Judges 8:21

Authorized King James Version

Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֜אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

זֶ֣בַח

H2078

Then Zebah

zebach, a midianitish prince

צַלְמֻנָּ֔ע

H6759

and Zalmunna

tsalmunna, a midianite

וַיָּ֣קָם

H6965

Rise

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

אַתָּה֙

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וּפְגַע

H6293

thou and fall

to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity

בָּ֔נוּ

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

כָאִ֖ישׁ

H376

upon us for as the man

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)

#10

גְּבֽוּרָת֑וֹ

H1369

is so is his strength

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

#11

וַיָּ֣קָם

H6965

Rise

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

#12

גִּדְע֗וֹן

H1439

And Gideon

gidon, an israelite

#13

וַֽיַּהֲרֹג֙

H2026

and slew

to smite with deadly intent

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

זֶ֣בַח

H2078

Then Zebah

zebach, a midianitish prince

#16

וְאֶת

H853

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

#17

צַלְמֻנָּ֔ע

H6759

and Zalmunna

tsalmunna, a midianite

#18

וַיִּקַּח֙

H3947

and took away

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#19

אֶת

H853

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

#20

הַשַּׂ֣הֲרֹנִ֔ים

H7720

the ornaments

a round pendant for the neck

#21

אֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#22

בְּצַוְּארֵ֥י

H6677

necks

the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)

#23

גְמַלֵּיהֶֽם׃

H1581

that were on their camels

a camel

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 practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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