Judges 17:12

Authorized King James Version

And Micah consecrated the Levite; and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְמַלֵּ֤א
consecrated
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#2
מִיכָֽה׃
And Micah
micah, the name of seven israelites
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
יַ֣ד
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#5
הַלֵּוִ֔י
the Levite
a levite or descendant of levi
#6
וַֽיְהִי
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
ל֥וֹ
H0
#8
הַנַּ֖עַר
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
#9
לְכֹהֵ֑ן
became his priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#10
וַיְהִ֖י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
בְּבֵ֥ית
and was in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#12
מִיכָֽה׃
And Micah
micah, the name of seven israelites

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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