Judges 2:17

Authorized King James Version

And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְגַ֤ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שֹֽׁפְטֵיהֶם֙

H8199

unto their judges

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לִשְׁמֹ֥עַ

H8085

And yet they would not hearken

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

זָנ֗וּ

H2181

but they went a whoring

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

אַֽחֲרֵי֙

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אֱלֹהִ֣ים

H430

gods

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#10

אֲחֵרִ֔ים

H312

other

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

#11

וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲו֖וּ

H7812

and bowed

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#12

לָהֶ֑ם

#13

סָ֣רוּ

H5493

themselves unto them they turned

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

#14

מַהֵ֗ר

H4118

quickly

properly, hurrying; hence (adverbially) in a hurry

#15

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#16

הַדֶּ֜רֶךְ

H1870

out of the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#17

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#18

הָֽלְכ֧וּ

H1980

walked in

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

#19

אֲבוֹתָ֛ם

which their fathers

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

#20

לִשְׁמֹ֥עַ

H8085

And yet they would not hearken

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#21

מִצְוֹת

H4687

the commandments

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

#22

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#23

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#24

עָ֥שׂוּ

H6213

but they did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#25

כֵֽן׃

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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