Judges 6:22

Authorized King James Version

And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I have seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
גִּדְע֗וֹן
And when Gideon
gidon, an israelite
#3
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
an angel
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#5
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
ה֑וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
גִּדְע֗וֹן
And when Gideon
gidon, an israelite
#9
אֲהָהּ֙
Alas
oh!
#10
אֲדֹנָ֣י
O Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#11
יְהוִ֔ה
GOD
god
#12
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
כֵּ֤ן
for because
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#15
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I have seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#16
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
an angel
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#17
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#18
פָּנִֽים׃
face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#19
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#20
פָּנִֽים׃
face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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