Judges 6:31

Authorized King James Version

And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יוֹאָ֡שׁ

H3101

And Joash

joash, the name of six israelites

לְכֹל֩

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

עָֽמְד֨וּ

H5975

unto all that stood

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עָלָ֜יו

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַֽאַתֶּ֣ם׀

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יָ֣רֶב

H7378

against him Will ye plead

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

לַבַּ֗עַל

H1168

for Baal

baal, a phoenician deity

#10

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#11

אַתֶּם֙

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#12

תּֽוֹשִׁיע֣וּן

H3467

will ye save

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

#13

אוֹת֔וֹ

H853

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

#14

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

#15

יָ֣רֶב

H7378

against him Will ye plead

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

#16

ל֛וֹ

#17

יוּמַ֖ת

H4191

for him let him be put to death

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#18

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#19

הַבֹּ֑קֶר

H1242

whilst it is yet morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

#20

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#21

אֱלֹהִ֥ים

H430

if he be a god

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#22

הוּא֙

H1931

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

#23

יָ֣רֶב

H7378

against him Will ye plead

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

#24

ל֔וֹ

#25

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#26

נָתַ֖ץ

H5422

for himself because one hath cast down

to tear down

#27

אֶֽת

H853

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

#28

מִזְבְּחֽוֹ׃

H4196

his altar

an altar

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 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

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 cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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