Judges 5:16

Authorized King James Version

Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָ֣מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
יָשַׁ֗בְתָּ
Why abodest
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#3
בֵּ֚ין
thou among
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#4
הַֽמִּשְׁפְּתַ֔יִם
the sheepfolds
a stall for cattle (only dual)
#5
לִשְׁמֹ֖עַ
to hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#6
שְׁרִק֣וֹת
the bleatings
a whistling (in scorn); by analogy, a piping
#7
עֲדָרִ֑ים
of the flocks
an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)
#8
לִפְלַגּ֣וֹת
a section
#9
רְאוּבֵ֔ן
of Reuben
reuben, a son of jacob
#10
גְּדוֹלִ֖ים
there were great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#11
חִקְרֵי
searchings
examination, enumeration, deliberation
#12
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

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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