Judges 8:20

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

לְיֶ֣תֶר

H3500

unto Jether

jether, the name of five or six israelites and of one midianite

בְּכוֹר֔וֹ

H1060

his firstborn

first-born; hence, chief

ק֖וּם

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

הֲרֹ֣ג

H2026

and slay

to smite with deadly intent

אוֹתָ֑ם

H853

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

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁלַ֨ף

H8025

drew

to pull out, up or off

נָֽעַר׃

H5288

because he was yet a youth

(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

#10

חַרְבּוֹ֙

H2719

not his sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#11

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

יָרֵ֔א

H3372

for he feared

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#13

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

עוֹדֶ֖נּוּ

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#15

נָֽעַר׃

H5288

because he was yet a youth

(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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?
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?

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