Judges 19:2

Authorized King James Version

And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father's house to Beth-lehem-judah, and was there four whole months.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתִּזְנֶ֤ה

H2181

played the whore

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

עָלָיו֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּֽילַגְשׁ֔וֹ

H6370

And his concubine

a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour

וַתֵּ֤לֶךְ

H1980

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

מֵֽאִתּוֹ֙

H853

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִ֔יהָ

from him unto her father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

בֵּ֥ית

#11

לֶ֖חֶם

H1035

to Bethlehemjudah

beth-lechem, a place in palestine

#12

יְהוּדָ֑ה

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#13

וַתְּהִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#14

שָׁ֕ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#15

יָמִ֖ים

H3117

whole

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#16

אַרְבָּעָ֥ה

H702

and was there four

four

#17

חֳדָשִֽׁים׃

H2320

months

the new moon; by implication, a month

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

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