Joshua 19:47

Authorized King James Version

And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּצֵ֥א

H3318

went out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

גְבוּל

H1366

And the coast

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

בְנֵי

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

דָּ֥ן

H1835

Dan

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

מֵהֶ֑ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וַיַּֽעֲל֣וּ

H5927

went up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בְנֵי

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

דָּ֥ן

H1835

Dan

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

וַיִּלָּֽחֲמ֨וּ

H3898

to fight

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

#10

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#11

לְלֶ֙שֶׁם֙

H3959

Leshem

leshem, a place in palestine

#12

וַיִּלְכְּד֥וּ

H3920

and took

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

#13

אוֹתָ֣הּ׀

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

וַיַּכּ֧וּ

H5221

it and smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#15

אוֹתָ֣הּ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

לְפִי

H6310

it with the edge

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#17

חֶ֗רֶב

H2719

of the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#18

וַיִּֽרְשׁ֤וּ

H3423

and possessed

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

#19

אוֹתָהּ֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#20

וַיֵּ֣שְׁבוּ

H3427

it and dwelt

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#21

בָ֔הּ

#22

וַיִּקְרְא֤וּ

H7121

therein and called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#23

לְלֶ֙שֶׁם֙

H3959

Leshem

leshem, a place in palestine

#24

דָּ֥ן

H1835

Dan

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

#25

כְּשֵׁ֖ם

H8034

after the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#26

דָּ֥ן

H1835

Dan

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

#27

אֲבִיהֶֽם׃

their father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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