Judges 21:10

Authorized King James Version

And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the valiantest, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the children.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלְחוּ
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
שָׁ֣ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#3
הָֽעֵדָ֗ה
And the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#4
שְׁנֵים
thither twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#5
עָשָׂ֥ר
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#6
אֶ֛לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#7
אִ֖ישׁ
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)
#8
מִבְּנֵ֣י
of the valiantest
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
הֶחָ֑יִל
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#10
וַיְצַוּ֨וּ
and commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#11
אוֹתָ֜ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
לֵאמֹ֗ר
them saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#13
לְ֠כוּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
וְהִכִּיתֶ֞ם
and smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
יֽוֹשְׁבֵ֨י
the inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#17
יָבֵ֤שׁ
of Jabeshgilead
jobesh, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine
#18
גִּלְעָד֙
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
#19
לְפִי
with the edge
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#20
חֶ֔רֶב
of the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#21
וְהַנָּשִׁ֖ים
with the women
a woman
#22
וְהַטָּֽף׃
and the children
a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)

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

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

Related Resources

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

Study Resources