Judges 20:13

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore deliver us the men, the children of Belial, which are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֡ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

תְּנוּ֩

H5414

Now therefore deliver

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֨ים

H376

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)

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

But the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְלִיַּ֜עַל

H1100

of Belial

without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

בַּגִּבְעָה֙

H1390

which are in Gibeah

gibah; the name of three places in palestine

וּנְמִיתֵ֔ם

H4191

that we may put them to death

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

#10

וּנְבַֽעֲרָ֥ה

H1197

and put away

to be(-come) brutish

#11

רָעָ֖ה

H7451

evil

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

#12

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

from Israel

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

#13

וְלֹ֤א

H3808

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

#14

אָבוּ֙

H14

would

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

#15

בִּנְיָמִ֔ן

H1144

of Benjamin

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

#16

לִשְׁמֹ֕עַ

H8085

not hearken

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

#17

בְּק֖וֹל

H6963

to the voice

a voice or sound

#18

אֲחֵיהֶ֥ם

H251

of their brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#19

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

But the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#20

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

from Israel

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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?
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?

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