Judges 17:7

Authorized King James Version

And there was a young man out of Beth-lehem-judah of the family of Judah, who was a Levite, and he sojourned there.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְהִי
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
נַ֗עַר
And there was a 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
#3
מִבֵּ֥ית
H0
#4
לֶ֙חֶם֙
out of Bethlehemjudah
beth-lechem, a place in palestine
#5
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#6
מִמִּשְׁפַּ֖חַת
of the family
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#7
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#8
וְה֥וּא
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
#9
לֵוִ֖י
who was a Levite
a levite or descendant of levi
#10
וְה֥וּא
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
#11
גָֽר
and he sojourned
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
#12
שָֽׁם׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources