Judges 3:18

Authorized King James Version

And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְהִי֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
כִּלָּ֔ה
And when he had made an end
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#4
לְהַקְרִ֖יב
to offer
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
הַמִּנְחָֽה׃
the present
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#7
וַיְשַׁלַּח֙
he sent away
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הָעָ֔ם
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
נֹֽשְׂאֵ֖י
that bare
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#11
הַמִּנְחָֽה׃
the present
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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