Judges 21:12

Authorized King James Version

And they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead four hundred young virgins, that had known no man by lying with any male: and they brought them unto the camp to Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיִּמְצְא֞וּ
And they found
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
#2
מִיּֽוֹשְׁבֵ֣י׀
among the inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#3
יָבֵ֣ישׁ
of Jabeshgilead
jobesh, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine
#4
גִּלְעָ֗ד
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
#5
אַרְבַּ֤ע
four
four
#6
מֵאוֹת֙
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#7
נַֽעֲרָ֣ה
young
a girl (from infancy to adolescence)
#8
בְתוּלָ֔ה
virgins
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
#9
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
יָדְעָ֛ה
that had known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#12
אִ֖ישׁ
no man
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)
#13
לְמִשְׁכַּ֣ב
by lying
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
#14
זָכָ֑ר
with any male
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#15
וַיָּבִ֨אוּ
and they brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#16
אוֹתָ֤ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
הַֽמַּחֲנֶה֙
them unto the camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#19
שִׁלֹ֔ה
to Shiloh
shiloh, a place in palestine
#20
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#21
בְּאֶ֥רֶץ
which is in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#22
כְּנָֽעַן׃
of Canaan
kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

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 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

Related Resources

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

Study Resources