Judges 4:16

Authorized King James Version

But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; and there was not a man left.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבָרָ֗ק

H1301

But Barak

barak, an israelite

רָדַ֞ף

H7291

pursued

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י

H310

after

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

הָרֶ֙כֶב֙

H7393

the chariots

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י

H310

after

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

מַֽחֲנֵ֤ה

H4264

and after the host

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

עַ֖ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

חֲרֹ֣שֶׁת

H2800

unto Harosheth

charosheth, a place in palestine

הַגּוֹיִ֑ם

H1471

of the Gentiles

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#10

וַיִּפֹּ֞ל

H5307

fell

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#11

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

מַֽחֲנֵ֤ה

H4264

and after the host

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

#13

סִֽיסְרָא֙

H5516

of Sisera

sisera, the name of a canaanitish king and of one of the nethinim

#14

לְפִי

H6310

upon the edge

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#15

חֶ֔רֶב

H2719

of the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#16

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#17

נִשְׁאַ֖ר

H7604

left

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

#18

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#19

אֶחָֽד׃

H259

and there was not a man

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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