Judges 20:3

Authorized King James Version

(Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh.) Then said the children of Israel, Tell us, how was this wickedness?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיִּשְׁמְעוּ֙

H8085

heard

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

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

Now 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

בִנְיָמִ֔ן

H1144

of Benjamin

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

כִּֽי

H3588

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

עָל֥וּ

H5927

were gone up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

Now 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

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

הַמִּצְפָּ֑ה

H4709

to Mizpeh

mitspah, the name of two places in palestine

וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

Now 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

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

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

#12

דַּבְּר֕וּ

H1696

Tell

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#13

אֵיכָ֥ה

H349

how? or how!; also where

#14

נִֽהְיְתָ֖ה

H1961

us how was

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

#15

הָֽרָעָ֥ה

H7451

this wickedness

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

#16

הַזֹּֽאת׃

H2063

this (often used adverb)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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