Judges 11:31

Authorized King James Version

Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֣ה

H1961

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

יֵצֵ֜א

H3318

Then it shall be that whatsoever

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֵצֵ֜א

H3318

Then it shall be that whatsoever

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִדַּלְתֵ֤י

H1817

of the doors

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

בֵיתִי֙

H1004

of my house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לִקְרָאתִ֔י

H7125

to meet

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

בְּשׁוּבִ֥י

H7725

me when I return

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

בְשָׁל֖וֹם

H7965

in peace

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

#10

מִבְּנֵ֣י

H1121

from 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

#11

עַמּ֑וֹן

H5983

of Ammon

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

#12

וְהָיָה֙

H1961

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

#13

לַֽיהוָ֔ה

H3068

shall surely be the LORD'S

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

#14

וְהַֽעֲלִיתִ֖יהוּ

H5927

and I will offer it up

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

#15

עוֹלָֽה׃

H5930

for a burnt offering

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of peace reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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?
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?
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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