And his concubine was unfaithful to him, and she went away from him to her father’s house at Bethlehem in Judah, and was there some four months.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Hebrew word translated as "played the whore" here might not imply literal infidelity, but rather a serious "revolt" or "despising" of her husband. Many ancient translations and scholars suggest it signifies a profound marital dispute and her subsequent departure, not necessarily adultery. This nuance is crucial because it impacts our understanding of the husband's motivation in seeking her return, suggesting reconciliation rather than punishment for a grave offense.
And his concubine was unfaithful to him, and she went away from him to her father’s house at Bethlehem in Judah, and was there some four months.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Levite's concubine, after a quarrel, leaves him and returns to her father's home in Bethlehem. This separation lasts for several months, setting the stage for the Levite's journey to bring her back, which ultimately leads to a horrific act of violence in Gibeah.
This verse opens with a phrase that sounds shocking: 'played the whore.' But does it really mean what we first think? The original language and surrounding context offer a different perspective.
A Word in Dispute
The Hebrew word used here, zanah, is often translated as 'played the whore' or 'committed adultery.' However, many scholars point out that the context doesn't necessarily support this harsh interpretation.
The verse mentions 'four whole months.' Why is this detail included? It's more than just a number; it speaks volumes about the state of this relationship and the time it takes for things to fester.
A Season of Separation
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The specific mention of 'four whole months' is significant. It wasn't a brief argument or a quick trip home.
Understand the original words
zanah · Hebrew Verb
To deviate from a covenant or trust, specifically in a marital or spiritual sense. In the Old Testament, this term is frequently used to describe both sexual immorality and the betrayal of God's covenant by Israel.
The verse describes a domestic dispute in a time of profound societal breakdown in Israel, where a lack of strong leadership meant that personal conflicts could escalate into national tragedy.
c. 11th century BC
Period of the Judges
This era in Israelite history was characterized by a lack of centralized monarchy and frequent cycles of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance.
c. 11th century BC
Moral and Social Chaos
The book of Judges depicts a time when 'every man did what was right in his own eyes,' leading to widespread injustice and moral decline.
c. 11th century BC— this verse
Concubine leaves her husband
A Levite's concubine, possibly due to a quarrel or dissatisfaction, returns to her father's house in Bethlehem, Judah.
c. 11th century BC
Levite pursues his concubine
The Levite travels to Bethlehem to speak kindly to his concubine and persuade her to return, highlighting the attempt at reconciliation.
c. 11th century BC
The Levite's arrival in Gibeah
The Levite and his concubine eventually depart Bethlehem, but due to the late hour, they stop in Gibeah for the night.
This passage shows a similar breakdown of social order and moral responsibility, where hospitality is perverted and fathers offer their daughters rather than protect guests, echoing the pervasive corruption seen in Judges.
Exodus 22:16-17This law addresses the specific case of betrothal and concubinage, highlighting the legal and social status of these relationships and the consequences of their violation, which provides context for the concubine's departure and the Levite's actions.
Deuteronomy 22:22This law prescribes the penalty for adultery, revealing the severe consequences for infidelity and providing a backdrop for understanding the gravity of the concubine's alleged actions and the societal expectations regarding marital fidelity.
Romans 1:24-32Paul describes a society given over to debauchery and impurity due to their rejection of God, mirroring the moral decay and deviant behavior depicted in the book of Judges, particularly in this narrative.
gillJudges 19:2: "And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father's house to Bethlehemjudah, and was there four whole months."
And his concubine played the whore against him,.... Was unfaithful to him and his bed, and broke the covenant and agreement between them; or "with him" (i), while she was with him in the house; or "before him" (k), of which he had knowledge and proof; though some think this is not to be understood of whoredom or adultery, but of her il…
bensonJudges 19:2: "And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father's house to Bethlehemjudah, and was there four whole months."
Jdg 19:2-3 . Played the whore against him — Against her faith given to him. Went away — Either for fear of punishment, or because her heart was alienated from him; wherein not only she sinned, but her father, by connivance at her sin, and neglect of just endeavours for her reconciliation to her husband. Her husband went to speak friend…
The Hebrew word translated as "played the whore" here might not imply literal infidelity, but rather a serious "revolt" or "despising" of her husband. Many ancient translations and scholars suggest it signifies a profound marital dispute and her subsequent departure, not necessarily adultery. This nuance is crucial because it impacts our understanding of the husband's motivation in seeking her return, suggesting reconciliation rather than punishment for a grave offense.
The Levite's concubine, after a quarrel, leaves him and returns to her father's home in Bethlehem. This separation lasts for several months, setting the stage for the Levite's journey to bring her back, which ultimately leads to a horrific act of violence in Gibeah.
The Levite's concubine, after a quarrel, leaves him and returns to her father's home in Bethlehem. This separation lasts for several months, setting the stage for the Levite's journey to bring her back, which ultimately leads to a horrific act of violence in Gibeah.
"And his concubine was unfaithful to him, and she went away from him to her father’s house at Bethlehem in Judah, and was there some four months." — The Hebrew word translated as "played the whore" here might not imply literal infidelity, but rather a serious "revolt" or "despising" of her husband. Many ancient translations and scholars suggest i…
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Last reviewed October 2026