Judges 4:11

Authorized King James Version

Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְחֶ֤בֶר
Now Heber
cheber, the name of a kenite and of three israelites
#2
מִקַּ֔יִן
himself from the Kenites
a kenite or member of the tribe of kajin
#3
נִפְרָ֣ד
had severed
to break through, i.e., spread or separate (oneself)
#4
מִקַּ֔יִן
himself from the Kenites
a kenite or member of the tribe of kajin
#5
מִבְּנֵ֥י
which was of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
חֹבָ֖ב
of Hobab
chobab, father-in-law of moses
#7
חֹתֵ֣ן
the father in law
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
#8
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
of Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#9
וַיֵּ֣ט
and pitched
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#10
אָֽהֳל֔וֹ
his tent
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#11
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#12
אֵל֥וֹן
unto the plain
an oak or other strong tree
#13
בְּצַעֲנִּ֖ים
of Zaanaim
tsaanannim or tsaanajim, a place in palestine
#14
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#16
קֶֽדֶשׁ׃
which is by Kedesh
kedesh, the name of four places in palestine

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 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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