Judges 18:29

Authorized King James Version

And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born unto Israel: howbeit the name of the city was Laish at the first.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְרְא֤וּ
And they called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
שֵׁם
after the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#3
הָעִ֖יר
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
דָּ֣ן
Dan
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
#5
שֵׁם
after the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#6
דָּ֣ן
Dan
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
#7
אֲבִיהֶ֔ם
H1
their father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#8
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
יוּלַּ֖ד
who was born
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#10
לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
unto Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
וְאוּלָ֛ם
howbeit
however or on the contrary
#12
לַ֥יִשׁ
was Laish
laish, the name of two places in palestine
#13
שֵׁם
after the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#14
הָעִ֖יר
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#15
לָרִֽאשֹׁנָֽה׃
at the first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 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

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