Judges 5:21

Authorized King James Version

The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נַ֣חַל
The river
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#2
קִישׁ֑וֹן
Kishon
kishon, a river of palestine
#3
גְּרָפָ֔ם
swept them away
to bear off violently
#4
נַ֣חַל
The river
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#5
קְדוּמִ֖ים
that ancient
a pristine hero
#6
נַ֣חַל
The river
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#7
קִישׁ֑וֹן
Kishon
kishon, a river of palestine
#8
תִּדְרְכִ֥י
thou hast trodden down
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
#9
נַפְשִׁ֖י
O my soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#10
עֹֽז׃
strength
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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