Judges 8:14

Authorized King James Version

And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּלְכָּד

H3920

And caught

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

נַ֛עַר

H5288

a young man

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

מֵֽאַנְשֵׁ֥י

H582

of the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

סֻכּוֹת֙

H5523

of Succoth

succoth, the name of a place in egypt and of three in palestine

וַיִּשְׁאָלֵ֑הוּ

H7592

and enquired

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

וַיִּכְתֹּ֨ב

H3789

of him and he described

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

אֵלָ֜יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶת

H853

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

שָׂרֵ֤י

H8269

unto him the princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

#10

סֻכּוֹת֙

H5523

of Succoth

succoth, the name of a place in egypt and of three in palestine

#11

וְאֶת

H853

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

#12

זְקֵנֶ֔יהָ

H2205

and the elders

old

#13

שִׁבְעִ֥ים

H7657

thereof even threescore and seventeen

seventy

#14

וְשִׁבְעָ֖ה

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

#15

אִֽישׁ׃

H376

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)

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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