Judges 21:16

Authorized King James Version

Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּֽאמְר֨וּ
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
זִקְנֵ֣י
Then the elders
old
#3
הָֽעֵדָ֔ה
of the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#4
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#5
נַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
How shall we do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
לַנּֽוֹתָרִ֖ים
for them that remain
to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve
#7
אִשָּֽׁה׃
for wives
a woman
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
נִשְׁמְדָ֥ה
are destroyed
to desolate
#10
מִבִּנְיָמִ֖ן
out of Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#11
אִשָּֽׁה׃
for wives
a woman

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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