Judges 19:4

Authorized King James Version

And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽחֲזֶק
retained
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#2
בּ֤וֹ
H0
#3
חֹֽתְנוֹ֙
And his father in law
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
#4
אֲבִ֣י
H1
father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
הַֽנַּעֲרָ֔ה
the damsel's
a girl (from infancy to adolescence)
#6
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
him and he abode
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#7
אִתּ֖וֹ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#8
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
with him three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#9
יָמִ֑ים
days
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
#10
וַיֹּֽאכְלוּ֙
so they did eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#11
וַיִּשְׁתּ֔וּ
and drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#12
וַיָּלִ֖ינוּ
and lodged
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#13
שָֽׁם׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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

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