Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version His master replied, “No. We won’t go into any city whose people are not Israelites. We will go on to Gibeah.” New Living Translation “No,” his master said, “we can’t stay in this foreign town where there are no Israelites. Instead, we will go on to Gibeah. English Standard Version And his master said to him, “We will not turn aside into the city of foreigners, who do not belong to the people of Israel, but we will pass on to Gibeah.” Berean Standard Bible But his master replied, “We will not turn aside to the city of foreigners, where there are no Israelites. We will go on to Gibeah.” Berean Literal Bible And his master said to him, “We will not turn aside into a city of foreigners who are not of the sons of Israel; and we will go on to Gibeah.” King James Bible And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah. New King James Version But his master said to him, “We will not turn aside here into a city of foreigners, who are not of the children of Israel; we will go on to Gibeah.” New American Standard Bible However, his master said to him, “We will not turn aside into a city of foreigners who are not of the sons of Israel; instead, we will go on as far as Gibeah.” NASB 1995 However, his master said to him, “We will not turn aside into the city of foreigners who are not of the sons of Israel; but we will go on as far as Gibeah.” NASB 1977 However, his master said to him, “We will not turn aside into the city of foreigners who are not of the sons of Israel; but we will go on as far as Gibeah.” Legacy Standard Bible However, his master said to him, “We will not turn aside into the city of foreigners who are not of the sons of Israel; but we will pass on by until Gibeah.” Amplified Bible But his master said to him, “We will not turn aside into a city of foreigners who are not of the sons (descendants) of Israel. We will go on as far as Gibeah.” Berean Annotated Bible But his master replied, “We will not turn aside to the city of foreigners, where there are no Israelites (God prevails). We will go on to Gibeah (hill). Christian Standard Bible But his master replied to him, “We will not stop at a foreign city where there are no Israelites. Let’s move on to Gibeah.” Holman Christian Standard Bible But his master replied to him, “We will not stop at a foreign city where there are no Israelites. Let’s move on to Gibeah."” American Standard Version And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside into the city of a foreigner, that is not of the children of Israel; but we will pass over to Gibeah. Contemporary English Version "No," the Levite answered. "They aren't Israelites, and I refuse to spend the night there. We'll stop for the night at Gibeah, English Revised Version And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside into the city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel; but we will pass over to Gibeah. GOD'S WORD® Translation The Levite told him, "We'll never go into a city of foreigners. They're not Israelites. We'll go on to Gibeah." International Standard Version But his master replied, "We're not going to turn aside into a city of foreigners who are not part of the Israelis. Instead, we'll go on to Gibeah." NET Bible But his master said to him, "We should not stop at a foreign city where non-Israelites live. We will travel on to Gibeah." New Heart English Bible His master said to him, "We won't go into the city of a foreigner that is not of the children of Israel, but we will pass over to Gibeah." Webster's Bible Translation And his master said to him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut his master replied, “We will not turn aside to the city of foreigners, where there are no Israelites. We will go on to Gibeah.” World English Bible His master said to him, “We won’t enter into the city of a foreigner that is not of the children of Israel; but we will pass over to Gibeah.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd his lord says to him, “Let us not turn aside to the city of a stranger, that is not of the sons of Israel there, but we have passed over to Gibeah.” Berean Literal Bible And his master said to him, “We will not turn aside into a city of foreigners who are not of the sons of Israel; and we will go on to Gibeah.” Young's Literal Translation And his lord saith unto him, 'Let us not turn aside unto the city of a stranger, that is not of the sons of Israel, thither, but we have passed over unto Gibeah.' Smith's Literal Translation And his lord will say to him, We will not turn into a strange city which is not of the sons of Israel here; and we passed over even to Gibeah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHis master answered him: I will not go into the town of another nation, who are not of the children of Israel, but I will pass over to Gabaa: Catholic Public Domain Version His lord responded to him: “I will not enter into the town of a foreign people, who are not of the sons of Israel. Instead, I will cross over as far as Gibeah. New American Bible But his master said to him, “We will not turn off to a foreigner’s city, where there are no Israelites. We will go on to Gibeah. New Revised Standard Version But his master said to him, “We will not turn aside into a city of foreigners, who do not belong to the people of Israel; but we will continue on to Gibeah.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd his master said to him, We will not turn aside into a strange city that does not belong to the house of Israel; but we will pass on to Gibeah. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And his Master said to him: “We will not turn aside to a foreign city that is not one of the household of Israel, but we will pass unto Gabah” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And his master said unto him: 'We will not turn aside into the city of a foreigner, that is not of the children of Israel; but we will pass over to Gibeah.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And his master said to him, We will not turn aside to a strange city, where there is not one of the children of Israel, but we will pass on as far as Gabaa. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Levite and His Concubine…11When they were near Jebus and the day was almost gone, the servant said to his master, “Please, let us stop at this Jebusite city and spend the night here.” 12But his master replied, “We will not turn aside to the city of foreigners, where there are no Israelites. We will go on to Gibeah.” 13He continued, “Come, let us try to reach one of these towns to spend the night in Gibeah or Ramah.”… Cross References But his master replied, Genesis 22:5 “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told his servants. “The boy and I will go over there to worship, and then we will return to you.” Genesis 24:56 But he replied, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has made my journey a success. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master.” Genesis 33:12-14 Then Esau said, “Let us be on our way, and I will go ahead of you.” / But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die. / Please let my lord go ahead of his servant. I will continue on slowly, at a comfortable pace for the livestock and children, until I come to my lord at Seir.” “We will not turn aside to the city of foreigners, Joshua 15:63 But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the descendants of Judah. 2 Samuel 5:6-8 Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.” / Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). / On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.” 1 Chronicles 11:4-5 Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land. / The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). where there are no Israelites. Deuteronomy 7:1-4 When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you— / and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. / Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, … Exodus 23:32-33 You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods. / They must not remain in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” Psalm 106:34-35 They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, / but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. We will go on to Gibeah.” 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. Judges 20:4-5 So the Levite, the husband of the murdered woman, answered: “I and my concubine came to Gibeah in Benjamin to spend the night. / And during the night, the men of Gibeah rose up against me and surrounded the house. They intended to kill me, but they abused my concubine, and she died. Hosea 10:9 Since the days of Gibeah you have sinned, O Israel, and there you have remained. Did not the battle in Gibeah overtake the sons of iniquity? Judges 11:2-3 And Gilead’s wife bore him sons who grew up, drove Jephthah out, and said to him, “You shall have no inheritance in our father’s house, because you are the son of another woman.” / So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where worthless men gathered around him and traveled with him. Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. 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. Treasury of Scripture And his master said to him, We will not turn aside here into the city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah. Gibeah. Jump to Previous Alien Belong Children City Hither However Israel Israelites Master Strange Stranger Thither Turn Way Won'tJump to Next Alien Belong Children City Hither However Israel Israelites Master Strange Stranger Thither Turn Way Won'tJudges 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 But his master replied This phrase introduces the Levite, who is the central figure in this narrative. The term "master" indicates his authority over his servant, reflecting the social hierarchy of ancient Israel. The Levite's role is significant as he represents the religious leadership of the time, which is often depicted as flawed in the Book of Judges. We will not turn aside to the city of foreigners where there are no Israelites We will go on to Gibeah Persons / Places / Events 1. The LeviteA central figure in this account, the Levite is traveling with his concubine and servant. His decision-making and actions are pivotal to the unfolding events. 2. The Concubine The Levite's concubine, whose tragic fate becomes a catalyst for the subsequent events in Israel. 3. The Servant Accompanies the Levite and the concubine on their journey, offering practical suggestions during their travels. 4. Jebus (Jerusalem) At this time, a city not yet fully under Israelite control, inhabited by the Jebusites, considered foreigners by the Levite. 5. Gibeah A city of the tribe of Benjamin, chosen by the Levite as a place to stay, believing it to be safer due to its Israelite inhabitants. Teaching Points Discernment in Decision-MakingThe Levite's choice to avoid a foreign city reflects a desire for safety among his own people. This highlights the importance of seeking godly wisdom and discernment in our decisions. Community and Belonging The Levite's preference for an Israelite city underscores the value of community and shared faith. Believers are encouraged to seek fellowship and accountability within the body of Christ. The Illusion of Safety Despite the Levite's intentions, Gibeah proves to be unsafe. This serves as a reminder that true security is found in God, not merely in human associations or assumptions. Hospitality and Responsibility The account challenges us to consider our own hospitality and how we treat others, especially those within the household of faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 19:12?2. Why did the Levite refuse to stay in a foreign city among foreigners? 3. How does Judges 19:12 highlight the importance of seeking godly fellowship? 4. What can we learn about decision-making from the Levite's choice in Judges 19:12? 5. How does Judges 19:12 connect with God's call for separation from ungodliness? 6. How can we apply the Levite's caution in our daily spiritual walk? 7. Why did the Levite refuse to stay in a city of foreigners in Judges 19:12? 8. How does Judges 19:12 reflect attitudes towards foreigners in ancient Israel? 9. What does Judges 19:12 reveal about tribal loyalty in Israelite society? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 19? 11. What happened to the Levite's concubine in Gibeah? 12. What is Gibeah's significance in the Bible? 13. Judges 19:25--Why didn't the Levite face direct condemnation for offering his concubine to the crowd, despite moral laws elsewhere in Scripture? 14. Why does archaeological evidence show that the Israelites were originally Canaanites rather than an invading force? What Does Judges 19:12 Mean But his master replied• The Levite, as head of his household, exercises decisive leadership, mirroring the responsibility highlighted in Genesis 18:19 and Joshua 24:15. • His reply steers the servants away from a path that appears convenient but may endanger covenant faithfulness. • Scripture consistently portrays godly heads of homes discerning dangers and choosing the wiser course (Proverbs 22:3; Ephesians 5:23). We will not turn aside to the city of foreigners • Separation from pagan influence is a recurring command: “You shall make no covenant with them” (Exodus 34:12). • Israel was called to remain distinct so that surrounding nations might see the holiness of the LORD (Deuteronomy 7:2–4; Numbers 23:9). • The Levite’s refusal echoes earlier judges who cautioned against settling among idolatrous peoples (Judges 2:1–3; 3:5–6). where there are no Israelites • Fellowship with the covenant community offered safety, accountability, and shared worship (Psalm 133:1; Psalm 122:1). • Distance from fellow believers often led to compromise, as seen in Genesis 19:1–8 when Lot isolated himself in Sodom. • New-covenant believers receive the same call: “not neglecting to meet together” (Hebrews 10:24–25), underscoring the timeless wisdom of seeking godly company. We will go on to Gibeah • Gibeah belonged to Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes, so the Levite expected kinship loyalty (Judges 19:14–15). • Earlier events in Benjamin’s territory suggested Israelite solidarity (Judges 1:21; 1 Samuel 11:4). • The tragic outcome that follows (Judges 19:22–30) shows the danger of assuming righteousness merely because a place bears Israel’s name (Matthew 7:21). summary Judges 19:12 records a deliberate choice: the Levite rejects lodging among foreigners and presses on toward an Israelite town, seeking the presumed safety of covenant community. Scripture affirms his instinct to avoid pagan influence and value fellowship with God’s people. Yet the chapter reminds readers that true security lies not in ethnicity or location but in hearts submitted to the LORD. (12) To Gibeah.--This is the "Gibeah of Saul," where the first king of Israel was born (1Samuel 11:4). It was one of the fourteen cities of Benjamin (Joshua 18:28), and is the modern Tuleil el Ful. It only involved a journey of four miles more (Jos. Antt. v. 2, ? 8).Verse 12. - Gibeah (or ha-Gibeah, the hill).. In the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:28); Saul's birthplace. Its modern name is Jeba It would be about two and a half hours' further journey from Jerusalem.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But his masterאֲדֹנָ֔יו (’ă·ḏō·nāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller replied, וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “We will not לֹ֤א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no turn aside נָסוּר֙ (nā·sūr) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 5493: To turn aside to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the city עִ֣יר (‘îr) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement of foreigners, נָכְרִ֔י (nā·ḵə·rî) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 5237: Foreign, alien where אֲשֶׁ֛ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that there are no לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no Israelites. מִבְּנֵ֥י (mib·bə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son We will go on וְעָבַ֖רְנוּ (wə·‘ā·ḇar·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on to עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while Gibeah.” גִּבְעָֽה׃ (giḇ·‘āh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1390: Gibeah -- 'hill', three cities in Palestine Links Judges 19:12 NIVJudges 19:12 NLT Judges 19:12 ESV Judges 19:12 NASB Judges 19:12 KJV Judges 19:12 BibleApps.com Judges 19:12 Biblia Paralela Judges 19:12 Chinese Bible Judges 19:12 French Bible Judges 19:12 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 19:12 His master said to him We won't (Jd Judg. 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