Judges 5:6

Authorized King James Version

In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בִּימֵ֣י
In the days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#2
שַׁמְגַּ֤ר
of Shamgar
shamgar, an israelite judge
#3
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
עֲנָת֙
of Anath
anath, an israelite
#5
בִּימֵ֣י
In the days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#6
יָעֵ֔ל
of Jael
jael, a canaanite
#7
חָֽדְל֖וּ
were unoccupied
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
#8
אֳרָח֖וֹת
the highways
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
#9
יֵֽלְכ֕וּ
and the travellers
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#10
נְתִיב֔וֹת
a (beaten) track
#11
יֵֽלְכ֕וּ
and the travellers
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#12
אֳרָח֖וֹת
the highways
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
#13
עֲקַלְקַלּֽוֹת׃
through byways
winding

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

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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