Judges 6:27

Authorized King James Version

Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקַּ֨ח

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

גִּדְע֜וֹן

H1439

Then Gideon

gidon, an israelite

עֲשָׂרָ֤ה

H6235

ten

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

אֲנָשִׁים֙

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מֵֽעֲבָדָ֔יו

H5650

of his servants

a servant

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ

H6213

and did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבֶּ֥ר

H1696

had said

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלָ֖יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

as the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#11

וַיְהִ֡י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#12

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

יָרֵא֩

H3372

unto him and so it was because he feared

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#14

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

בֵּ֨ית

H1004

household

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#16

אָבִ֜יו

his father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#17

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

אַנְשֵׁ֥י

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#19

הָעִ֛יר

H5892

of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#20

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ

H6213

and did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#21

יוֹמָ֖ם

H3119

it by day

daily

#22

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ

H6213

and did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#23

לָֽיְלָה׃

H3915

it by night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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