“Peace to you,” said the old man. “Let me supply everything you need. Only do not spend the night in the square.”
Parallel translations
- WEB The old man said, “Peace be to you; how ever let me supply all your needs. Just don’t sleep in the street.”
- KJV And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street.
- NKJV And the old man said, “Peace be with you! However, let all your needs be my responsibility; only do not spend the night in the open square.”
- NASB Then the old man said, “Peace to you. Only let me take care of all your needs; however, do not spend the night in the public square.”
- NLT “You are welcome to stay with me,” the old man said. “I will give you anything you might need. But whatever you do, don’t spend the night in the square.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The old man welcomes them, insisting they not spend the night in the square. He extends the hospitality the town denied.
Overview
With a blessing of peace, the old man takes responsibility for the travelers' needs. His insistence that they not sleep in the open shows genuine care and awareness of danger. His kindness stands as the last act of decency before the night's atrocity.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 15
- Judg 6:23But the LORD said to him, “Peace be with you. Do not be afraid, for you will not die.”
- 1 Sam 25:6and say to him, ‘Long life to you, and peace to you and your house and to all that belongs to you.
- 1 Chr 12:18Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops.
- Luke 10:5–6Whatever house you enter, begin by saying, ‘Peace to this house.’
- Gal 6:6Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
- Heb 13:2Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
- 1 Cor 1:3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Jas 2:15–16Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
- Gen 24:31–33“Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”
- Gen 43:23–24“It is fine,” said the steward. “Do not be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, gave you the treasure that was in your sacks. I received your silver.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.
- Gen 19:2–3and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”
- John 14:27Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.
- Rom 12:13Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
- 1 Pet 4:9Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
- 1 Jn 3:18Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Israel's cycle of sin and rescue through flawed deliverers cries out for a Savior who never fails — the true and final Judge and Deliverer who saves his people not for a season but forever.
How Judges 19:20 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.