Judges 7:3

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֗ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

קְרָ֨א

H7121

proclaim

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

נָ֜א

H4994

Now therefore go to

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

בְּאָזְנֵ֤י

H241

in the ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

הָעָ֗ם

H5971

of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

מִֽי

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יָרֵ֣א

H3373

Whosoever is fearful

fearing; morally, reverent

וְחָרֵ֔ד

H2730

and afraid

fearful; also reverential

#10

וַיָּ֣שָׁב

H7725

And there returned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#11

וְיִצְפֹּ֖ר

H6852

and depart early

to skip about, i.e., return

#12

מֵהַ֣ר

H2022

from mount

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#13

הַגִּלְעָ֑ד

H1568

Gilead

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

#14

וַיָּ֣שָׁב

H7725

And there returned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#15

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#16

הָעָ֗ם

H5971

of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#17

עֶשְׂרִ֤ים

H6242

twenty

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

#18

וּשְׁנַ֙יִם֙

H8147

and two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#19

אֲלָפִ֖ים

H505

thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

#20

וַֽעֲשֶׂ֥רֶת

H6235

ten

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

#21

אֲלָפִ֖ים

H505

thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

#22

נִשְׁאָֽרוּ׃

H7604

and there remained

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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