Judges 1:17

Authorized King James Version

And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
יְהוּדָה֙
And Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#3
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#4
שִׁמְע֣וֹן
with Simeon
shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him
#5
אָחִ֔יו
his brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#6
וַיַּכּ֕וּ
and they slew
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖י
the Canaanites
a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c
#9
יוֹשֵׁ֣ב
that inhabited
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#10
צְפַ֑ת
Zephath
tsephath, a place in palestine
#11
וַיַּֽחֲרִ֣ימוּ
and utterly destroyed
to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
#12
אוֹתָ֔הּ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
was called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
שֵׁם
it And the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#16
הָעִ֖יר
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#17
חָרְמָֽה׃
Hormah
chormah, a place in palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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