Judges 20:46

Authorized King James Version

So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these were men of valour.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִי֩

H1961

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

כָל

H3605

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

הַנֹּ֨פְלִ֜ים

H5307

So that all which fell

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

מִבִּנְיָמִ֗ן

H1144

of Benjamin

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

עֶשְׂרִים֩

H6242

were twenty

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֨ה

H2568

and five

five

אֶ֥לֶף

H505

thousand

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

אַנְשֵׁי

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)

שֹׁ֥לֵֽף

H8025

that drew

to pull out, up or off

#10

חֶ֖רֶב

H2719

the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#11

בַּיּ֣וֹם

H3117

that day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#12

הַה֑וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#13

אֶֽת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

כָּל

H3605

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

#15

אֵ֖לֶּה

H428

these or those

#16

אַנְשֵׁי

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)

#17

חָֽיִל׃

H2428

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

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

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