Judges 6:36

Authorized King James Version

And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

גִּדְע֖וֹן

H1439

And Gideon

gidon, an israelite

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

unto 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

אִם

H518

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

יֶשְׁךָ֞

H3426

If thou wilt

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

מוֹשִׁ֧יעַ

H3467

save

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

בְּיָדִ֛י

H3027

by mine hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֶת

H853

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

#10

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#11

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#12

דִּבַּֽרְתָּ׃

H1696

as thou hast said

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

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

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

How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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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