Judges 3:24

Authorized King James Version

When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְה֤וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#2
יָצָא֙
When he was gone out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#3
וַֽעֲבָדָ֣יו
his servants
a servant
#4
בָּ֔אוּ
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#5
וַיִּרְא֕וּ
and when they saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#6
וְהִנֵּ֛ה
lo!
#7
דַּלְת֥וֹת
that behold the doors
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#8
הָֽעֲלִיָּ֖ה
of the parlour
something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky
#9
נְעֻל֑וֹת
were locked
properly, to fasten up, i.e., with a bar or cord; hence, to sandal, i.e., furnish with slippers
#10
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
אַ֣ךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#12
מֵסִ֥יךְ
Surely he covereth
properly, to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect
#13
ה֛וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
רַגְלָ֖יו
his feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#16
בַּֽחֲדַ֥ר
chamber
an apartment (usually literal)
#17
הַמְּקֵרָֽה׃
in his summer
a cooling off

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

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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