Judges 17:5

Authorized King James Version

And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָאִ֣ישׁ

H376

And 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)

מִיכָ֔ה

H4318

Micah

micah, the name of seven israelites

ל֖וֹ

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

had an house

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

אֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

of gods

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיַּ֤עַשׂ

H6213

and made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֵפוֹד֙

H646

an ephod

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

וּתְרָפִ֔ים

H8655

and teraphim

teraphim (singular or plural) a family idol

וַיְמַלֵּ֗א

H4390

and consecrated

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

יַ֤ד

H3027

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

#12

אַחַד֙

H259

one

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

#13

מִבָּנָ֔יו

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

#14

וַֽיְהִי

H1961

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

#15

ל֖וֹ

#16

לְכֹהֵֽן׃

H3548

who became his priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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