Judges 18:4

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
כָּזֹ֣ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#4
וְכָזֶ֔ה
and thus
this or that
#5
עָ֥שָׂה
dealeth
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
לִ֖י
H0
#7
מִיכָ֑ה
Micah
micah, the name of seven israelites
#8
וַיִּשְׂכְּרֵ֕נִי
with me and hath hired
to hire
#9
וָֽאֱהִי
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
ל֖וֹ
H0
#11
לְכֹהֵֽן׃
me and I am his priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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