Judges 6:28

Authorized King James Version

And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּשְׁכִּ֜ימוּ
arose early
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
#2
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
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)
#3
הָעִיר֙
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
בַּבֹּ֔קֶר
in the morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#5
וְהִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#6
נֻתַּץ֙
was cast down
to tear down
#7
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
behold the altar
an altar
#8
הַבַּ֔עַל
of Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#9
וְהָֽאֲשֵׁרָ֥ה
and the grove
asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same
#10
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
עָלָ֖יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
כֹּרָ֑תָה
was cut down
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#13
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
הַפָּ֣ר
bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#15
הַשֵּׁנִ֔י
that was by it and the second
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#16
הֹֽעֲלָ֔ה
was offered
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#17
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
behold the altar
an altar
#19
הַבָּנֽוּי׃
that was built
to build (literally and figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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