Judges 20:42

Authorized King James Version

Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which came out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּפְנ֞וּ
Therefore they turned
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#2
לִפְנֵ֨י
their backs 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
#3
אִ֤ישׁ
the 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)
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
unto the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#7
הַמִּדְבָּ֔ר
of the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#8
וְהַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה
but the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#9
הִדְבִּיקָ֑תְהוּ
overtook
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
#10
וַֽאֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
מֵהֶ֣עָרִ֔ים
them and them which came out of the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#12
מַשְׁחִיתִ֥ים
they destroyed
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#13
אוֹת֖וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
בְּתוֹכֽוֹ׃
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

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

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