Judges 20:44

Authorized King James Version

And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of valour.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיִּפְּלוּ֙
And there fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#2
מִבִּנְיָמִ֔ן
of Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#3
שְׁמֹנָֽה
eighteen
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
#4
עָשָׂ֥ר
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#5
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#6
אַנְשֵׁי
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)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
אֵ֖לֶּה
these or those
#10
אַנְשֵׁי
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)
#11
חָֽיִל׃
of valour
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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