Judges 16:31

Authorized King James Version

Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּֽרְד֨וּ

H3381

came down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אֶחָ֜יו

H251

Then his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

and all the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִ֑יו

his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ

H5375

and took

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֹתוֹ֒

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וַֽיַּעֲל֣וּ׀

H5927

him and brought him up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וַיִּקְבְּר֣וּ

H6912

and buried

to inter

#10

אוֹת֗וֹ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

בֵּ֤ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#12

צָרְעָה֙

H6881

him between Zorah

tsorah, a place in palestine

#13

וּבֵ֣ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#14

אֶשְׁתָּאֹ֔ל

H847

and Eshtaol

eshtaol, a place in palestine

#15

בְּקֶ֖בֶר

H6913

in the buryingplace

a sepulcher

#16

מָנ֣וֹחַ

H4495

of Manoah

manoach, an israelite

#17

אָבִ֑יו

his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#18

וְה֛וּא

H1931

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

#19

שָׁפַ֥ט

H8199

And he judged

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

#20

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#21

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#22

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים

H6242

twenty

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

#23

שָׁנָֽה׃

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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