Judges 1:28

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חָזַ֣ק

H2388

was strong

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

And it came to pass when Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיָּ֥שֶׂם

H7760

that they put

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֶת

H853

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

הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖י

H3669

the Canaanites

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

לָמַ֑ס

H4522

to tribute

properly, a burden (as causing to faint), i.e., a tax in the form of forced labor

הֽוֹרִישֽׁוֹ׃

H3423

and did not utterly

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

#10

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

הֽוֹרִישֽׁוֹ׃

H3423

and did not utterly

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

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 Judges 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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources

Biblical Maps