Judges 11:13

Authorized King James Version

And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of Jephthah, Because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those lands again peaceably.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּאמֶר֩

H559

answered

to say (used with great latitude)

מֶ֨לֶךְ

H4428

And the king

a king

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

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

עַמּ֜וֹן

H5983

of Ammon

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַלְאֲכֵ֣י

H4397

unto the messengers

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יִפְתָּ֗ח

H3316

of Jephthah

jiphtach, an israelite; also a place in palestine

כִּֽי

H3588

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

לָקַ֨ח

H3947

took away

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#10

יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל

H3478

Because Israel

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

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

אַרְצִי֙

H776

my land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#13

בַּֽעֲלוֹת֣וֹ

H5927

when they came up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#14

מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם

H4714

out of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#15

מֵֽאַרְנ֥וֹן

H769

from Arnon

the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory

#16

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#17

הַיַּבֹּ֖ק

H2999

even unto Jabbok

jabbok, a river east of the jordan

#18

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#19

הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן

H3383

and unto Jordan

jarden, the principal river of palestine

#20

וְעַתָּ֕ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#21

הָשִׁ֥יבָה

H7725

now therefore restore those lands again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#22

אֶתְהֶ֖ן

H853

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

#23

בְּשָׁלֽוֹם׃

H7965

peaceably

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of peace 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 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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on peace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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