Judges 21:11

Authorized King James Version

And this is the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain by man.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְזֶ֥ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הַדָּבָ֖ר

H1697

And this is the thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תַּֽעֲשׂ֑וּ

H6213

that ye shall do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כָּל

H3605

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

זָכָ֖ר

H2145

every male

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

וְכָל

H3605

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

אִשָּׁ֛ה

H802

and every woman

a woman

יֹדַ֥עַת

H3045

by man

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#10

מִשְׁכַּב

H4904

that hath lain

a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse

#11

זָכָ֖ר

H2145

every male

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

#12

תַּֽחֲרִֽימוּ׃

H2763

Ye shall utterly destroy

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?

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