Judges 20:6

Authorized King James Version

And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָֽאֹחֵ֤ז
And I took
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
#2
בְּפִֽילַגְשִׁי֙
my concubine
a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour
#3
וָֽאֲנַתְּחֶ֔הָ
and cut her in pieces
to dismember
#4
וָֽאֲשַׁלְּחֶ֔הָ
and sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#5
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
שְׂדֵ֖ה
her throughout all the country
a field (as flat)
#7
נַֽחֲלַ֣ת
of the inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#8
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#9
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
עָשׂ֛וּ
for they have committed
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
זִמָּ֥ה
lewdness
a plan, especially a bad one
#12
וּנְבָלָ֖ה
and folly
foolishness, i.e., (morally) wickedness; concretely, a crime; by extension, punishment
#13
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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