Judges 20:12

Authorized King James Version

And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is done among you?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיִּשְׁלְח֞וּ

H7971

sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

שִׁבְטֵ֥י

H7626

And the tribes

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֲנָשִׁ֔ים

H582

men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שִׁבְטֵ֥י

H7626

And the tribes

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

בִנְיָמִ֖ן

H1144

of Benjamin

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

לֵאמֹ֑ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

מָ֚ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#10

הָֽרָעָ֣ה

H7451

What wickedness

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#11

הַזֹּ֔את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#12

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#13

נִֽהְיְתָ֖ה

H1961

is this that is done

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

#14

בָּכֶֽם׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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