Judges 17:4

Authorized King James Version

Yet he restored the money unto his mother; and his mother took two hundred shekels of silver, and gave them to the founder, who made thereof a graven image and a molten image: and they were in the house of Micah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֥שֶׁב
Yet he restored
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
כֶּ֜סֶף
shekels of silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#4
אִמּוֹ֩
and his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#5
וַתִּקַּ֣ח
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#6
אִמּוֹ֩
and his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#7
מָאתַ֨יִם
two hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#8
כֶּ֜סֶף
shekels of silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#9
וַתִּתְּנֵ֣הוּ
and gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#10
לַצּוֹרֵ֗ף
them to the founder
to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)
#11
וַֽיַּעֲשֵׂ֙הוּ֙
who made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
פֶּ֣סֶל
thereof a graven image
an idol
#13
וּמַסֵּכָ֔ה
and a molten image
properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour
#14
וַֽיְהִ֖י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#15
בְּבֵ֥ית
and they were in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#16
מִיכָֽיְהוּ׃
of Micah
mikajah, the name of three israelites

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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