Judges 16:20

Authorized King James Version

And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙
And she said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֥ים
The Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#3
עָלֶ֖יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
שִׁמְשׁ֑וֹן
be upon thee Samson
shimshon, an israelite
#5
וַיִּקַ֣ץ
And he awoke
to awake (intransitive)
#6
מִשְּׁנָת֗וֹ
out of his sleep
sleep
#7
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙
And she said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
אֵצֵ֞א
I will go out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#9
בְּפַ֙עַם֙
as at other times before
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#10
בְּפַ֙עַם֙
as at other times before
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#11
וְאִנָּעֵ֔ר
and shake
to tumble about
#12
וְהוּא֙
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
#13
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
יָדַ֔ע
myself And he wist
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#15
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#16
יְהוָ֖ה
not that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
סָ֥ר
was departed
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#18
מֵֽעָלָֽיו׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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

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