Judges 3:21

Authorized King James Version

And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
put forth
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
אֵהוּד֙
And Ehud
ehud, the name of two or three israelites
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
יַ֣ד
hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#5
שְׂמֹאל֔וֹ
his left
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand
#6
וַיִּקַּח֙
and took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַחֶ֔רֶב
the dagger
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#9
מֵעַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
יֶ֣רֶךְ
thigh
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
#11
יְמִינ֑וֹ
from his right
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#12
וַיִּתְקָעֶ֖הָ
and thrust
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
#13
בְּבִטְנֽוֹ׃
it into his belly
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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