Judges 21:22

Authorized King James Version

And it shall be, when their fathers or their brethren come unto us to complain, that we will say unto them, Be favourable unto them for our sakes: because we reserved not to each man his wife in the war: for ye did not give unto them at this time, that ye should be guilty.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֡ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָבֹ֣אוּ

H935

come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֲבוֹתָם֩

And it shall be when their fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

א֨וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

אֲחֵיהֶ֜ם

H251

or their brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

לָרִ֣וֹב׀

H7378

unto us to complain

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

אֵלֵ֗ינוּ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאָמַ֤רְנוּ

H559

that we will say

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

אֲלֵיהֶם֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

חָנּ֣וּנוּ

H2603

unto them Be favourable

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

#12

אוֹתָ֔ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

לָקַ֛חְנוּ

H3947

unto them for our sakes because we reserved

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#16

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

not to each 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)

#17

אִשְׁתּ֖וֹ

H802

his wife

a woman

#18

בַּמִּלְחָמָ֑ה

H4421

in the war

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#19

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#20

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#21

אַתֶּ֛ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#22

נְתַתֶּ֥ם

H5414

for ye did not give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#23

לָהֶ֖ם

#24

כָּעֵ֥ת

H6256

unto them at this time

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

#25

תֶּאְשָֽׁמוּ׃

H816

that ye should be guilty

to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish

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

How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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