Judges 8:12

Authorized King James Version

And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּנֻ֗סוּ
fled
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#2
זֶ֙בַח֙
And when Zebah
zebach, a midianitish prince
#3
צַלְמֻנָּ֔ע
and Zalmunna
tsalmunna, a midianite
#4
וַיִּרְדֹּ֖ף
he pursued
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#5
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#6
וַיִּלְכֹּ֞ד
them and took
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
שְׁנֵ֣י׀
the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#9
מַלְכֵ֣י
kings
a king
#10
מִדְיָ֗ן
of Midian
midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
זֶ֙בַח֙
And when Zebah
zebach, a midianitish prince
#13
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
צַלְמֻנָּ֔ע
and Zalmunna
tsalmunna, a midianite
#15
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה
all 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
#17
הֶֽחֱרִֽיד׃
and discomfited
to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)

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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