Judges 13:24

Authorized King James Version

And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֵּ֤לֶד
bare
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#2
הָֽאִשָּׁה֙
And the woman
a woman
#3
בֵּ֔ן
a 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
#4
וַתִּקְרָ֥א
and called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
שְׁמ֖וֹ
his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#7
שִׁמְשׁ֑וֹן
Samson
shimshon, an israelite
#8
וַיִּגְדַּ֣ל
grew
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#9
הַנַּ֔עַר
and the child
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#10
וַֽיְבָרְכֵ֖הוּ
blessed
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#11
יְהוָֽה׃
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources