Judges 18:5

Authorized King James Version

And they said unto him, Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֥אמְרוּ
And they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
ל֖וֹ
H0
#3
שְׁאַל
unto him Ask counsel
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#4
נָ֣א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#5
בֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים
we pray thee of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#6
וְנֵ֣דְעָ֔ה
that we may know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#7
הֲתַצְלִ֣חַ
shall be prosperous
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
#8
דַּרְכֵּ֔נוּ
whether our way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#9
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
אֲנַ֖חְנוּ
we
#11
הֹֽלְכִ֥ים
which we go
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#12
עָלֶֽיהָ׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources