Judges 3:2

Authorized King James Version

Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;

Word-by-Word Analysis

רַ֥ק

H7535

Only that

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

לְמַ֙עַן֙

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יְדָעֽוּם׃

H3045

knew

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

דֹּר֣וֹת

H1755

the generations

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

of 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְלַמְּדָ֖ם

H3925

to teach

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

מִלְחָמָ֑ה

H4421

them war

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

רַ֥ק

H7535

Only that

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

#10

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

לְפָנִ֖ים

H6440

at the least such as before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#12

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#13

יְדָעֽוּם׃

H3045

knew

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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