Judges 21:18

Authorized King James Version

Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters: for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed be he that giveth a wife to Benjamin.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽאֲנַ֗חְנוּ
we
#2
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
נוּכַ֛ל
Howbeit we may
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#4
נֹתֵ֥ן
be he that giveth
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#5
לָהֶ֥ם
H0
#6
אִשָּׁ֖ה
a wife
a woman
#7
מִבְּנוֹתֵ֑ינוּ
of our daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
נִשְׁבְּע֤וּ
have sworn
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#10
בְנֵֽי
for 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
#11
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#12
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#13
אָר֕וּר
Cursed
to execrate
#14
נֹתֵ֥ן
be he that giveth
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#15
אִשָּׁ֖ה
a wife
a woman
#16
לְבִנְיָמִֽן׃
to Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

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

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