Judges 15:17

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand, and called that place Ramath-lehi.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

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

כְּכַלֹּת֣וֹ

H3615

And it came to pass when he had made an end

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

לְדַבֵּ֔ר

H1696

of speaking

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וַיַּשְׁלֵ֥ךְ

H7993

that he cast away

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

הַלְּחִ֖י

H3895

the jawbone

the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone

מִיָּד֑וֹ

H3027

out of his hand

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

וַיִּקְרָ֛א

H7121

and called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לַמָּק֥וֹם

H4725

that place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַה֖וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#10

רָ֥מַת

#11

לֶֽחִי׃

H7437

Ramathlehi

ramath-lechi, a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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