Judges 16:27

Authorized King James Version

Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were upon the roof about three thousand men and women, that beheld while Samson made sport.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַבַּ֗יִת
Now the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#2
מָלֵ֤א
was full
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#3
הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙
of men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#4
וְאִשָּׁ֔ה
and women
a woman
#5
וְשָׁ֕מָּה
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#6
כֹּ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
סַרְנֵ֣י
and all the lords
an axle
#8
פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
of the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#9
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
הַגָּ֗ג
were there and there were upon the roof
a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar
#11
כִּשְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת
about three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#12
אֲלָפִים֙
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#13
אִ֣ישׁ
men
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#14
וְאִשָּׁ֔ה
and women
a woman
#15
הָֽרֹאִ֖ים
that beheld
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#16
בִּשְׂח֥וֹק
made sport
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
#17
שִׁמְשֽׁוֹן׃
while Samson
shimshon, an israelite

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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