Judges 18:30

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּקִ֧ימוּ

H6965

set up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לָהֶ֛ם

וּבָנָ֗יו

H1121

And the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

דָ֖ן

H1835

of 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

אֶת

H853

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

הַפָּ֑סֶל

H6459

the graven image

an idol

וִ֠יהֽוֹנָתָן

H3083

and Jonathan

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

וּבָנָ֗יו

H1121

And the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

גֵּֽרְשֹׁ֨ם

H1647

of Gershom

gereshom, the name of four israelites

#10

וּבָנָ֗יו

H1121

And the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

מְנַשֶּׁ֜ה

H4519

of Manasseh

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#12

ה֣וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#13

וּבָנָ֗יו

H1121

And the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#14

הָי֤וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#15

כֹֽהֲנִים֙

H3548

were priests

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

#16

לְשֵׁ֣בֶט

H7626

to the tribe

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

#17

הַדָּנִ֔י

H1839

of Dan

a danite (often collectively) or descendants (or inhabitants) of dan

#18

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#19

י֖וֹם

H3117

until the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#20

גְּל֥וֹת

H1540

of the captivity

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

#21

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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

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 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?
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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