Judges 19 — Hebrew and Greek compared
Disparate in this chapter: MT 19:2
Each card keeps the independently rendered source readings above their shared comparison and reception notes. The badge records the source’s governing classification; disparate readings are marked in red. Each reading retains its original reference.
Judges 19
Hospitality betrayed: the vulnerable neighbor before Christ
Editorial Christian reading: the journey and its reception are considered with the neighbor-love question in Luke 10:25–37. The unidentified woman remains a person in the narrative, not an allegorical object.
19:1–9 | The concubine, her father, and the delayed departure
Verse MT 19:1 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:1
In those days, when there was no king in Israel, a Levite was sojourning in the remote parts of Ephraim’s hill country. He took for himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:1
In those days, when there was no king in Israel, a Levite was sojourning in the remote parts of Ephraim’s hill country. The man took for himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah.
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: The setting and union agree. Both combine woman or wife with the more specific concubine designation.
Verse MT 19:2 Disparate
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:2
His concubine was unfaithful to him and went away from him to her father’s house, to Bethlehem in Judah. She remained there four months.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:2
His concubine became angry with him and went away from him to her father’s house, to Bethlehem in Judah. She remained there four months.
Classification & Notes
Disparate
Text: Hebrew zanah attributes sexual unfaithfulness; Greek ōrgisthē attributes anger. The reason and moral characterization of her departure differ substantially.
Verse MT 19:3 Divergent
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:3
Her husband arose and went after her to speak to her heart and bring her back, with his servant and a pair of donkeys. She brought him into her father’s house. The young woman’s father saw him and rejoiced to meet him.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:3
Her husband arose and went after her to speak to her heart, reconcile her to himself, and bring her back to him, with his servant and a pair of pack animals. He went to her father’s house. The young woman’s father saw him and came to meet him.
Classification & Notes
Divergent
Text: Greek adds explicit reconciliation, has the man go to the house rather than the woman bring him in, and describes the father’s arrival instead of joy. Hebrew bring her back follows the qere confirmed in Mechon Mamre [Q19]; the written form has a masculine suffix.
Verse MT 19:4 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:4
His father-in-law, the young woman’s father, held him there, and he stayed with him for three days. They ate, drank, and lodged there.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:4
His father-in-law, the young woman’s father, brought him in, and he stayed with him for three days. They ate, drank, and slept there.
Classification & Notes
Different
Text: Hebrew says the father detained him; Greek says he brought him in.
Verse MT 19:5 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:5
On the fourth day they rose early in the morning, and he arose to leave. The young woman’s father said to his son-in-law, “Strengthen your heart with a piece of bread, and afterward you may go.”
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:5
On the fourth day they rose early in the morning, and he arose to leave. The young woman’s father said to his son-in-law, “Strengthen your heart with a piece of bread, and afterward go.”
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: The first renewed invitation to eat agrees.
Verse MT 19:6 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:6
They sat down, and the two ate and drank together. The young woman’s father said to the man, “Please agree to stay the night, and let your heart be glad.”
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:6
They sat down, and the two ate and drank together. The young woman’s father said to the man, “Begin by staying the night, and let your heart be glad.”
Classification & Notes
Similar
Text: The Greek beginning expression differs from the Hebrew appeal for consent; both urge another night’s stay.
Verse MT 19:7 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:7
The man arose to leave, but his father-in-law pressed him, and he returned and lodged there.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:7
The man arose to leave, but his father-in-law pressed him, and he lodged there again.
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: The continued delay agrees.
Verse MT 19:8 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:8
On the fifth day he rose early in the morning to leave. The young woman’s father said, “Please strengthen your heart.” They delayed until the day declined, and the two ate.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:8
On the fifth day he rose early in the morning to leave. The young woman’s father said, “Strengthen your heart with bread and encamp until the day declines.” The two ate and drank.
Classification & Notes
Different
Text: Greek puts the delay into the father’s speech using a military camping verb and adds drinking. Hebrew narrates their delay.
Verse MT 19:9 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:9
The man arose to leave, with his concubine and servant. His father-in-law, the young woman’s father, said to him, “Look, the day is fading toward evening; please lodge here. Look, the day is settling down. Lodge here and let your heart be glad. Tomorrow you can rise early for your journey and go to your tent.”
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:9
The man arose to leave, with his concubine and servant. His father-in-law, the young woman’s father, said to him, “Look, the day has declined toward evening. Lodge here today as well, and let your heart be glad. Tomorrow you can rise early for your journey and go to your dwelling.”
Classification & Notes
Similar
Text: Hebrew repeats the evening and lodging appeal; Greek gives a shorter version of the same invitation.
19:10–21 | The road to Gibeah and the host’s welcome
Verse MT 19:10 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:10
The man was unwilling to lodge. He arose and left, coming opposite Jebus—that is, Jerusalem—with a pair of saddled donkeys and his concubine.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:10
The man was unwilling to lodge. He arose and left, and they came opposite Jebus—that is, Jerusalem—with a pair of saddled pack animals and his concubine.
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: The departure and geographical identification agree.
Verse MT 19:11 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:11
They were near Jebus, and the day was far spent. The servant said to his master, “Please come, let us turn aside into this Jebusite city and lodge in it.”
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:11
They were still near Jebus, and the day had greatly declined. The servant said to his master, “Please come, let us turn aside into this Jebusite city and lodge in it.”
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: The servant’s proposal agrees.
Verse MT 19:12 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:12
His master said to him, “We will not turn aside into a foreign city whose people are not sons of Israel. We will pass on to Gibeah.”
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:12
His master said to him, “I will certainly not turn aside into a foreigner’s city that does not belong to the sons of Israel. We will pass on to Gibeah.”
Classification & Notes
Similar
Text: Greek emphasizes the master’s individual refusal; the choice of Gibeah agrees.
Verse MT 19:13 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:13
He said to his servant, “Come, let us draw near to one of the places and lodge in Gibeah or Ramah.”
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:13
He said to his servant, “Come, let us enter one of the places and lodge in Gibeah or Ramah.”
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: The two possible Israelite destinations agree.
Verse MT 19:14 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:14
They passed on and went their way, and the sun set on them near Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:14
They passed on and went their way, for the sun set near Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin.
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: The sunset and Benjaminite setting agree.
Verse MT 19:15 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:15
They turned aside there to enter and lodge in Gibeah. He entered and sat in the city square, but no one took them into a house to lodge.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:15
They turned aside there to enter and lodge in Gibeah. They entered and sat in the city square, but no one took them into a house to lodge.
Classification & Notes
Similar
Text: Greek consistently narrates the whole party’s entry and sitting; Hebrew has the man as singular subject before the plural guests.
Verse MT 19:16 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:16
Look, an old man was coming from his work in the field that evening. The man was from Ephraim’s hill country and was sojourning in Gibeah; the people of the place were Benjaminites.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:16
Look, an old man came in from his work in the field that evening. The man was from Ephraim’s hill country and was sojourning in Gibeah; the people of the place were sons of Benjamin.
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: The host’s origin and resident status agree.
Verse MT 19:17 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:17
He lifted his eyes and saw the traveler in the city square. The old man said, “Where are you going, and where do you come from?”
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:17
He looked up and saw the traveler in the city square. The old man said, “Where are you going, and where do you come from?”
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: The inquiry agrees.
Verse MT 19:18 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:18
He said to him, “We are traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote parts of Ephraim’s hill country. I am from there. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and I am going to YHWH’s house. No one takes me into a house.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:18
He said to him, “We are traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote parts of Ephraim’s hill country. I am from there. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and I am going back to my house. No one takes me into a house.
Classification & Notes
Different
Text: The stated destination is YHWH’s house in Hebrew and my house in Greek. The Hebrew sanctuary destination is not replaced with the Greek homeward journey.
Verse MT 19:19 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:19
We have straw and fodder for our donkeys, and bread and wine for me, your maidservant, and the young man with your servants. We lack nothing.”
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:19
We have straw and fodder for our donkeys, and bread and wine for me, your maidservant, and the young man, your servants. We lack nothing.”
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: The provisions and deferential household designations agree. Greek doulē is rendered maidservant in the speaker’s address to his host, without implying that the stranger owns the woman.
Verse MT 19:20 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:20
The old man said, “Peace to you. Let all your needs fall upon me; only do not lodge in the square.”
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:20
The old man said, “Peace to you. Let all your needs fall upon me; only do not lodge in the square.”
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: The hospitality offer agrees.
Verse MT 19:21 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:21
He brought him into his house and gave fodder to the donkeys. They washed their feet, ate, and drank.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:21
He brought him into his house and set fodder before his pack animals. They washed their feet, ate, and drank.
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: The welcome and meal agree.
A woman violated and a nation summoned: truth before Christ
Editorial Christian reading: the violence and the husband’s later selective report call for truthful witness and care for the victim. The hearing-and-doing demand of Luke 10:36–37 frames reflection; no liturgical assignment is claimed.
19:22–26 | The assault and the woman at the threshold
Verse MT 19:22 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:22
While they were making their hearts glad, the city’s men, worthless men, surrounded the house and pounded on the door. They said to the old man, the householder, “Bring out the man who entered your house, so that we may know him.”
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:22
While their hearts were glad, the city’s men, sons of lawless men, surrounded the house and struck the door. They said to the old man, the master of the house, “Bring out the man who entered your house, so that we may know him.”
Classification & Notes
Similar
Text: The assaultive demand agrees. Know is a sexual euphemism here; the mob demands access to rape the guest. Hebrew sons of worthlessness becomes Greek sons of lawless men.
Verse MT 19:23 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:23
The householder went out to them and said, “No, my brothers, please do not act wickedly. Since this man has entered my house, do not commit this outrage.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:23
The master of the house went out to them and said, “Certainly not, brothers; please do not act wickedly. Since this man has entered my house, do not commit this folly.
Classification & Notes
Similar
Text: Hebrew nevalah, outrage, and Greek aphrosynē, folly, condemn the demanded act with different terms.
Verse MT 19:24 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:24
Look, here are my virgin daughter and his concubine. Let me bring them out; violate them and do to them what is good in your eyes. But do not commit this outrage against this man.”
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:24
Look, here are my virgin daughter and his concubine. I will bring them out; violate them and do to them what is good in your eyes. But do not do this deed of folly to this man.”
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: Both preserve the host’s offer to expose the women to sexual violence. The words are his proposal, not a divine instruction or the translator’s approval.
Verse MT 19:25 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:25
The men were unwilling to listen to him. The man seized his concubine and brought her outside to them. They raped her and abused her all night until morning, and let her go as dawn rose.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:25
The men were unwilling to listen to him. The man seized his concubine and brought her outside to them. They raped her and mocked her all night until morning, and let her go as dawn rose.
Classification & Notes
Similar
Text: Both use knew for the sexual assault; raped makes the coercive context clear. Hebrew further abuse corresponds to Greek mocking or maltreatment.
Verse MT 19:26 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:26
The woman came as morning approached and fell at the entrance of the man’s house where her master was, until daylight.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:26
The woman came toward morning and fell by the gateway entrance of the man’s house where her master was, until day broke.
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: Her collapse outside the house agrees. Both call the Levite her master here.
19:27–30 | The morning, dismemberment, and messages to Israel
Verse MT 19:27 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:27
Her master arose in the morning, opened the house’s doors, and went out to go on his way. Look, the woman, his concubine, lay fallen at the house entrance, her hands upon the threshold.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:27
Her master arose in the morning, opened the house’s doors, and went out to go on his way. Look, the woman, his concubine, lay fallen by the door, her hands upon the threshold.
Classification & Notes
Same
Text: The discovery and her hands on the threshold agree.
Verse MT 19:28 Divergent
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:28
He said to her, “Get up, and let us go.” There was no answer. He lifted her onto the donkey, and the man arose and went to his place.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:28
He said to her, “Get up, and let us go.” She did not answer him, for she had died. He lifted her onto the pack animal, and the man arose and went to his place.
Classification & Notes
Divergent
Text: Greek explicitly states that she had died before he transports her. Hebrew reports no answer here; 20:4 calls her murdered, and 20:5 reports her death in the husband’s testimony.
Verse MT 19:29 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:29
He entered his house, took the knife, seized his concubine, and cut her limb by limb into twelve pieces. He sent her throughout Israel’s territory.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:29
He entered his house, took the knife, seized his concubine, and cut her according to her bones into twelve portions. He sent them to all Israel’s tribes.
Classification & Notes
Similar
Text: Both preserve the dismemberment and twelve parts. Greek machaira is rendered knife in this flesh-cutting context; it does not require a different weapon. Hebrew distributes through Israel’s territory, Greek specifies the tribes.
Verse MT 19:30 Divergent
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
MT 19:30
Everyone who saw it said, “Nothing like this has happened or been seen since the day the sons of Israel came up from Egypt until this day. Set your minds to it; take counsel and speak.”
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
LXX 19:30
Everyone who saw it said, “Nothing like this has happened or been seen since the day the sons of Israel came up from Egypt until this day.” He commanded the men he sent, saying, “Say this to every man of Israel: ‘Has anything like this happened since the day the sons of Israel came up from Egypt until this day? Take counsel about her among yourselves and speak.’”
Classification & Notes
Divergent
Text: Greek adds the husband’s instructions to the emissaries and repeats the historical question. Its final counsel concerns her; the appeal remains tied to the woman’s fate.