Judges 4:17

Authorized King James Version

Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְסִֽיסְרָא֙
Howbeit Sisera
sisera, the name of a canaanitish king and of one of the nethinim
#2
נָ֣ס
fled away
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#3
בְּרַגְלָ֔יו
on his feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
אֹ֣הֶל
to the tent
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#6
יָעֵ֔ל
of Jael
jael, a canaanite
#7
אֵ֖שֶׁת
the wife
a woman
#8
חֶ֥בֶר
of Heber
cheber, the name of a kenite and of three israelites
#9
הַקֵּינִֽי׃
the Kenite
a kenite or member of the tribe of kajin
#10
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
שָׁל֗וֹם
for there was peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#12
בֵּ֚ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#13
יָבִ֣ין
between Jabin
jabin, the name of two canaanitish kings
#14
מֶֽלֶךְ
the king
a king
#15
חָצ֔וֹר
of Hazor
chatsor, the name (thus simply) of two places in palestine and of one in arabia
#16
וּבֵ֕ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#17
בֵּ֖ית
and the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#18
חֶ֥בֶר
of Heber
cheber, the name of a kenite and of three israelites
#19
הַקֵּינִֽי׃
the Kenite
a kenite or member of the tribe of kajin

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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