Judges 2:19

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֣ה׀

H1961

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

בְּמ֣וֹת

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

הַשּׁוֹפֵ֗ט

H8199

And it came to pass when the judge

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

יָשֻׁ֙בוּ֙

H7725

that they returned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְהִשְׁחִ֣יתוּ

H7843

and corrupted

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

מֵֽאֲבוֹתָ֔ם

themselves more than their fathers

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

לָלֶ֗כֶת

H1980

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

אַֽחֲרֵי֙

H310

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

לְעָבְדָ֖ם

H5647

to serve

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#12

וּלְהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוֹ֣ת

H7812

them and to bow down

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

#13

לָהֶ֑ם

#14

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

#15

הִפִּ֙ילוּ֙

H5307

unto them they ceased

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#16

מִמַּ֣עַלְלֵיהֶ֔ם

H4611

not from their own doings

an act (good or bad)

#17

וּמִדַּרְכָּ֖ם

H1870

way

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

#18

הַקָּשָֽׁה׃

H7186

nor from their stubborn

severe (in various applications)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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

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 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?
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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