Judges 7:16

Authorized King James Version

And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֛חַץ
And he divided
to cut or split in two; to halve
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
into three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#4
מֵא֥וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#5
הָאִ֖ישׁ
men
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)
#6
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
into three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#7
רָאשִׁ֑ים
companies
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#8
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
and he put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
שֽׁוֹפָר֤וֹת
a trumpet
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
#10
בְּיַד
in every man's 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
#11
כֻּלָּם֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
הַכַּדִּֽים׃
pitchers
properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes
#13
רֵיקִ֔ים
with empty
empty; figuratively, worthless
#14
וְלַפִּדִ֖ים
and lamps
a flambeau, lamp or flame
#15
בְּת֥וֹךְ
within
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#16
הַכַּדִּֽים׃
pitchers
properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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