Judges 18:1 In those days there was no king in Israel, and the tribe of the Danites was looking for territory to occupy. For up to that time they had not come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

◄ Judges 18:1 ►

New International Version
In those days Israel had no king. And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking a place of their own where they might settle, because they had not yet come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

New Living Translation
Now in those days Israel had no king. And the tribe of Dan was trying to find a place where they could settle, for they had not yet moved into the land assigned to them when the land was divided among the tribes of Israel.

English Standard Version
In those days there was no king in Israel. And in those days the tribe of the people of Dan was seeking for itself an inheritance to dwell in, for until then no inheritance among the tribes of Israel had fallen to them.

Berean Standard Bible
In those days there was no king in Israel, and the tribe of the Danites was looking for territory to occupy. For up to that time they had not come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

King James Bible
In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day all their inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel.

New King James Version
In those days there was no king in Israel. And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking an inheritance for itself to dwell in; for until that day their inheritance among the tribes of Israel had not fallen to them.

New American Standard Bible
In those days there was no king of Israel; and in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking an inheritance for themselves to live in, for until that day an inheritance had not been allotted to them as a possession among the tribes of Israel.

NASB 1995
In those days there was no king of Israel; and in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking an inheritance for themselves to live in, for until that day an inheritance had not been allotted to them as a possession among the tribes of Israel.

NASB 1977
In those days there was no king of Israel; and in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking an inheritance for themselves to live in, for until that day an inheritance had not been allotted to them as a possession among the tribes of Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
In those days there was no king of Israel; and in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking an inheritance for themselves to live in, for until that day the land among the tribes of Israel had not fallen to them as an inheritance.

Amplified Bible
In those days there was no king in Israel; and in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking an inheritance [of land] for themselves to live in, for until then an inheritance had not been allotted to them as a possession among the tribes of Israel.

Christian Standard Bible
In those days, there was no king in Israel, and the Danite tribe was looking for territory to occupy. Up to that time no territory had been captured by them among the tribes of Israel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In those days, there was no king in Israel, and the Danite tribe was looking for territory to occupy. Up to that time no territory had been captured by them among the tribes of Israel.

American Standard Version
In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day their inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel.

Contemporary English Version
These things happened before kings ruled Israel. About this time, the tribe of Dan was looking for a place to live. The other tribes had land, but the people of Dan did not really have any to call their own.

English Revised Version
In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day their inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In those days Israel didn't have a king. And in those days the tribe of Dan was looking for a place to live. Up to that time they had not received land as an inheritance among the tribes of Israel as they should have.

Good News Translation
There was no king in Israel at that time. In those days the tribe of Dan was looking for territory to claim and settle in because they had not yet received any land of their own among the tribes of Israel.

International Standard Version
Back in those days, Israel didn't have a king yet, and during that time the tribe of Dan had been seeking a territorial inheritance to live in, because up until that time no territory had been allotted to them as a possession among the tribes of Israel.

Majority Standard Bible
In those days there was no king in Israel, and the tribe of the Danites was looking for territory to occupy. For up to that time they had not come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

NET Bible
In those days Israel had no king. And in those days the Danite tribe was looking for a place to settle, because at that time they did not yet have a place to call their own among the tribes of Israel.

New Heart English Bible
In those days there was no king in Israel. And in those days the tribe of the Danites was looking for an inheritance to dwell in; for to that day, their inheritance had not fallen to them among the tribes of Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought for themselves an inheritance to dwell in; for to that day all their inheritance had not fallen to them among the tribes of Israel.

World English Bible
In those days there was no king in Israel. In those days the tribe of the Danites sought an inheritance to dwell in; for to that day, their inheritance had not fallen to them among the tribes of Israel.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
In those days there is no king in Israel, and in those days the tribe of the Danite is seeking an inheritance to inhabit for itself, for [that] has not fallen to it to that day in the midst of the tribes of Israel by inheritance.

Young's Literal Translation
In those days there is no king in Israel, and in those days the tribe of the Danite is seeking for itself an inheritance to inhabit, for that hath not fallen to it unto that day in the midst of the tribes of Israel by inheritance.

Smith's Literal Translation
In those days no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites seeking for himself an inheritance to dwell in; for he fell not into an inheritance for himself in the midst of the tribes of Israel till that day.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
In those days there was no king in Israel, and the tribe of Dan sought them an inheritance to dwell in: for unto that day they had not received their lot among the other tribes.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In those days, there was no king in Israel. And the tribe of Dan sought a possession for themselves, so that they might live in it. For even to that day, they had not received their lot among the other tribes.

New American Bible
In those days there was no king in Israel. In those days the tribe of the Danites were in search of a heritage to dwell in, for up to that time no heritage had been allotted to them among the tribes of Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
In those days there was no king in Israel. And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking for itself a territory to live in; for until then no territory among the tribes of Israel had been allotted to them.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
IN those days there was no king in Israel; and in those days the tribe of Dan sought for itself an inheritance to dwell in; for until that day no inheritance had fallen to them among the tribes of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In those days, there was no King in Israel, and in those days the tribe of Dan had sought for itself a division to inhabit, because it was not divided an inheritance until that day among the tribes of Israel

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
In those days there was no king in Israel; and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day there had nothing been allotted unto them among the tribes of Israel for an inheritance.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
In those days there was no king in Israel; and in those days the tribe of Dan sought for itself an inheritance to inhabit, because no inheritance had fallen to it until that day in the midst of the tribes of the children of Israel.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Danites Settle in Laish
1In those days there was no king in Israel, and the tribe of the Danites was looking for territory to occupy. For up to that time they had not come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. 2So the Danites sent out five men from their clans, men of valor from Zorah and Eshtaol, to spy out the land and explore it. “Go and explore the land,” they told them. The men entered the hill country of Ephraim and came to the house of Micah, where they spent the night.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Joshua 19:47
(Later, when the territory of the Danites was lost to them, they went up and fought against Leshem, captured it, and put it to the sword. So they took possession of Leshem, settled there, and renamed it after their father Dan.)

Judges 17:6
In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Judges 21:25
In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Joshua 18:1
Then the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there. And though the land was subdued before them,

Joshua 13:1-7
Now Joshua was old and well along in years, and the LORD said to him, “You are old and well along in years, but very much of the land remains to be possessed. / This is the land that remains: All the territory of the Philistines and the Geshurites, / from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; ...

Joshua 21:1-3
Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribes of Israel / at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock.” / So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance:

1 Samuel 4:1
Thus the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now the Israelites went out to meet the Philistines in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek.

1 Kings 12:29-30
One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.

2 Kings 17:26-28
So they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, “The peoples that you have removed and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the requirements of the God of the land. Because of this, He has sent lions among them, which are indeed killing them off.” / Then the king of Assyria commanded: “Send back one of the priests you carried off from Samaria, and have him go back to live there and teach the requirements of the God of the land.” / Thus one of the priests they had carried away came and lived in Bethel, and he began to teach them how they should worship the LORD.

1 Chronicles 13:3
Then let us bring back the ark of our God, for we did not inquire of Him in the days of Saul.”

1 Chronicles 16:39
And David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in Gibeon

2 Chronicles 15:3
For many years Israel has been without the true God, without a priest to instruct them, and without the law.

Psalm 78:60-61
He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent He had pitched among men. / He delivered His strength to captivity, and His splendor to the hand of the adversary.

Isaiah 10:10-11
As my hand seized the idolatrous kingdoms whose images surpassed those of Jerusalem and Samaria, / and as I have done to Samaria and its idols, will I not also do to Jerusalem and her idols?”

Hosea 3:4
For the Israelites must live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, and without ephod or idol.

Treasury of Scripture

In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for to that day all their inheritance had not fallen to them among the tribes of Israel.

no king.

Deuteronomy 33:5
And he was king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people and the tribes of Israel were gathered together.

Judges 17:6
In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

Judges 19:1
And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah.

the tribe

Joshua 19:40-48
And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families…

for unto

Judges 1:34
And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley:

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Judges 18

1. The Danites send five men to seek out an inheritance
3. At the house of Micah they consult with Jonathan, and are encouraged
7. They search Laish, and bring back news of good hope
11. Six hundred men are sent to surprise it
16. In their way they rob Micah of his priest and his consecrated things
27. They win Laish, and call it Dan
30. They set up idolatry, wherein Jonathan inherits the priesthood.

Berean Study Bible

In those days
This phrase sets the historical context for the events that follow. It refers to the period of the Judges, a time characterized by a cyclical pattern of Israel's disobedience, oppression by enemies, cries for deliverance, and God raising up judges to save them. The Hebrew root for "days" (יָמִים, yamim) often signifies not just a literal day but an era or period, emphasizing the chaotic and leaderless nature of this time in Israel's history.

there was no king in Israel
This statement underscores the lack of centralized leadership and governance in Israel during the time of the Judges. The absence of a king is significant, as it highlights the anarchy and moral relativism that prevailed. The Hebrew word for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) implies not just a political leader but one who is supposed to uphold God's law and justice. This phrase is a recurring theme in Judges, pointing to the need for righteous leadership.

And in those days
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the continuity of the situation described. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing instability and the need for divine intervention. The use of "and" (וְ, ve) in Hebrew often connects thoughts and events, suggesting that what follows is a direct consequence of the preceding conditions.

the tribe of the Danites
The Danites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the son of Jacob and Bilhah. Historically, the tribe of Dan struggled to secure their allotted inheritance in the Promised Land, as described in Joshua 19. The mention of the Danites here sets the stage for their quest for territory, reflecting their dissatisfaction and restlessness.

was seeking a territory
This phrase indicates the Danites' active pursuit of land to settle. The Hebrew root for "seeking" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash) conveys a sense of searching or striving, often with determination. The Danites' search for territory highlights their failure to fully trust in God's provision and their willingness to take matters into their own hands.

for themselves to inhabit
The focus on "for themselves" suggests a self-centered motivation, contrasting with the communal and covenantal identity that God intended for Israel. The Hebrew word for "inhabit" (לָשֶׁבֶת, lashevet) implies settling or dwelling, which in the biblical context often carries the connotation of establishing a permanent home in accordance with God's promises.

because they had not yet come into an inheritance
This phrase explains the reason for the Danites' quest. The concept of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah) in Hebrew is deeply tied to the covenant promises of God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It signifies not just land but a divine gift and a place within God's plan. The Danites' lack of inheritance reflects both their incomplete obedience and the broader theme of Israel's struggle to fully realize God's promises.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(1) In those days . . .--The repetition of the phrase does not necessarily prove the use of different documents. It may only emphasise the reason for the occurrence of such disorders and irregularities.

The tribe.--Shebet sometimes means a whole tribe, and sometimes apparently the division of a tribe (Judges 20:12).

The tribe of the Danites.--There seems to be a difference between "tribe of Dan" (Shebet Dan) and "tribesmen of the Danites" (Shebet had-Dani). In Judges 18:11 they are called Mishpecath had-Dani; but the distinctions between Mishpecath ("family") and Shebet ("tribe") do not seem to be accurately kept. (See Notes on Judges 18:19 and Judges 20:12.)

Sought them an inheritance.--See Judges 1:34; Joshua 19:47-48. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 1. - In those days, etc. See Judges 17:6. The tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance, etc. This does not mean that the whole tribe of Dan were still seeking their inheritance. The bulk of the tribe, as we read in Joshua 19:40-48, did receive their inheritance by lot before the death of Joshua (ibid. ver. 49) and Eleazar (ibid. ver. 51). But as long as any part of the tribe was not settled, the tribe as such, in its unity, was still seeking a settlement. The land for their inheritance had not yet fallen to the tribe in its integrity. This is in part accounted for by what we read Judges 1:34, that the Amorites would not suffer the children of Dan to come down to the valley, so that those who could not get possession of their land there would be crowded into other parts of the tribal territory. These Danites, of whom we are here reading, were dwelling in Zorah and Eshtaol (Judges 13:1, 25), as we see by vers. 2, 11. Unto that day, etc. Translate this clause, For unto that day the land (meaning the whole land) had not fallen unto them in the midst of the tribes of Israel for an inheritance. The words the land must be supplied after the analogy of Numbers 34:2. What follows in this chapter is a more detailed account of what was briefly mentioned in Joshua 19:47, where, however, the A.V. went out too little for them is not a translation of the Hebrew text, which is very difficult to explain. Houbigant, by an ingenious conjecture, gives the sense was too narrow for them. Prom the mention of this migration in the Book of Joshua, it is probable that it took place not many years after Joshua's death.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

In those
הָהֵ֔ם (hā·hêm)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

days
בַּיָּמִ֣ים (bay·yā·mîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

there was no
אֵ֥ין (’ên)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

king
מֶ֖לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

in Israel,
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (bə·yiś·rā·’êl)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

[and] the tribe
שֵׁ֣בֶט (šê·ḇeṭ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

of the Danites
הַדָּנִ֞י (had·dā·nî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1839: Danites -- descendant of Dan

was looking for
מְבַקֶּשׁ־ (mə·ḇaq·qeš-)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

territory
נַֽחֲלָה֙ (na·ḥă·lāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion

to occupy.
לָשֶׁ֔בֶת (lā·še·ḇeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

For
כִּי֩ (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

up to
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

that
הַה֛וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

time
וּבַיָּמִ֣ים (ū·ḇay·yā·mîm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

they had not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

come into
נָ֨פְלָה (nā·p̄ə·lāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

an inheritance
בְּנַחֲלָֽה׃ (bə·na·ḥă·lāh)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion

among
בְּתוֹךְ־ (bə·ṯō·wḵ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

the tribes
שִׁבְטֵ֥י (šiḇ·ṭê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

of Israel.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

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OT History: Judges 18:1 In those days there was no king (Jd Judg. Jdg)