Judges 18:19 "Be quiet," they told him. "Put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?"

◄ Judges 18:19 ►

New International Version
They answered him, “Be quiet! Don’t say a word. Come with us, and be our father and priest. Isn’t it better that you serve a tribe and clan in Israel as priest rather than just one man’s household?”

New Living Translation
“Be quiet and come with us,” they said. “Be a father and priest to all of us. Isn’t it better to be a priest for an entire tribe and clan of Israel than for the household of just one man?”

English Standard Version
And they said to him, “Keep quiet; put your hand on your mouth and come with us and be to us a father and a priest. Is it better for you to be priest to the house of one man, or to be priest to a tribe and clan in Israel?”

Berean Standard Bible
“Be quiet,” they told him. “Put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?”

King James Bible
And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: is it better for thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel?

New King James Version
And they said to him, “Be quiet, put your hand over your mouth, and come with us; be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest to the household of one man, or that you be a priest to a tribe and a family in Israel?”

New American Standard Bible
And they said to him, “Be silent, put your hand over your mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest. Is it better for you to be a priest to the house of one man, or to be priest to a tribe and a family in Israel?”

NASB 1995
They said to him, “Be silent, put your hand over your mouth and come with us, and be to us a father and a priest. Is it better for you to be a priest to the house of one man, or to be priest to a tribe and a family in Israel?”

NASB 1977
And they said to him, “Be silent, put your hand over your mouth and come with us, and be to us a father and a priest. Is it better for you to be a priest to the house of one man, or to be priest to a tribe and a family in Israel?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And they said to him, “Be silent; put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be to us a father and a priest. Is it better for you to be a priest to the house of one man or to be priest to a tribe and a family in Israel?”

Amplified Bible
They said to him, “Keep quiet, put your hand over your mouth and come with us, and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest to the house of one man, or to be a priest to a tribe and family in Israel?”

Christian Standard Bible
They told him, “Be quiet. Keep your mouth shut. Come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or for you to be a priest for a tribe and family in Israel? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They told him, “Be quiet. Keep your mouth shut. Come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or for you to be a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?”

American Standard Version
And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thy hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: is it better for thee to be priest unto the house of one man, or to be priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel?

Contemporary English Version
"Quiet!" the men said. "Keep your mouth shut and listen. Why don't you come with us and be our priest, so you can tell us what God wants us to do? You could stay here and be a priest for one man's family, but wouldn't you rather be the priest for a clan or even a whole tribe of Israel?"

English Revised Version
And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: is it better for thee to be priest unto the house of one man, or to be priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They told him, "Keep quiet! Don't say a word! Come with us and be our father and priest. Is it better for you to be a priest for one man's house or for a tribe in Israel and its families?"

Good News Translation
They told him, "Keep quiet. Don't say a word. Come with us and be our priest and adviser. Wouldn't you rather be a priest for a whole Israelite tribe than for the family of one man?"

International Standard Version
They told him, "Shut up and keep quiet. Come with us and be our spiritual father and priest. It's better for you, isn't it, to be a priest to an entire tribe and family in Israel than to be priest to the home of one man?"

Majority Standard Bible
?Be quiet,? they told him. ?Put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel??

NET Bible
They said to him, "Shut up! Put your hand over your mouth and come with us! You can be our adviser and priest. Wouldn't it be better to be a priest for a whole Israelite tribe than for just one man's family?"

New Heart English Bible
They said to him, "Hold your peace, lay your hand on your mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest. Is it better for you to be priest to the house of one man, or to be priest to a tribe and a family in Israel?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And they said to him, Hold thy peace, lay thy hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: Is it better for thee to be a priest to the house of one man, or that thou shouldst be a priest to a tribe and a family in Israel?

World English Bible
They said to him, “Hold your peace, put your hand on your mouth, and go with us. Be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be priest to the house of one man, or to be priest to a tribe and a family in Israel?”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And they say to him, “Keep silent, lay your hand on your mouth, and go with us, and be for a father and for a priest to us: is it better your being a priest for the house of one man, or your being priest for a tribe and for a family in Israel?”

Young's Literal Translation
and they say to him, 'Keep silent, lay thy hand on thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us for a father and for a priest: is it better thy being a priest to the house of one man, or thy being priest to a tribe and to a family in Israel?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will say to him, Be silent; put thy hand upon thy mouth and go with us, and be to us for father and for priest: is it good for thee to be priest to the house of one man, or for thee to be priest to a tribe and to a family in Israel?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they said to him: Hold thy peace and put thy finger on thy mouth and come with us, that we may have thee for a father, and a priest. Whether is better for thee, to be a priest in the house of one man, or in a tribe and family in Israel?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they responded to him: “Be silent and place your finger over your mouth. And come with us, so that we may have you as a father as well as a priest. For which is better for you: to be a priest in the house of one man, or in one tribe and family in Israel?”

New American Bible
they said to him, “Be still! Put your hand over your mouth! Come with us and be our father and priest. Is it better for you to be priest for the family of one man or to be priest for a tribe and a clan in Israel?”

New Revised Standard Version
They said to him, “Keep quiet! Put your hand over your mouth, and come with us, and be to us a father and a priest. Is it better for you to be priest to the house of one person, or to be priest to a tribe and clan in Israel?”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And they said to him, Hold your peace, stop talking, and come with us, and be to us a father and a priest. Which is better for you, to be a priest for one man's household, or to be a priest to a family and a tribe of Israel?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
They said to him: “Be quiet! Lay your hand on your mouth and come with us and be a Father and Priest to us! Which is better for you: that you would be a Priest for the house of one man or that you would be a Priest for a race and for a tribe of the house of Israel?”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And they said unto him: 'Hold thy peace, lay thy hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest; is it better for thee to be priest unto the house of one man, or to be priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they said to him, Be silent, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, and come with us, and be to us a father and a priest: is it better for thee to be the priest of the house of one man, or to be the priest of a tribe and house for a family of Israel?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Danites Take Micah's Idols
…18When 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?” 19“Be quiet,” they told him. “Put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?” 20So the priest was glad and took the ephod, the household idols, and the graven image, and went with the people.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Judges 17:10
“Stay with me,” Micah said to him, “and be my father and priest, and I will give you ten shekels of silver per year, a suit of clothes, and your provisions.” So the Levite went in

1 Kings 12:31
Jeroboam also built shrines on the high places and appointed from every class of people priests who were not Levites.

1 Kings 13:33
Even after these events, Jeroboam did not repent of his evil ways, but again he appointed priests for the high places from every class of people. He ordained anyone who desired to be a priest of the high places.

2 Kings 17:32
So the new residents worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed for themselves priests of all sorts to serve in the shrines of the high places.

2 Chronicles 11:15
And Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat demons and calf idols he had made.

2 Chronicles 13:9
But did you not drive out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites? And did you not make priests for yourselves as do the peoples of other lands? Now whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams can become a priest of things that are not gods.

Exodus 32:29
Afterward, Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for service to the LORD, since each man went against his son and his brother; so the LORD has bestowed a blessing on you this day.”

Numbers 16:10
He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well.

Deuteronomy 33:8-10
Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. / He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant. / He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar.

1 Samuel 2:36
And everyone left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver or a morsel of bread, pleading, “Please appoint me to some priestly office so that I can eat a piece of bread.”’”

1 Samuel 8:3
But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.

1 Samuel 14:3
including Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left.

1 Samuel 22:18
So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod.

1 Kings 2:27
So Solomon banished Abiathar from the priesthood of the LORD and thus fulfilled the word that the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli.

Isaiah 56:10-11
Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. / Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:

Treasury of Scripture

And they said to him, Hold your peace, lay your hand on your mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: is it better for you to be a priest to the house of one man, or that you be a priest to a tribe and a family in Israel?

lay thine.

Job 21:5
Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth.

Job 29:9
The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.

Job 40:5,6
Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further…

a father

Judges 17:10
And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me, and be unto me a father and a priest, and I will give thee ten shekels of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals. So the Levite went in.

2 Kings 6:21
And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?

2 Kings 8:8,9
And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? …

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Judges 18

1. The Danites send five men to seek out an inheritance
3. At the house of Micah they consult with Jonathan, and are encouraged
7. They search Laish, and bring back news of good hope
11. Six hundred men are sent to surprise it
16. In their way they rob Micah of his priest and his consecrated things
27. They win Laish, and call it Dan
30. They set up idolatry, wherein Jonathan inherits the priesthood.

Berean Study Bible

Be quiet
This phrase is a command for silence, often used to assert authority or control over a situation. In the Hebrew context, the word "quiet" (Hebrew: "ḥărēš") can imply a forced silence, suggesting an imposition of will. The Danites, in this narrative, are asserting their dominance over Micah's priest, indicating a shift in power dynamics. This reflects a broader theme in Judges of the chaotic and often violent struggle for control and influence among the tribes of Israel.

do not say a word
This further emphasizes the command for silence, reinforcing the idea that the priest should not protest or resist. The Hebrew phrase here underscores the finality and seriousness of the command. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, words held significant power, and to silence someone was to strip them of their agency and influence. This reflects the often harsh and authoritarian measures taken by those in power during the time of the Judges.

Come with us
This invitation, or rather a directive, is a call to join a new venture or mission. The Hebrew root for "come" (Hebrew: "lēḵ") is often used in the context of movement or journey, suggesting a transition or change in allegiance. The Danites are offering the priest a new role, which, while seemingly an opportunity, is also a coercion. This reflects the transient and opportunistic nature of leadership and loyalty during the period of the Judges.

and be our father and priest
The term "father" here is used metaphorically to denote a position of leadership and guidance, not necessarily biological paternity. In ancient Israel, a "father" was a figure of authority and respect. The role of "priest" (Hebrew: "kōhēn") was one of spiritual leadership and intercession. By offering these roles, the Danites are attempting to legitimize their actions and establish a new religious order. This highlights the fluidity and often self-serving nature of religious and social structures in the time of the Judges.

Is it better for you to be priest to the house of one man
This rhetorical question challenges the priest's current position, suggesting that serving a single household is less prestigious or rewarding. The phrase "house of one man" implies limited influence and resources. In the context of ancient Israel, where tribal and familial affiliations were paramount, the offer to serve a larger community would be seen as more advantageous. This reflects the human tendency to seek greater influence and status, a recurring theme in the book of Judges.

or to be priest to a tribe and family in Israel?
This contrasts the previous phrase by presenting a seemingly superior alternative. Serving a "tribe and family in Israel" implies a broader scope of influence and authority. The mention of "tribe" (Hebrew: "šēḇeṭ") and "family" (Hebrew: "mišpāḥâ") underscores the importance of communal and tribal identity in ancient Israel. This offer appeals to the priest's ambition and desire for greater significance, illustrating the often complex interplay between personal ambition and communal responsibility in the narrative of Judges.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(19) Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.--Comp. Job 21:5; Job 29:9; Proverbs 30:32. The laying of the finger on the lip is one of the most universal of gestures. It is the attitude of Horus, the Egyptian god of silence. (See Apul. Metamorph. 1: at ille digitum, a pollice proximum ori suo admovens . . . tace. tace, inquit.)

A father and a priest.--Judges 17:10.

Unto a tribe and a family.--Both to a shebet and a mishpecah. (See Note on Judges 18:1.) . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 19. - Lay thine hand upon thy mouth. Cf. Job 21:5; Job 29:9; Job 40:4. A father and a priest. See Judges 17:10, note.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

“Be quiet,”
הַחֲרֵ֜שׁ (ha·ḥă·rêš)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2790: To cut in, engrave, plow, devise

they told him.
וַיֹּאמְרוּ֩ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Put
שִֽׂים־ (śîm-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

your hand
יָדְךָ֤ (yā·ḏə·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

your mouth
פִּ֙יךָ֙ (pî·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

and come
וְלֵ֣ךְ (wə·lêḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

with us
עִמָּ֔נוּ (‘im·mā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

and be
וֶֽהְיֵה־ (weh·yêh-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a father
לְאָ֣ב (lə·’āḇ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

and a priest
וּלְכֹהֵ֑ן (ū·lə·ḵō·hên)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

to us.
לָ֖נוּ (lā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrew

Is it better
הֲט֣וֹב ׀ (hă·ṭō·wḇ)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

for you to be
הֱיוֹתְךָ֣ (hĕ·yō·wṯ·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a priest
כֹהֵ֗ן (ḵō·hên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

for the house
לְבֵית֙ (lə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of one
אֶחָ֔ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

person
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

or
א֚וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

a priest
כֹהֵ֔ן (ḵō·hên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

for a tribe
לְשֵׁ֥בֶט (lə·šê·ḇeṭ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

and family
וּלְמִשְׁפָּחָ֖ה (ū·lə·miš·pā·ḥāh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

in Israel?”
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (bə·yiś·rā·’êl)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

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OT History: Judges 18:19 They said to him Hold your peace (Jd Judg. Jdg)