Judges 11:25

Authorized King James Version

And now art thou any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֗ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
טוֹב֙
And now art thou any thing better
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#3
טוֹב֙
And now art thou any thing better
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#4
אַתָּ֔ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#5
מִבָּלָ֥ק
than Balak
balak, a moabitish king
#6
בֶּן
the son
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
צִפּ֖וֹר
of Zippor
tsippor, a moabite
#8
מֶ֣לֶךְ
king
a king
#9
מוֹאָ֑ב
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#10
רָב֙
did he ever
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
#11
רָב֙
did he ever
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
#12
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#13
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
against Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#14
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#15
נִלְחַ֖ם
fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#16
נִלְחַ֖ם
fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#17
בָּֽם׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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