Judges 14:17

Authorized King James Version

And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֵּ֤בְךְּ
And she wept
to weep; generally to bemoan
#2
עָלָיו֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
before him the seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#4
בַּיּ֣וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#5
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
וַיְהִ֣י׀
lasted
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#8
הַמִּשְׁתֶּ֑ה
while their feast
drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast
#9
וַיְהִ֣י׀
lasted
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
בַּיּ֣וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#11
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י
and it came to pass on the seventh
seventh
#12
וַתַּגֵּ֥ד
that he told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#13
לָהּ֙
H0
#14
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
הֱצִיקַ֔תְהוּ
her because she lay sore
to compress, i.e., (figuratively) oppress, distress
#16
וַתַּגֵּ֥ד
that he told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#17
הַֽחִידָ֖ה
the riddle
a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim
#18
לִבְנֵ֥י
to the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#19
עַמָּֽהּ׃
of her people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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