Judges 20:5

Authorized King James Version

And the men of Gibeah rose against me, and beset the house round about upon me by night, and thought to have slain me: and my concubine have they forced, that she is dead.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּקֻ֤מוּ
rose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
עָלַי֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
בַּֽעֲלֵ֣י
And the men
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
#4
הַגִּבְעָ֔ה
of Gibeah
gibah; the name of three places in palestine
#5
וַיָּסֹ֧בּוּ
against me and beset
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#6
עָלַ֛י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַבַּ֖יִת
the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
לָ֑יְלָה
upon me by night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#10
אוֹתִי֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
דִּמּ֣וּ
and thought
to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider
#12
לַֽהֲרֹ֔ג
to have slain
to smite with deadly intent
#13
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
פִּֽילַגְשִׁ֥י
me and my concubine
a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour
#15
עִנּ֖וּ
have they forced
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
#16
וַתָּמֹֽת׃
that she is dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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

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