Judges 18:20

Authorized King James Version

And the priest's heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּיטַב֙
was glad
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#2
לֵ֣ב
heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#3
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
And the priest's
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
וַיִּקַּח֙
and he took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
הָ֣אֵפ֔וֹד
the ephod
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
#7
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַתְּרָפִ֖ים
and the teraphim
teraphim (singular or plural) a family idol
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הַפָּ֑סֶל
and the graven image
an idol
#11
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and went in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
בְּקֶ֥רֶב
the midst
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#13
הָעָֽם׃
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of covenant community 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

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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