Judges 5:30

Authorized King James Version

Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲלֹ֨א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
יִמְצְא֜וּ
Have they not sped
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#3
יְחַלְּק֣וּ
have they not divided
to be smooth (figuratively)
#4
שָׁלָֽל׃
a prey
booty
#5
רַ֤חַם
a damsel
compassion (in the plural)
#6
רַֽחֲמָתַ֙יִם֙
or two
a maiden
#7
לְרֹ֣אשׁ
to every
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#8
גֶּ֔בֶר
man
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
#9
שָׁלָֽל׃
a prey
booty
#10
צֶ֥בַע
of divers colours
a dye
#11
לְסִ֣יסְרָ֔א
to Sisera
sisera, the name of a canaanitish king and of one of the nethinim
#12
שָׁלָֽל׃
a prey
booty
#13
צֶ֥בַע
of divers colours
a dye
#14
רִקְמָתַ֖יִם
of needlework
variegation of color; specifically, embroidery
#15
צֶ֥בַע
of divers colours
a dye
#16
רִקְמָתַ֖יִם
of needlework
variegation of color; specifically, embroidery
#17
לְצַוְּארֵ֥י
meet for the necks
the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)
#18
שָׁלָֽל׃
a prey
booty

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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