While the mob demands the stranger, "that we may know him," the sinister implication isn't solely about curiosity. The phrase echoes a notorious sin from Genesis, revealing their true, depraved intent was to commit sexual violence against the visitor. This choice of words intentionally links Gibeah's depravity to the ancient wickedness of Sodom, highlighting a profound societal breakdown.
As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, worthless fellows, surrounded the house, beating on the door. And they said to the old man, the master of the house, “Bring out the man who came into your house, that we may know him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a satisfying meal, the household is enjoying themselves when suddenly, a mob of wicked men surrounds the house, demanding the master hand over their guest, the Levite, with the clear intention of committing a heinous, unnatural act. The text sets the stage for a horrific parallel to the story of Sodom, highlighting the utter depravity and lack of societal order in Gibeah.
The mob outside isn't just rowdy; they're defined by a word that speaks volumes about their character. What does 'sons of Belial' really mean?
The text calls the men outside "worthless fellows" (or "sons of Belial"). This isn't just a casual insult; it's a deep theological description.
The mob's demand seems simple, but its underlying intent is chillingly sinister. What is the true meaning behind their words?
The mob's demand, "that we may know him," is a deliberate euphemism for a horrific act.
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The scene shifts in an instant from cheerful fellowship to menacing danger. What does this sudden turn reveal about the environment?
The transition from 'making their hearts merry' to being besieged highlights a society where vulnerability is exploited.
Understand the original words
benei beliya'al · Hebrew Noun phrase
A common Hebrew idiom used to refer to someone of low character, moral worthlessness, or wickedness; literally 'sons of worthlessness'.
yada' · Hebrew Verb
A biblical euphemism for sexual intercourse, often implying a deep, intimate, or aggressive acquaintance.
This passage vividly depicts the utter breakdown of morality and law in Israel during the Judges period. The shocking demand of the men of Gibeah, echoing the sin of Sodom, highlights how the Israelites had adopted the wicked practices of the Canaanites they were meant to displace.
c. 1400-1050 BC
Period of the Judges
A chaotic era in Israel's history following the conquest of Canaan, marked by tribal disunity and frequent oppression by surrounding nations. Justice and order were often absent.
Unknown date within Judges period
The Levite's Journey
A Levite and his concubine travel to the home of an old man in Gibeah, seeking lodging for the night.
Unknown date within Judges period— this verse
Attack on the House in Gibeah
Depraved men of Gibeah surround the house, demanding the Levite be handed over for sexual assault, mirroring the sin of Sodom.
Unknown date within Judges period
The Levite's Host Offers His Daughter
The elderly host attempts to appease the mob by offering his virgin daughter and the Levite's concubine instead of the guest.
Unknown date within Judges period
The Concubine's Ordeal
The concubine is thrust out and subjected to horrific abuse throughout the night, dying at the doorstep by morning.
Unknown date within Judges period
The Levite's Response
The Levite, upon finding his concubine dead, dismembers her body and sends the pieces to all the tribes of Israel, inciting outrage.
This passage directly parallels the narrative, describing the men of Sodom demanding that Lot bring out the visitors in his house so they could 'know' them, echoing the same horrific intent and phrase.
Deuteronomy 13:13-14This passage warns against 'worthless fellows' (sons of Belial) who lead others into wickedness, providing context for the depravity of the men in Gibeah and their ungodly actions.
Hosea 9:9This prophetic lament refers back to the 'days of Gibeah,' showing how this event became a symbol of extreme sin and national corruption in the minds of later Israelites.
Romans 1:26-27The Apostle Paul describes people given over to 'dishonorable passions' and unnatural desires, which strongly aligns with the wicked intent of the men in Gibeah as described in Judges.
2 Corinthians 6:15This verse contrasts Christ with Belial, highlighting how 'Belial' came to represent utter worthlessness and opposition to God, reflecting the character of the men who besieged the house.
gillJudges 19:22: "Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him."
Now as they were making their hearts merry,.... With a glass of wine after supper, and conversing together in a cheerful manner about their country and friends: behold, the men of the city, certain sons of…
bensonJudges 19:22: "Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him."
Jdg 19:22-23 . As they were making their hearts merry — That is, refreshing themselves with the provisions set before them. Behold, certain sons of Belial — Children of the devil, wicked and licentious men.…
While the mob demands the stranger, "that we may know him," the sinister implication isn't solely about curiosity. The phrase echoes a notorious sin from Genesis, revealing their true, depraved intent was to commit sexual violence against the visitor. This choice of words intentionally links Gibeah's depravity to the ancient wickedness of Sodom, highlighting a profound societal breakdown.
After a satisfying meal, the household is enjoying themselves when suddenly, a mob of wicked men surrounds the house, demanding the master hand over their guest, the Levite, with the clear intention of committing a heinous, unnatural act. The text sets the stage for a horrific parallel to the story of Sodom, highlighting the utter depravity and lack of societal order in Gibeah.
After a satisfying meal, the household is enjoying themselves when suddenly, a mob of wicked men surrounds the house, demanding the master hand over their guest, the Levite, with the clear intention of committing a heinous, unnatural act. The text sets the stage for a horrific parallel to the story of Sodom, highlighting the utter depravity and lack of societal order in Gibeah.
"As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, worthless fellows, surrounded the house, beating on the door. And they said to the old man, the master of the house, “Bring out the man who came into your house, that we…" — While the mob demands the stranger, "that we may know him," the sinister implication isn't solely about curiosity. The phrase echoes a notorious sin from Genesis, revealing their true, depraved inten…
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Last reviewed October 2026
