Judges 12:9

Authorized King James Version

And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, whom he sent abroad, and took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיְהִי

H1961

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

ל֞וֹ

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים

H7970

And he had thirty

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

לְבָנָ֖יו

H1121

for his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים

H7970

And he had thirty

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

בָּנ֔וֹת

H1323

daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

שִׁלַּ֣ח

H7971

whom he sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

הַח֑וּץ

H2351

abroad

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים

H7970

And he had thirty

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

#10

בָּנ֔וֹת

H1323

daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#11

הֵבִ֥יא

H935

and took

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#12

לְבָנָ֖יו

H1121

for his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#13

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#14

הַח֑וּץ

H2351

abroad

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

#15

וַיִּשְׁפֹּ֥ט

H8199

And he judged

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

#16

אֶת

H853

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

#17

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

Israel

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

#18

שֶׁ֥בַע

H7651

seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

#19

שָׁנִֽים׃

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

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 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

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

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