Judges 20:48

Authorized King James Version

And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men of every city, as the beast, and all that came to hand: also they set on fire all the cities that they came to.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִ֨ישׁ

H376

And 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)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל

H3478

of Israel

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

שָׁ֣בוּ

H7725

turned again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֤י

H1121

upon 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

בִנְיָמִן֙

H1144

of Benjamin

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

וַיַּכּ֣וּם

H5221

and smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

לְפִי

H6310

them with the edge

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

חֶ֔רֶב

H2719

of the sword

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

#10

הֶֽעָרִ֥ים

H5892

all the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#11

מְתֹם֙

H4974

as well the men

wholesomeness; also (adverb) completely

#12

עַ֖ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#13

בְּהֵמָ֔ה

H929

the beast

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

#14

עַ֖ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#15

כָּל

H3605

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

#16

הַנִּמְצָא֖וֹת

H4672

and all that came to hand

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#17

גַּ֛ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#18

כָּל

H3605

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

#19

הֶֽעָרִ֥ים

H5892

all the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#20

הַנִּמְצָא֖וֹת

H4672

and all that came to hand

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#21

שִׁלְּח֥וּ

H7971

also they set

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#22

בָאֵֽשׁ׃

H784

on fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?

Related Resources

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

Study Resources

Biblical Maps