And he said to him: The Levite answers the old man, which may be made explicit by saying “The Levite answered” (Good News Translation). Another possible verb in this context is “replied” (New Living Translation, New Jerusalem Bible).

We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote parts of the hill country of Ephraim: The Hebrew pronoun for We is emphatic. We might say “As for us, we….” Are passing renders the key Hebrew verb ʿavar meaning “pass over” (see verse 19.12). For Bethlehem in Judah and the remote parts of the hill country of Ephraim, see verse 19.1. The territory of Judah, where Bethlehem was located, was south of Ephraim. Both territories were inland and mountainous. So even if the distance was not that great, the trip would not have been easy.

From which I come is literally “from there I [am],” referring to the mountainous region of Ephraim. The Hebrew pronoun for I is emphatic. This clause may be rendered “That’s where I come from” or “I am from there.”

I went to Bethlehem in Judah: This clause seems redundant, so many versions omit it (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version).

And I am going to my home: The Hebrew pronoun for I is once again emphatic. Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, and Revised English Bible follow the Septuagint here, which reads “to my house,” instead of the Hebrew text, which has “to the house of the LORD.” Contemporary English Version, New International Version, and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh follow the Hebrew text, as recommended by Hebrew Old Testament Text Project. Contemporary English Version says “Now we’re going to the place where the LORD is worshiped,” and New International Version has “and now I am going to the house of the LORD.” If indeed the Levite is on his way to the LORD’s worship place, he would be going to Shiloh (see verse 18.31). Translators can decide which text to follow and put the alternative in a footnote if so desired.

And nobody takes me into his house is literally “and there is not a man receiving me the house.” See verse 19.15. Nobody renders yet another instance of the Hebrew word for “man,” which Contemporary English Version translates as “no one.” We could also say “not a single person.” Takes can be translated “receives” or “invites.” The pronoun me refers to the Levite, but of course he is talking about himself and all his traveling companions. Many versions use the pronoun “us” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version). The Levite’s remark expresses his astonishment, since it was the custom for townspeople to welcome strangers into their homes. Contemporary English Version‘s “But no one here will let us spend the night in their home” may serve as a model. The Levite is clearly complaining here because he expects someone to offer him hospitality. Translators may be able to express his disappointment by saying “Unfortunately, nobody has offered to take us in for the night.”

Translation models for this verse are:

• The Levite answered, “We have been to Bethlehem in Judah and are now on our way home* in the hills of Ephraim. Unfortunately, no one has offered us a place to stay.
* This text follows the Septuagint. The Hebrew says “to the house of the LORD.”

• The Levite told the old man that after visiting Bethlehem in Judah, they were on their way to a place where Yahweh was worshiped. But no one in the town had offered them a place to spend the night.

Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .