Judges 3:25

Authorized King James Version

And they tarried till they were ashamed: and, behold, he opened not the doors of the parlour; therefore they took a key, and opened them: and, behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּחִ֣ילוּ
And they tarried
properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi
#2
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#3
בּ֔וֹשׁ
till they were ashamed
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#4
וְהִנֵּ֛ה
lo!
#5
אֵינֶ֥נּוּ
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#6
וַיִּפְתָּ֔חוּ
and behold he opened
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#7
דַּלְת֣וֹת
not the doors
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#8
הָֽעֲלִיָּ֑ה
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
וַיִּקְח֤וּ
therefore they took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הַמַּפְתֵּ֙חַ֙
a key
an opener, i.e., a key
#12
וַיִּפְתָּ֔חוּ
and behold he opened
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#13
וְהִנֵּה֙
lo!
#14
אֲדֹ֣נֵיהֶ֔ם
them and behold their lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#15
נֹפֵ֥ל
was fallen down
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#16
אַ֖רְצָה
on the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#17
מֵֽת׃
dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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