Judges 16:22

Authorized King James Version

Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֧חֶל
began
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#2
שְׂעַר
Howbeit the hair
hair (as if tossed or bristling)
#3
רֹאשׁ֛וֹ
of his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#4
לְצַמֵּ֖חַ
to grow again
to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
#5
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
after
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
גֻּלָּֽח׃
he was shaven
properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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