Judges 18:14

Authorized King James Version

Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said unto their brethren, Do ye know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what ye have to do.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיַּעֲנ֞וּ

H6030

Then answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

חֲמֵ֣שֶׁת

H2568

the five

five

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֗ים

H582

men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הַהֹֽלְכִים֮

H1980

that went

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְרַגֵּל֮

H7270

to spy out

to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e., slander); to lead about

אֶת

H853

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

הָאָ֣רֶץ

H776

the country

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לַיִשׁ֒

H3919

of Laish

laish, the name of two places in palestine

וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

אֲחֵיהֶ֔ם

H251

unto their brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#12

דְּע֥וּ

H3045

Do ye know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#13

כִּ֠י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

יֵ֣שׁ

H3426

that there is

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

#15

בַּבָּתִּ֤ים

H1004

in these houses

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

#16

הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙

H428

these or those

#17

אֵפ֣וֹד

H646

an ephod

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

#18

וּתְרָפִ֔ים

H8655

and teraphim

teraphim (singular or plural) a family idol

#19

וּפֶ֖סֶל

H6459

and a graven image

an idol

#20

וּמַסֵּכָ֑ה

H4541

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

#21

וְעַתָּ֖ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#22

דְּע֥וּ

H3045

Do ye know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#23

מַֽה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#24

תַּעֲשֽׂוּ׃

H6213

what ye have to do

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?

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