Judges 11:10

Authorized King James Version

And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּֽאמְר֥וּ

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

זִקְנֵֽי

H2205

And the elders

old

גִלְעָ֖ד

H1568

of Gilead

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִפְתָּ֑ח

H3316

unto Jephthah

jiphtach, an israelite; also a place in palestine

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

The LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יִֽהְיֶ֤ה

H1961

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

שֹׁמֵ֙עַ֙

H8085

be witness

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בֵּֽינוֹתֵ֔ינוּ

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#10

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#11

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#12

כִדְבָֽרְךָ֖

H1697

not so according to thy words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#13

כֵּ֥ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#14

נַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃

H6213

between us if we do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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 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 practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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