Judges 20:16

Authorized King James Version

Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִכֹּ֣ל׀

H3605

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

הָעָ֣ם

H5971

Among all this people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַזֶּ֗ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

שְׁבַ֤ע

H7651

there were seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

מֵאוֹת֙

H3967

hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

men

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)

בָּח֔וּר

H977

chosen

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

אִטֵּ֖ר

H334

lefthanded

shut up, i.e., impeded (as to the use of the right hand)

יַד

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#10

יְמִינ֑וֹ

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

#11

כָּל

H3605

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

#12

זֶ֗ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#13

קֹלֵ֧עַ

H7049

every one could sling

to sling; also to carve (as if a circular motion, or into light forms)

#14

בָּאֶ֛בֶן

H68

stones

a stone

#15

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#16

הַֽשַּׂעֲרָ֖ה

H8185

at an hair

hairiness

#17

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#18

יַֽחֲטִֽא׃

H2398

breadth and not miss

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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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