Judges 15:18

Authorized King James Version

And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּצְמָא֮

H6770

athirst

to thirst (literally or figuratively)

מְאֹד֒

H3966

And he was sore

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַיִּקְרָ֤א

H7121

and called

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָה֙

H3068

on the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיֹּאמַ֔ר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

אַתָּה֙

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

נָתַ֣תָּ

H5414

Thou hast given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיַ֥ד

H3027

into the 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

#10

עַבְדְּךָ֔

H5650

of thy servant

a servant

#11

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

הַתְּשׁוּעָ֥ה

H8668

deliverance

rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)

#13

הַגְּדֹלָ֖ה

H1419

this great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#14

הַזֹּ֑את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#15

וְעַתָּה֙

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#16

אָמ֣וּת

H4191

and now shall I die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#17

בַּצָּמָ֔א

H6772

for thirst

thirst (literally or figuratively)

#18

וְנָֽפַלְתִּ֖י

H5307

and fall

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#19

בְּיַ֥ד

H3027

into the 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

#20

הָֽעֲרֵלִֽים׃

H6189

of the uncircumcised

properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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