Judges 3:22

Authorized King James Version

And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֨א
also went in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
גַֽם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#3
הַנִּצָּ֜ב
And the haft
fixed, i.e., a handle
#4
אַחַ֣ר
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#5
הַלַּ֔הַב
the blade
a flash; figuratively, a sharply polished blade or point of a weapon
#6
וַיִּסְגֹּ֤ר
closed
to shut up; figuratively, to surrender
#7
הַחֵ֙לֶב֙
and the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#8
בְּעַ֣ד
upon
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
#9
הַלַּ֔הַב
the blade
a flash; figuratively, a sharply polished blade or point of a weapon
#10
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
שָׁלַ֛ף
so that he could not draw
to pull out, up or off
#13
הַחֶ֖רֶב
the dagger
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#14
מִבִּטְנ֑וֹ
out of his belly
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
#15
וַיֵּצֵ֖א
came out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#16
הַֽפַּרְשְׁדֹֽנָה׃
and the dirt
the crotch (or anus)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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