Judges 17:8

Authorized King James Version

And the man departed out of the city from Beth-lehem-judah to sojourn where he could find a place: and he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
הָאִ֜ישׁ
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)
#3
מֵֽהָעִ֗יר
out of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
מִבֵּ֥ית
H0
#5
לֶ֙חֶם֙
from Bethlehemjudah
beth-lechem, a place in palestine
#6
יְהוּדָ֔ה
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#7
לָג֖וּר
to sojourn
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);
#8
בַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
יִמְצָ֑א
where he could find
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#10
וַיָּבֹ֧א
a place and he came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
הַר
to mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#12
אֶפְרַ֛יִם
Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#13
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#14
בֵּ֥ית
to the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#15
מִיכָ֖ה
of Micah
micah, the name of seven israelites
#16
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת
as he journeyed
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#17
דַּרְכּֽוֹ׃
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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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