Judges 21:7

Authorized King James Version

How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
נַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
How shall we do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
לָהֶ֛ם
H0
#4
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
#5
לְנָשִֽׁים׃
for wives
a woman
#6
וַֽאֲנַ֙חְנוּ֙
we
#7
נִשְׁבַּ֣עְנוּ
seeing we have sworn
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#8
בַֽיהוָ֔ה
by the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
לְבִלְתִּ֛י
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#10
תֵּת
that we will not give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
לָהֶ֥ם
H0
#12
מִבְּנוֹתֵ֖ינוּ
them of our daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#13
לְנָשִֽׁים׃
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 sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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