Judges 18:17

Authorized King James Version

And the five men that went to spy out the land went up, and came in thither, and took the graven image, and the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image: and the priest stood in the entering of the gate with the six hundred men that were appointed with weapons of war.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיַּעֲל֞וּ

H5927

went up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

חֲמֵ֣שֶׁת

H2568

And the five

five

הָאִ֔ישׁ

H376

men

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)

הַהֹֽלְכִים֮

H1980

that went

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

לְרַגֵּ֣ל

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)

הָאָרֶץ֒

H776

the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בָּ֣אוּ

H935

and came in

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שָׁ֔מָּה

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#10

לָֽקְח֗וּ

H3947

thither and took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

הַפֶּ֙סֶל֙

H6459

the graven image

an idol

#13

וְאֶת

H853

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

#14

הָ֣אֵפ֔וֹד

H646

and the ephod

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

#15

וְאֶת

H853

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

#16

הַתְּרָפִ֖ים

H8655

and the teraphim

teraphim (singular or plural) a family idol

#17

וְאֶת

H853

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

#18

הַמַּסֵּכָ֑ה

H4541

and the 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

#19

וְהַכֹּהֵ֗ן

H3548

and the priest

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

#20

נִצָּב֙

H5324

stood

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

#21

פֶּ֣תַח

H6607

in the entering

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

#22

הַשַּׁ֔עַר

H8179

of the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#23

וְשֵׁשׁ

H8337

with the six

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

#24

מֵא֣וֹת

H3967

hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

#25

הָאִ֔ישׁ

H376

men

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)

#26

הֶֽחָג֖וּר

H2296

that were appointed

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

#27

כְּלֵ֥י

H3627

with weapons

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

#28

הַמִּלְחָמָֽה׃

H4421

of war

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?

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