Judges 3:31

Authorized King James Version

And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַֽחֲרָ֤יו

H310

And after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הָיָה֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שַׁמְגַּ֣ר

H8044

him was Shamgar

shamgar, an israelite judge

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֲנָ֔ת

H6067

of Anath

anath, an israelite

וַיַּ֤ךְ

H5221

which slew

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פְּלִשְׁתִּים֙

H6430

of the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

שֵֽׁשׁ

H8337

six

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

#10

מֵא֣וֹת

H3967

hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

#11

אִ֔ישׁ

H376

men

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#12

בְּמַלְמַ֖ד

H4451

goad

a goad for oxen

#13

הַבָּקָ֑ר

H1241

with an ox

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

#14

וַיּ֥וֹשַׁע

H3467

and he also delivered

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

#15

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#16

ה֖וּא

H1931

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

#17

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

Israel

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

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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 systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources

Biblical Maps