Judges 21:13

Authorized King James Version

And the whole congregation sent some to speak to the children of Benjamin that were in the rock Rimmon, and to call peaceably unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיִּשְׁלְחוּ֙
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה
And the whole congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#4
וַֽיְדַבְּרוּ֙
some to speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
בְּנֵ֣י
to the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
בִנְיָמִ֔ן
of Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#8
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
בְּסֶ֣לַע
that were in the rock
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
#10
רִמּ֑וֹן
Rimmon
rimmon, the name of five places in palestine
#11
וַיִּקְרְא֥וּ
and to call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#12
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#13
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
peaceably
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of peace 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

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

Study Resources