Judges 16:17

Authorized King James Version

That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּגֶּד

H5046

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

לָ֣הּ

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לִבּ֗וֹ

H3820

her all his heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהּ֙

מוֹרָה֙

H4177

a razor

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

עָלָ֣ה

H5927

unto her There hath not come

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#11

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

רֹאשִׁ֔י

H7218

upon mine head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#13

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

נְזִ֧יר

H5139

for I have been a Nazarite

separate, i.e., consecrated (as prince, a nazirite); hence (figuratively from the latter) an unpruned vine (like an unshorn nazirite)

#15

אֱלֹהִ֛ים

H430

unto God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#16

אֲנִ֖י

H589

#17

מִבֶּ֣טֶן

H990

womb

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

#18

אִמִּ֑י

H517

from my mother's

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

#19

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#20

גֻּלַּ֙חְתִּי֙

H1548

if I be shaven

properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste

#21

וְסָ֣ר

H5493

will go

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

#22

מִמֶּ֣נִּי

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#23

כֹחִ֔י

H3581

then my strength

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

#24

וְחָלִ֥יתִי

H2470

from me and I shall become weak

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

#25

וְהָיִ֖יתִי

H1961

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

#26

כְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#27

הָֽאָדָֽם׃

H120

and be like any other man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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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