To provide a detailed and in-depth meaning and commentary on Judges 19:21 in the King James Version, it is essential to first understand the historical and cultural context of this passage. Judges is a book in the Old Testament that describes a period in Israel's history where there was no king, and the nation was governed by tribal leaders called judges. The events recorded in this book take place during a time of moral and spiritual decline, marked by violence, idolatry, and social chaos.

In Judges 19, the passage in question is part of a larger narrative that tells the story of a Levite and his concubine. The Levite and his concubine were traveling and sought shelter in the city of Gibeah, which was inhabited by the tribe of Benjamin. However, when they arrived in Gibeah, they were treated inhospitably and were forced to spend the night in the open square. An old man from the city eventually took them into his home, but later, a group of wicked men in the city surrounded the house and demanded that the Levite be handed over to them so that they could sexually abuse him.

The passage Judges 19:21 in the KJV reads, "So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink." This verse is significant because it describes the temporary respite that the Levite and his concubine experienced in the home of the old man, with the provision of food and rest after their ordeal in the city. However, the tranquility is only temporary, as the events that unfold later in the chapter reveal the depth of depravity and moral decay in Gibeah.

Thematically, this passage speaks to the contrast between hospitality and hostility, kindness and cruelty. The contrast between the treatment of the Levite and his concubine in the city of Gibeah and the temporary refuge they found in the home of the old man is stark. It illuminates the moral decay and lack of hospitality that characterized the inhabitants of Gibeah, while also highlighting the contrast of kindness and compassion shown by the old man.

The context of this passage within the larger narrative of Judges 19 is crucial to understanding its full significance. The events that unfold after the temporary refuge in the old man's home are harrowing and tragic, revealing the utter depravity and wickedness of the men of Gibeah. The story culminates in the brutal abuse and eventual death of the concubine, leading to a series of events that spark a civil war in Israel.

In terms of symbolism, this passage can be seen as a reflection of the broader themes of sin, judgment, and the consequences of moral decay. The inhospitality and cruelty exhibited by the men of Gibeah reflect the moral corruption and spiritual decay that characterized Israel during the time of the judges. The temporary respite provided by the old man's hospitality can be seen as a symbol of the flickering light of goodness and kindness in the midst of darkness and depravity.

In conclusion, Judges 19:21 in the King James Version is a poignant and tragic passage that reveals the moral decay and depravity of the men of Gibeah, while also highlighting the contrast between hostility and hospitality, cruelty and kindness. It is a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for moral and spiritual renewal. This passage serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition and the importance of showing kindness and compassion in a world marked by darkness and depravity.