Judges 16:2

Authorized King James Version

And it was told the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither. And they compassed him in, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לַֽעַזָּתִ֣ים׀
And it was told the Gazites
an azzathite or inhabitant of azzah
#2
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
בָּ֤א
is come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
שִׁמְשׁוֹן֙
Samson
shimshon, an israelite
#5
הֵ֔נָּה
hither or thither (but used both of place and time)
#6
וַיָּסֹ֛בּוּ
hither And they compassed him in
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#7
וַיֶּֽאֶרְבוּ
and laid wait
to lurk
#8
ל֥וֹ
H0
#9
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
הַלַּ֙יְלָה֙
all the night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#11
בְּשַׁ֣עַר
in the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#12
הָעִ֑יר
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#13
וַיִּתְחָֽרְשׁ֤וּ
and were quiet
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
#14
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
הַלַּ֙יְלָה֙
all the night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#16
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#17
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#18
א֥וֹר
when it is day
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#19
הַבֹּ֖קֶר
In the morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#20
וַֽהֲרַגְנֻֽהוּ׃
we shall kill
to smite with deadly intent

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine revelation 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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