Bible Strands
Judges 19:21
So he brought him to his house and fed his donkeys. And they washed their feet and ate and drank.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — An old man in Gibeah brings the Levite traveler and his companions into his home after warning them not to spend the night in the public square. The host provides immediate physical care for the men and their animals before the evening progresses.
The words — The Hebrew verb וַ/יָּ֖בָל (va/i.yi.bol) literally means "he fed" or "he caused to eat," describing the host's provision for the donkeys. The phrase רַגְלֵי/הֶ֔ם (rag.lei./Hem) translates to "their feet," indicating the standard practice of washing after travel.
The thread — The sequence of sheltering travelers, washing feet, and feeding animals appears in Genesis 18:4 and Genesis 43:24 as structural markers of hospitality, later referenced in Luke 7:44 to contrast hospitality with neglect.
Why it lands — The text records routine sustenance without commentary, requiring the reader to observe how basic care establishes the setting for the violence that follows. It asks the reader to track the narrative shift from provision to threat without smoothing the contrast.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.
Cross-references
- Luke 7:44 And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
- Genesis 18:4 Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.
- Genesis 43:24 And the steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet, and provided food for their donkeys.
- John 13:14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.
- Genesis 24:32 So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and feed were brought to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of his companions.
- 1 Samuel 25:41 She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.”
- 2 Samuel 11:8 Then he said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king followed him.
- John 13:4 So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist.
- 1 Timothy 5:10 and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.