Judges 5:31

Authorized King James Version

So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֵּ֠ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
יֹֽאבְד֤וּ
H6
perish
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#3
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
אֽוֹיְבֶ֙יךָ֙
So let all thine enemies
hating; an adversary
#5
יְהוָ֔ה
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
וְאֹ֣הֲבָ֔יו
but let them that love
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#7
כְּצֵ֥את
when he goeth forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#8
הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ
him be as the sun
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
#9
בִּגְבֻרָת֑וֹ
in his might
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
#10
וַתִּשְׁקֹ֥ט
had rest
to repose (usually figurative)
#11
הָאָ֖רֶץ
And the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
forty
forty
#13
שָׁנָֽה׃
years
a year (as a revolution of time)

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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