Judges 18:1

Authorized King James Version

In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day all their inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַיּ֥וֹם
In those days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#2
הָהֵ֔ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#3
אֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#4
מֶ֖לֶךְ
there was no king
a king
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
הַיּ֥וֹם
In those days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#7
הָהֵ֗ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#8
שִׁבְטֵ֥י
the tribe
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#9
הַדָּנִ֞י
of the Danites
a danite (often collectively) or descendants (or inhabitants) of dan
#10
מְבַקֶּשׁ
sought
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#11
ל֤וֹ
H0
#12
בְּנַֽחֲלָֽה׃
all their inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#13
לָשֶׁ֔בֶת
to dwell in
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#14
כִּי֩
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
נָ֨פְלָה
had not fallen
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#17
לּ֜וֹ
H0
#18
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#19
הַיּ֥וֹם
In those days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#20
הַה֛וּא
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
#21
בְּתוֹךְ
unto them among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#22
שִׁבְטֵ֥י
the tribe
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#23
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#24
בְּנַֽחֲלָֽה׃
all their inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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

Related Resources

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

Study Resources