Judges 1:8

Authorized King James Version

Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּלָּֽחֲמ֤וּ

H3898

had fought

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

בְנֵֽי

H1121

Now 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

יְהוּדָה֙

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם

H3389

against Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וַיִּלְכְּד֣וּ

H3920

and had taken

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

אוֹתָ֔הּ

H853

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

וַיַּכּ֖וּהָ

H5221

it and smitten

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

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

חָ֑רֶב

H2719

of the sword

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

#10

וְאֶת

H853

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

#11

הָעִ֖יר

H5892

the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#12

שִׁלְּח֥וּ

H7971

and set

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#13

בָאֵֽשׁ׃

H784

on fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

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 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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of 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?

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