Judges 19:12

Authorized King James Version

And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלָיו֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אֲדֹנָ֔יו
And his master
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#4
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
נָסוּר֙
unto him We will not turn aside
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
עִ֣יר
hither into the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#8
נָכְרִ֔י
of a stranger
strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)
#9
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
מִבְּנֵ֥י
that is not of 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
#12
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#13
הֵ֑נָּה
hither or thither (but used both of place and time)
#14
וְעָבַ֖רְנוּ
we will pass over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#15
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#16
גִּבְעָֽה׃
to Gibeah
gibah; the name of three places in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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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