Judges 3:16

Authorized King James Version

But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּעַשׂ֩
made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
ל֨וֹ
H0
#3
אֵה֜וּד
But Ehud
ehud, the name of two or three israelites
#4
חֶ֗רֶב
him a dagger
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#5
וְלָ֛הּ
H0
#6
שְׁנֵ֥י
which had two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#7
פֵי֖וֹת
edges
an edge
#8
גֹּ֣מֶד
of a cubit
cubit
#9
אָרְכָּ֑הּ
length
length
#10
וַיַּחְגֹּ֤ר
and he did gird
to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)
#11
אוֹתָהּ֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
מִתַּ֣חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#13
לְמַדָּ֔יו
it under his raiment
properly, extent, i.e., height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet
#14
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
יֶ֥רֶךְ
thigh
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
#16
יְמִינֽוֹ׃
upon his right
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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