Judges 7:6

Authorized King James Version

And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
מִסְפַּ֞ר
And the number
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#3
הַֽמֲלַקְקִ֤ים
of them that lapped
to lick or lap
#4
בְּיָדָם֙
putting their 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
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
פִּיהֶ֔ם
to their mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#7
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
were three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#8
מֵא֖וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#9
אִ֑ישׁ
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)
#10
וְכֹל֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
יֶ֣תֶר
but all the rest
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
#12
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#13
כָּֽרְע֥וּ
bowed down
to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
בִּרְכֵיהֶ֖ם
upon their knees
a knee
#16
לִשְׁתּ֥וֹת
to drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#17
מָֽיִם׃
water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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