Judges 8:11

Authorized King James Version

And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֣עַל
went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#2
גִּדְע֗וֹן
And Gideon
gidon, an israelite
#3
דֶּ֚רֶךְ
by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#4
הַשְּׁכוּנֵ֣י
of them that dwelt
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#5
בָֽאֳהָלִ֔ים
in tents
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#6
מִקֶּ֥דֶם
on the east
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
#7
לְנֹ֖בַח
of Nobah
nobach, the name of an israelite, and of a place east of the jordan
#8
וְיָגְבֳּהָ֑ה
and Jogbehah
jogbehah, a place east of the jordan
#9
וַיַּךְ֙
and smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
וְהַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה
for the host
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#12
וְהַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה
for the host
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#13
הָ֥יָה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
בֶֽטַח׃
was secure
properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine revelation 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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