Judges 14:13

Authorized King James Version

But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
תֽוּכְלוּ֮
But if ye cannot
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#4
לְהַגִּ֣יד
declare
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#5
לִי֒
H0
#6
וּנְתַתֶּ֨ם
it me then shall ye give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
אַתֶּ֥ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#8
לִי֙
H0
#9
וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים
and thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#10
סְדִינִ֔ים
sheets
a wrapper, i.e., shirt
#11
וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים
and thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#12
חֲלִיפ֣וֹת
change
alternation
#13
בְּגָדִ֑ים
of garments
a covering, i.e., clothing
#14
וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּ
And they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#15
ל֔וֹ
H0
#16
ח֥וּדָה
unto him Put forth
properly, to tie a knot, i.e., (figuratively) to propound a riddle
#17
חִידָֽתְךָ֖
thy riddle
a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim
#18
וְנִשְׁמָעֶֽנָּה׃
that we may hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

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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