Judges 16:25

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְהִי֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כְּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
ט֣וֹב
were merry
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#4
לִבָּ֔ם
And it came to pass when their hearts
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#5
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
that they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
וַיִּקְרְא֨וּ
And they called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#7
לְשִׁמְשׁ֜וֹן
for Samson
shimshon, an israelite
#8
וִישַֽׂחֶק
that he may make us sport
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
#9
לָ֑נוּ
H0
#10
וַיִּקְרְא֨וּ
And they called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#11
לְשִׁמְשׁ֜וֹן
for Samson
shimshon, an israelite
#12
מִבֵּ֣ית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#13
הָֽאֲסיּרִ֗ים
out of the prison
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
#14
וַיְצַחֵק֙
sport
to laugh outright (in merriment or scorn); by implication, to sport
#15
לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם
and he made them
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#16
וַיַּֽעֲמִ֥ידוּ
and they set
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#17
אוֹת֖וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
בֵּ֥ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#19
הָֽעַמּוּדִֽים׃
him between the pillars
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

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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