Judges 7:4

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֹמַ֜ר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גִּדְע֗וֹן

H1439

unto Gideon

gidon, an israelite

עוֹד֮

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

הָעָ֣ם

H5971

The people

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

רָב֒

H7227

are yet too many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

הוֹרֵ֤ד

H3381

bring them down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אוֹתָם֙

H853

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

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

הַמַּ֔יִם

H4325

unto the water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#12

וְאֶצְרְפֶ֥נּוּ

H6884

and I will try

to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)

#13

לְךָ֖

#14

שָׁ֑ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#15

וְהָיָ֡ה

H1961

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

#16

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

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

#17

אֹמַ֜ר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

#18

אֵלֶ֜יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#19

זֶ֣ה׀

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#20

יֵלֵ֣ךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#21

אִתָּ֗ךְ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#22

ה֚וּא

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

יֵלֵ֣ךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#24

אִתָּ֔ךְ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#25

וְכֹ֨ל

H3605

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

#26

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#27

אֹמַ֜ר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

#28

אֵלֶ֗יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#29

זֶ֚ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#30

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#31

יֵלֵ֣ךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#32

עִמָּ֔ךְ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#33

ה֖וּא

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

#34

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#35

יֵלֵֽךְ׃

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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 passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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