Judges 20:32

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Benjamin said, They are smitten down before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them from the city unto the highways.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָֽמְר֗וּ
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
וּבְנֵ֧י
And 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
#3
בִנְיָמִ֔ן
of Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#4
נִגָּפִ֥ים
They are smitten down
to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)
#5
הֵ֛ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#6
לְפָנֵ֖ינוּ
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
כְּבָרִֽאשֹׁנָ֑ה
us as at the first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#8
וּבְנֵ֧י
And 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
#9
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#10
אָֽמְר֗וּ
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
נָנ֙וּסָה֙
Let us flee
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#12
וּֽנְתַקְּנ֔וּהוּ
and draw
to tear off
#13
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#14
הָעִ֖יר
them from the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#15
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
הַֽמְסִלּֽוֹת׃
unto the highways
a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase

Analysis

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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources