Judges 12:4

Authorized King James Version

Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead, and fought with Ephraim: and the men of Gilead smote Ephraim, because they said, Ye Gileadites are fugitives of Ephraim among the Ephraimites, and among the Manassites.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְבֹּ֤ץ
gathered together
to grasp, i.e., collect
#2
יִפְתָּח֙
Then Jephthah
jiphtach, an israelite; also a place in palestine
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#6
גִּלְעָ֕ד
Ye Gileadites
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
#7
וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם
and fought
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#8
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#9
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#10
וַיַּכּוּ֩
smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#11
אַנְשֵׁ֨י
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#12
גִּלְעָ֕ד
Ye Gileadites
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#15
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#16
אָֽמְרוּ֙
because they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#17
פְּלִיטֵ֤י
are fugitives
a refugee
#18
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#19
אַתֶּ֔ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#20
גִּלְעָ֕ד
Ye Gileadites
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
#21
בְּת֥וֹךְ
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#22
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#23
בְּת֥וֹךְ
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#24
מְנַשֶּֽׁה׃
the Manassites
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine revelation 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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