Judges 18:7

Authorized King James Version

Then the five men departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people that were therein, how they dwelt careless, after the manner of the Zidonians, quiet and secure; and there was no magistrate in the land, that might put them to shame in any thing; and they were far from the Zidonians, and had no business with any man.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

חֲמֵ֣שֶׁת

H2568

Then the five

five

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ

H935

and came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לָ֑יְשָׁה

H3919

to Laish

laish, the name of two places in palestine

וַיִּרְא֣וּ

H7200

and saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת

H853

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

הָעָ֣ם

H5971

the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

בְּקִרְבָּ֣הּ

H7130

that were therein

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

#11

יוֹשֶֽׁבֶת

H3427

how they dwelt

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#12

לָ֠בֶטַח

H983

careless

properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely

#13

כְּמִשְׁפַּ֨ט

H4941

after the manner

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#14

מִצִּ֣ידֹנִ֔ים

H6722

from the Zidonians

a tsidonian or inhabitant of tsidon

#15

שֹׁקֵ֣ט׀

H8252

quiet

to repose (usually figurative)

#16

וּבֹטֵ֗חַ

H982

and secure

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

#17

וְאֵין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#18

מַכְלִ֨ים

H3637

that might put them to shame

properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

#19

וְדָבָ֥ר

H1697

and had no business

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#20

בָּאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#21

יוֹרֵ֣שׁ

H3423

and there was no magistrate

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

#22

עֶ֔צֶר

H6114

restraint

#23

וּרְחוֹקִ֥ים

H7350

and they were far

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

#24

הֵ֙מָּה֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#25

מִצִּ֣ידֹנִ֔ים

H6722

from the Zidonians

a tsidonian or inhabitant of tsidon

#26

וְדָבָ֥ר

H1697

and had no business

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#27

אֵין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#28

לָהֶ֖ם

#29

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#30

אָדָֽם׃

H120

with any man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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 might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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