Micah 5:2), was within the covenant land. Moving away hints that spiritual drifting often begins with dissatisfaction where God has placed us. - Compare Ruth 1:1-2, where Elimelech leaves Bethlehem during famine; both moves foreshadow trouble born of self-directed decisions rather than trust in the Lord’s provision. Looking for a Place to Settle - He left “to settle where he could find a place.” • The phrase shows restlessness—searching for livelihood or recognition instead of resting in God’s assignment (1 Timothy 6:6-8). • Judges repeatedly notes, “In those days there was no king…everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25). The Levite models that mindset. - When spiritual leaders wander, whole communities suffer (Malachi 2:7-8). The Levite’s quest contrasts with God’s desire that His ministers remain steadfast (1 Corinthians 15:58). Stopping at Micah’s House in Ephraim - “And as he traveled, he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim.” • Micah had set up a private shrine, idols, and hired his own priest (Judges 17:4-5). The Levite’s arrival fits human convenience rather than divine appointment. • Ephraim’s hills hosted earlier acts of faith (Joshua 24:30) but now harbor syncretism, showing how quickly a place can shift when truth is compromised. • The Levite accepts employment for ten shekels and a suit of clothes (Judges 17:10). Contrast God’s provision for Levites through tithes (Numbers 18:21-24). • His willingness to serve in a household shrine rather than the tabernacle anticipates the chaos of Judges 18, where Danite raiders steal the idols and carry priest and shrine away—proof that man-made religion never secures true peace (Psalm 115:4-8). summary Judges 17:8 sketches a Levite walking out of Bethlehem, hunting for a better situation, and landing in Micah’s idolatrous home. The verse exposes the ease with which God-appointed servants can drift when they ignore their calling, and it warns every believer that restlessness births compromise. Stability comes not from finding “a place” of our own choosing, but from remaining where the Lord has placed us and honoring His unchanging Word. (8) To sojourn where he could find.--Or, as we should say, to get his living. It may easily be supposed that in the disorganisation of these days, the due support of the Levites would be much neglected. The same neglect occurred in the troubled days of Nehemiah: "I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field," &c. (Nehemiah 13:10-11).To the house of Micah.--Probably he was induced to go there by the rumour of Micah's chapel and worship. Verse 8. - From Bethlehem-judah. Rather, out cf. The whole phrase means, out of the city, viz., out of Bethlehem. Mount Ephraim - the hill country of Ephraim, as ver. 1, where see note.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew This manהָאִ֜ישׁ (hā·’îš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person left וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk the city מֵהָעִ֗יר (mê·hā·‘îr) Preposition-m, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement of מִבֵּ֥ית (mib·bêṯ) Preposition Strong's Hebrew Bethlehem לֶ֙חֶם֙ (le·ḥem) Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1035: Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun in Judah יְהוּדָ֔ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites to settle לָג֖וּר (lā·ḡūr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1481: To turn aside from the road, sojourn, to shrink, fear, to gather for, hostility where בַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר (ba·’ă·šer) Preposition-b | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that he could find [a place]. יִמְצָ֑א (yim·ṣā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present And as he traveled, לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 6213: To do, make he came וַיָּבֹ֧א (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while Micah’s מִיכָ֖ה (mî·ḵāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4318: Micah -- the name of several Israelites house בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house in the hill country הַר־ (har-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country of Ephraim. אֶפְרַ֛יִם (’ep̄·ra·yim) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory Links Judges 17:8 NIVJudges 17:8 NLT Judges 17:8 ESV Judges 17:8 NASB Judges 17:8 KJV Judges 17:8 BibleApps.com Judges 17:8 Biblia Paralela Judges 17:8 Chinese Bible Judges 17:8 French Bible Judges 17:8 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 17:8 The man departed out of the city (Jd Judg. 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