Judges 19:17

Authorized King James Version

And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשָּׂ֣א
And when he had lifted up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
עֵינָ֗יו
his eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#3
וַיַּ֛רְא
he saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הָאִ֧ישׁ
man
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)
#6
הָֽאֹרֵ֖חַ
a wayfaring
to travel
#7
בִּרְחֹ֣ב
in the street
a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area
#8
הָעִ֑יר
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#9
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
הָאִ֧ישׁ
man
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)
#11
הַזָּקֵ֛ן
and the old
old
#12
אָ֥נָה
where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither
#13
תֵלֵ֖ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
וּמֵאַ֥יִן
thou and whence
where? (only in connection with prepositional prefix, whence)
#15
תָּבֽוֹא׃
comest
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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