Judges 6:40

Authorized King James Version

And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֧עַשׂ

H6213

did

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

אֱלֹהִ֛ים

H430

And 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

כֵּ֖ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

בַּלַּ֣יְלָה

H3915

so that night

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

הַה֑וּא

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

וַֽיְהִי

H1961

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

חֹ֤רֶב

H2721

for it was dry

drought or desolation

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַגִּזָּה֙

H1492

upon the fleece

a fleece

#10

לְבַדָּ֔הּ

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

#11

וְעַל

H5921

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

#12

כָּל

H3605

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

#13

הָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

on all the ground

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#14

הָ֥יָה

H1961

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

#15

טָֽל׃

H2919

only and there was dew

dew (as covering vegetation)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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