Judges 1:33

Authorized King James Version

Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh, nor the inhabitants of Beth-anath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and of Beth-anath became tributaries unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נַפְתָּלִ֗י

H5321

Neither did Naphtali

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

לֹֽא

H3808

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

הוֹרִ֞ישׁ

H3423

drive out

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

אֶת

H853

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

וְיֹֽשְׁבֵ֤י

H3427

but he dwelt

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

בֵֽית

שֶׁ֙מֶשׁ֙

H1053

of Bethshemesh

beth-shemesh, a place in palestine

וְאֶת

H853

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

וְיֹֽשְׁבֵ֤י

H3427

but he dwelt

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

#10

בֵית

#11

עֲנָ֔ת

H1043

and of Bethanath

beth-anath, a place in palestine

#12

וְיֹֽשְׁבֵ֤י

H3427

but he dwelt

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

#13

בְּקֶ֥רֶב

H7130

among

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

#14

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

#15

וְיֹֽשְׁבֵ֤י

H3427

but he dwelt

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

#16

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#17

וְיֹֽשְׁבֵ֤י

H3427

but he dwelt

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

#18

בֵֽית

#19

שֶׁ֙מֶשׁ֙

H1053

of Bethshemesh

beth-shemesh, a place in palestine

#20

וּבֵ֣ית

#21

עֲנָ֔ת

H1043

and of Bethanath

beth-anath, a place in palestine

#22

הָי֥וּ

H1961

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

#23

לָהֶ֖ם

#24

לָמַֽס׃

H4522

became tributaries

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

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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 does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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