Judges 11:12

Authorized King James Version

And Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What hast thou to do with me, that thou art come against me to fight in my land?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
יִפְתָּח֙
And Jephthah
jiphtach, an israelite; also a place in palestine
#3
מַלְאָכִ֔ים
messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
מֶ֥לֶךְ
unto the king
a king
#6
בְּנֵֽי
of 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
#7
עַמּ֖וֹן
of Ammon
ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country
#8
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#10
לִּ֣י
H0
#11
וָלָ֔ךְ
H0
#12
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
בָ֥אתָ
What hast thou to do with me that thou art come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#14
אֵלַ֖י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
לְהִלָּחֵ֥ם
against me to fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#16
בְּאַרְצִֽי׃
in my land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

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

Study Resources