Judges 5:15

Authorized King James Version

And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשָׂרַ֤י
And the princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#2
וְיִשָּׂשכָר֙
even Issachar
jissaskar, a son of jacob
#3
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
דְּבֹרָ֔ה
were with Deborah
deborah, the name of two hebrewesses
#5
וְיִשָּׂשכָר֙
even Issachar
jissaskar, a son of jacob
#6
כֵּ֣ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#7
בָּרָ֔ק
and also Barak
barak, an israelite
#8
בָּעֵ֖מֶק
into the valley
a vale (i.e., broad depression)
#9
שֻׁלַּ֣ח
he was sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#10
בְּרַגְלָ֑יו
on foot
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#11
בִּפְלַגּ֣וֹת
a section
#12
רְאוּבֵ֔ן
of Reuben
reuben, a son of jacob
#13
גְּדֹלִ֖ים
there were great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#14
חִקְקֵי
thoughts
an enactment, a resolution
#15
לֵֽב׃
of heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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