Judges 18:9

Authorized King James Version

And they said, Arise, that we may go up against them: for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּֽאמְר֗וּ
And they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
ק֚וּמָה
Arise
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#3
וְנַֽעֲלֶ֣ה
that we may go up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#4
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
רָאִ֙ינוּ֙
against them for we have seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#10
טוֹבָ֖ה
good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#11
מְאֹ֑ד
and behold it is very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#12
וְאַתֶּ֣ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#13
מַחְשִׁ֔ים
and are ye still
to hush or keep quiet
#14
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#15
תֵּעָ֣צְל֔וּ
be not slothful
to lean idly, i.e., to be indolent or slack
#16
לָלֶ֥כֶת
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#17
לָבֹ֖א
and to enter
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#18
לָרֶ֥שֶׁת
to possess
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
#19
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 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

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