Judges 13:23

Authorized King James Version

But his wife said unto him, If the LORD were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering and a meat offering at our hands, neither would he have shewed us all these things, nor would as at this time have told us such things as these.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֧אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
ל֣וֹ
H0
#3
אִשְׁתּ֗וֹ
But his wife
a woman
#4
לוּ֩
unto him If
a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!
#5
חָפֵ֨ץ
were pleased
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
#6
יְהוָ֤ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
לַֽהֲמִיתֵ֙נוּ֙
to kill
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#8
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
לָקַ֤ח
us he would not have received
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#10
מִיָּדֵ֙נוּ֙
at our hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#11
עֹלָ֣ה
a burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#12
וּמִנְחָ֔ה
and a meat offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#13
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
הֶרְאָ֖נוּ
neither would he have shewed
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#17
אֵ֑לֶּה
these or those
#18
וְכָעֵ֕ת
us all these things nor would as at this time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#19
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#20
הִשְׁמִיעָ֖נוּ
have told
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#21
כָּזֹֽאת׃
us such things as these
this (often used adverb)

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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