Judges 19:23

Authorized King James Version

And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, nay, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into mine house, do not this folly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּצֵ֣א
went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הָאִ֤ישׁ
And the 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)
#4
בַּ֣עַל
the master
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
#5
בֵּיתִ֔י
into mine house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
unto them and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
אַֽל
unto them Nay
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#9
אַחַ֖י
my brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#10
אַֽל
unto them Nay
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#11
תָּרֵ֣עוּ
nay I pray you do not so wickedly
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
#12
נָ֑א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#13
אַֽ֠חֲרֵי
seeing
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#14
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
בָּ֞א
is come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#16
הָאִ֤ישׁ
And the 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)
#17
הַזֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#18
אַל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#19
בֵּיתִ֔י
into mine house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#20
אַֽל
unto them Nay
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#21
תַּעֲשׂ֖וּ
do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#22
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#23
הַנְּבָלָ֥ה
not this folly
foolishness, i.e., (morally) wickedness; concretely, a crime; by extension, punishment
#24
הַזֹּֽאת׃
this (often used adverb)

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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources