Judges 17:11

Authorized King James Version

And the Levite was content to dwell with the man; and the young man was unto him as one of his sons.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיּ֥וֹאֶל

H2974

was content

properly, to yield, especially assent; hence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition

הַלֵּוִ֖י

H3881

And the Levite

a levite or descendant of levi

לָשֶׁ֣בֶת

H3427

to dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הָאִ֑ישׁ

H376

with the man

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)

וַיְהִ֤י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַנַּ֙עַר֙

H5288

and the young man

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

ל֔וֹ

כְּאַחַ֖ד

H259

was unto him as one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#10

מִבָּנָֽיו׃

H1121

of his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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