Judges 20:34

Authorized King James Version

And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore: but they knew not that evil was near them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּבֹאוּ֩

H935

And there came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִנֶּ֨גֶד

H5048

against

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

לַגִּבְעָ֜ה

H1390

Gibeah

gibah; the name of three places in palestine

עֲשֶׂרֶת֩

H6235

ten

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

אֲלָפִ֨ים

H505

thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אִ֤ישׁ

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)

בָּחוּר֙

H977

chosen

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

מִכָּל

H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

out of all Israel

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

#10

וְהַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה

H4421

and the battle

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#11

כָּבֵ֑דָה

H3513

was sore

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

#12

וְהֵם֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#13

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#14

יָֽדְע֔וּ

H3045

but they knew

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#15

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#16

נֹגַ֥עַת

H5060

was near

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

#17

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#18

הָֽרָעָֽה׃

H7451

not that evil

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

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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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