Judges 8:16

Authorized King James Version

And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּח֙
And he took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
זִקְנֵ֣י
the elders
old
#4
הָעִ֔יר
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#5
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
קוֹצֵ֥י
and thorns
a thorn
#7
הַמִּדְבָּ֖ר
of the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#8
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַֽבַּרְקֳנִ֑ים
and briers
a thorn (perhaps as burning brightly)
#10
וַיֹּ֣דַע
and with them he taught
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#11
בָּהֶ֔ם
H0
#12
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
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)
#14
סֻכּֽוֹת׃
of Succoth
succoth, the name of a place in egypt and of three in palestine

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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