Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version That evening an old man from the hill country of Ephraim, who was living in Gibeah (the inhabitants of the place were Benjamites), came in from his work in the fields. New Living Translation That evening an old man came home from his work in the fields. He was from the hill country of Ephraim, but he was living in Gibeah, where the people were from the tribe of Benjamin. English Standard Version And behold, an old man was coming from his work in the field at evening. The man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was sojourning in Gibeah. The men of the place were Benjaminites. Berean Standard Bible That evening an old man from the hill country of Ephraim, who was residing in Gibeah (the men of that place were Benjamites), came in from his work in the field. Berean Literal Bible And behold, an old man came in from his work in the field at the evening. And the man was from the mountains of Ephraim, and he was staying in Gibeah, and the men of the place were Benjamites. King James Bible And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place were Benjamites. New King James Version Just then an old man came in from his work in the field at evening, who also was from the mountains of Ephraim; he was staying in Gibeah, whereas the men of the place were Benjamites. New American Standard Bible Then behold, an old man was coming out of the field from his work at evening. Now the man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was staying in Gibeah, but the men of the place were Benjaminites. NASB 1995 Then behold, an old man was coming out of the field from his work at evening. Now the man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was staying in Gibeah, but the men of the place were Benjamites. NASB 1977 Then behold, an old man was coming out of the field from his work at evening. Now the man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was staying in Gibeah, but the men of the place were Benjamites. Legacy Standard Bible But behold, an old man was coming from his work, from the field, at evening. Now the man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was sojourning in Gibeah, but the men of the place were Benjamites. Amplified Bible Then behold, there was an old man who was coming out of the field from his work at evening. He was from the hill country of Ephraim but was staying in Gibeah, and the men of the place were sons (descendants) of Benjamin. Berean Annotated Bible That evening an old man from the hill country of Ephraim (doubly fruitful), who was residing in Gibeah (hill) (the men of that place were Benjamites (son of the right hand)), came in from his work in the field. Christian Standard Bible In the evening, an old man came in from his work in the field. He was from the hill country of Ephraim, but he was residing in Gibeah where the people were Benjaminites. Holman Christian Standard Bible In the evening, an old man came in from his work in the field. He was from the hill country of Ephraim but was residing in Gibeah, and the men of that place were Benjaminites. American Standard Version And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even: now the man was of the hill-country of Ephraim, and he sojourned in Gibeah; but the men of the place were Benjamites. Contemporary English Version Soon an old man came in through the gates on his way home from working in the fields. Most of the people who lived in Gibeah belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, but this man was originally from the hill country of Ephraim. English Revised Version And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even; now the man was of the hill country of Ephraim, and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place were Benjamites. GOD'S WORD® Translation That evening an old man came into the city from his work in the fields. He was from the mountain region of Ephraim but lived in Gibeah. The other people who lived there were from the tribe of Benjamin. Good News Translation While they were there, an old man came by at the end of a day's work on the farm. He was originally from the hill country of Ephraim, but he was now living in Gibeah. (The other people there were from the tribe of Benjamin.) International Standard Version Just then, an old man was coming out of the fields that evening from work. The man was from the mountainous region of Ephraim and had been staying in Gibeah, even though the men of that place were descendants of Benjamin. NET Bible But then an old man passed by, returning at the end of the day from his work in the field. The man was from the Ephraimite hill country; he was living temporarily in Gibeah. (The residents of the town were Benjaminites.) New Heart English Bible Look, there came an old man from his work out in the field at evening. Now the man was of the hill country of Ephraim, and he was residing in Gibeah; but the men of the place were Benjamites. Webster's Bible Translation And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at evening, who was also of mount Ephraim; and he dwelt in Gibeah: but the men of the place were Benjaminites. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThat evening an old man from the hill country of Ephraim, who was residing in Gibeah (the men of that place were Benjamites), came in from his work in the field. World English Bible Behold, an old man came from his work out of the field at evening. Now the man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he lived in Gibeah; but the men of the place were Benjamites. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd behold, an old man has come from his work from the field in the evening, and the man [is] of the hill-country of Ephraim, and he [is] a sojourner in Gibeah, and the men of the place [are] Benjamites. Berean Literal Bible And behold, an old man came in from his work in the field at the evening. And the man was from the mountains of Ephraim, and he was staying in Gibeah, and the men of the place were Benjamites. Young's Literal Translation And lo, a man, an aged one, hath come from his work from the field in the evening, and the man is of the hill-country of Ephraim, and he is a sojourner in Gibeah, and the men of the place are Benjamites. Smith's Literal Translation And behold, an old man came in from his work out of the field in the evening, and the man from mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeab; and the men of the place, sons of the Jaminite. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd behold they saw an old man, returning out of the field and from his work in the evening, and he also was of mount Ephraim, and dwelt as a stranger in Gabaa; but the men of that country were the children of Jemini. Catholic Public Domain Version And behold, they saw an old man, returning from the field and from his work in the evening, and he was also from mount Ephraim, and he was living as a stranger in Gibeah. For the men of that region were of the sons of Benjamin. New American Bible In the evening, however, an old man came from his work in the field; he was from the mountain region of Ephraim, though he was living in Gibeah where the local people were Benjaminites. New Revised Standard Version Then at evening there was an old man coming from his work in the field. The man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was residing in Gibeah. (The people of the place were Benjaminites.) Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at evening, and the man was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin, but the men of the place were Benjamites whose deeds were exceedingly bad. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And behold, an old man came from his work from the field in the evening, and the man was from the Mountain of Aphreim, and was dwelling in Gabah of Benyamin, and the people of the place, the children of Benjamin, their works were very evil OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even; now the man was of the hill-country of Ephraim, and he sojourned in Gibeah; but the men of the place were Benjamites. Brenton Septuagint Translation And behold, an old man came out of the field from his work in the evening; and the man was of mount Ephraim, and he sojourned in Gabaa, and the men of the place were sons of Benjamin. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Levite and His Concubine…15They stopped to go in and lodge in Gibeah. The Levite went in and sat down in the city square, but no one would take them into his home for the night. 16 That evening an old man from the hill country of Ephraim, who was residing in Gibeah (the men of that place were Benjamites), came in from his work in the field. 17When he looked up and saw the traveler in the city square, the old man asked, “Where are you going, and where have you come from?”… Cross References That evening 2 Samuel 11:2 One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. Genesis 19:1 Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, Genesis 24:63 Early in the evening, Isaac went out to the field to meditate, and looking up, he saw the camels approaching. an old man from the hill country of Ephraim, Judges 17:1 Now a man named Micah from 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. 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.” who was residing in Gibeah Judges 20:4 So the Levite, the husband of the murdered woman, answered: “I and my concubine came to Gibeah in Benjamin to spend the night. 1 Samuel 13:16 Now Saul and Jonathan his son and the troops with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Michmash. 1 Samuel 10:26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him. (the men of that place were Benjamites), Judges 20:14 And from their cities they came together at Gibeah to go out and fight against the Israelites. 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?” 1 Samuel 22:7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds? came in from his work in the field. 1 Samuel 11:5 Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. “Why are they weeping?” And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. 1 Chronicles 27:26 Ezri son of Chelub was in charge of the workers in the fields who tilled the soil. Ruth 2:19 Then her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today, and where did you work? Blessed be the man who noticed you.” So she told her mother-in-law where she had worked. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said. Judges 17:7-9 And there was a young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah who had been residing within the clan of Judah. / 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. / “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.” Treasury of Scripture And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place were Benjamites. his work Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Psalm 104:23 Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening. Psalm 128:2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Jump to Previous Aged Benjaminites Benjamites Country Dwelt Ephraim E'phraim Evening Hill Hill-Country Mount Sojourned Sojourning Staying WorkJump to Next Aged Benjaminites Benjamites Country Dwelt Ephraim E'phraim Evening Hill Hill-Country Mount Sojourned Sojourning Staying WorkJudges 19 1. A Levite goes to Bethlehem to fetch home his concubine16. An old man entertains him at Gibeah 22. The Gibeonites abuse his concubine to death 29. He divides her into twelve pieces, and sends them to the twelve tribes That evening The timing of events in biblical narratives often holds significance. Evening in ancient Israel was a time of transition, marking the end of the day's labor and the beginning of rest. It was also a time when travelers sought shelter, as night travel was dangerous. This sets the stage for the unfolding events, emphasizing the urgency and vulnerability of the situation. an old man from the hill country of Ephraim who was residing in Gibeah (the men of that place were Benjamites) came in from his work in the field Persons / Places / Events 1. Old Man from EphraimAn elderly man who was originally from the hill country of Ephraim but was residing in Gibeah. His presence introduces a contrast between hospitality and the inhospitable nature of the Benjamites. 2. Hill Country of Ephraim A region in Israel known for its rugged terrain and significant biblical history. It was the home of several notable figures, including Joshua and Samuel. 3. Gibeah A town in the territory of Benjamin. It becomes the setting for the tragic events that follow, highlighting the moral decay within Israel. 4. Benjamites The tribe of Benjamin, known for their warrior skills. In this context, they are depicted as morally corrupt, setting the stage for the conflict that ensues. 5. Evening Arrival The timing of the old man's arrival underscores the urgency and vulnerability of the situation, as evening was a time when travelers sought shelter. Teaching Points The Importance of HospitalityThe old man's willingness to offer shelter contrasts with the inhospitable nature of the Benjamites. Christians are called to practice hospitality, reflecting God's love and care. Moral Decay and Its Consequences The events in Gibeah serve as a warning of the dangers of moral decay within a community. Believers must uphold righteousness and justice. The Role of the Stranger The old man, a stranger in Gibeah, becomes a vessel of God's provision. God often uses unexpected people to fulfill His purposes. Community Responsibility The actions of the Benjamites reflect on the entire community. Christians are called to hold each other accountable and promote godly living. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 19:16?2. How does Judges 19:16 illustrate the importance of hospitality in Christian life? 3. What lessons on compassion can we learn from the old man's actions? 4. How does Judges 19:16 connect to Jesus' teachings on loving strangers? 5. In what ways can we practice hospitality in our modern communities? 6. How can we ensure our homes reflect the welcoming spirit of Judges 19:16? 7. Why does Judges 19:16 depict such a violent and disturbing event? 8. How does Judges 19:16 fit into the broader narrative of Israel's moral decline? 9. What historical context is necessary to understand Judges 19:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 19? 11. Why does Judges 1 focus on partial victories and failures if God had promised total victory, raising questions about divine promises versus historical outcomes? 12. If the land division was divinely ordained, why do other biblical accounts (e.g., Judges 1) describe tribes failing to fully possess these assigned territories? 13. Why does the text promote the abduction of women as a solution for the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:20-23)? 14. What is the Tribe of Benjamin? What Does Judges 19:16 Mean That evening• Darkness is settling in, a natural cue for travelers to seek shelter (cf. Genesis 19:1; Luke 24:29). • The timing heightens tension—night often exposes moral contrasts in Scripture, as later events in Gibeah will show (John 3:19-20). • Readers are alerted that a turning point is near; God’s Word never wastes a detail. An old man from the hill country of Ephraim • His age hints at wisdom and experience; elders were expected to model covenant faithfulness (Leviticus 19:32; Titus 2:2). • Coming from Ephraim—same tribe as the traveling Levite (Judges 19:1)—creates an instant bond of shared heritage (Proverbs 17:17). • God often raises unexpected individuals, not official leaders, to uphold righteousness (2 Kings 5:2-3; Acts 9:10-17). Who was residing in Gibeah • “Residing” suggests a sojourner status; he lives there but his roots are elsewhere, sharpening his outsider’s perception of local sin (Hebrews 11:13). • Gibeah, though within Benjamin, belongs to Israel at large; accountability before God is national, not just tribal (Deuteronomy 23:9). • The man’s presence foreshadows God’s witness inside even compromised communities (Philippians 2:15). (the men of that place were Benjamites) • Scripture flags tribal identity for a reason: conflict will flow from intra-Israel tensions (Judges 20:12-13). • Benjamin’s warriors had a fierce reputation (Judges 20:16), which contrasts sharply with the expected hospitality toward strangers (Leviticus 19:33-34). • The line reminds us sin can grip any group, however privileged (Romans 3:9-10). Came in from his work in the field • He is a laboring man, not idle; daily faithfulness sets the stage for extraordinary obedience (Colossians 3:23). • Returning “from the field” echoes biblical patterns where God meets workers after a day’s labor—Boaz, shepherds, fishermen (Ruth 2:4; Luke 2:8; Matthew 4:18-22). • His hard day does not excuse him from hospitality; love of neighbor remains paramount (Hebrews 13:2). summary Judges 19:16 paints a deliberate portrait: as night falls, a humble Ephraimite sojourning in Benjamite Gibeah finishes his fieldwork. Though an outsider, he will embody the covenant virtue of hospitality that the town itself neglects. The verse prepares us to contrast righteousness and depravity, underscoring that God always preserves a witness—even in the darkest settings—and that every detail of His Word calls His people to faithfulness. (16) Which was also of mount Ephraim.--He was therefore a fellow-countryman of the Levite, but his hospitable feelings were aroused before he had been informed of this fact.Toward the side of mount Ephraim.--Rather, the depths of the hill-country of Ephraim. I am now going to the house of the Lord.--We are not told anywhere else in the story that the Levite was going to Shiloh (Judges 18:31; Joshua 18:1), but that he was returning to his home in Mount Ephraim. Hence some render the words, "I walk at the house of Jehovah"--i.e., I am a Levite, engaged in the service of the Tabernacle at Shiloh. It is true that this would be no answer to the question, "Whither goest thou?" On the other hand, the phrase is not a usual one for going to a place, and the Levite perhaps meant to imply an additional reason why the inhospitable reception was very unworthy. His office ought to have procured him a welcome, yet he who belongs to God's house cannot find shelter in any house in Gibeah. The LXX. adopt another reading, and render it "to my house" (reading Bithi). The reading of the MSS. may have come from regarding the last letter as an abbreviation of Jehovah. Verse 16. - Which was also of mount Ephraim. The Hebrew is, And the man was from the hill country of Ephraim. It does not mean that he also, as well as the Levite, was from Ephraim.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew That eveningבָּעֶ֔רֶב (bā·‘e·reḇ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6153: Evening an old זָקֵ֗ן (zā·qên) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2205: Old man אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person from the hill country מֵהַ֣ר (mê·har) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country of Ephraim, אֶפְרַ֔יִם (’ep̄·ra·yim) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory who was residing גָ֖ר (ḡār) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1481: To turn aside from the road, sojourn, to shrink, fear, to gather for, hostility in Gibeah בַּגִּבְעָ֑ה (bag·giḇ·‘āh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1390: Gibeah -- 'hill', three cities in Palestine (the men וְאַנְשֵׁ֥י (wə·’an·šê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of that place הַמָּק֖וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition were Benjamites) יְמִינִֽי׃ (yə·mî·nî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1145: Benjamite -- a Benjaminite came in בָּ֣א (bā) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go from מִֽן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of his work מַעֲשֵׂ֤הוּ (ma·‘ă·śê·hū) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4639: An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property in מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the field. הַשָּׂדֶה֙ (haś·śā·ḏeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7704: Field, land Links Judges 19:16 NIVJudges 19:16 NLT Judges 19:16 ESV Judges 19:16 NASB Judges 19:16 KJV Judges 19:16 BibleApps.com Judges 19:16 Biblia Paralela Judges 19:16 Chinese Bible Judges 19:16 French Bible Judges 19:16 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 19:16 Behold there came an old man (Jd Judg. 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