Judges 18:21

Authorized King James Version

So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּפְנ֖וּ
So they turned
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#2
וַיֵּלֵ֑כוּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
וַיָּשִׂ֨ימוּ
and put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַטַּ֧ף
the little ones
a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)
#6
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
הַמִּקְנֶ֛ה
and the cattle
something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
#8
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַכְּבוּדָּ֖ה
and the carriage
weightiness, i.e., magnificence, wealth
#10
לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine revelation 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 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

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