Judges 8:24

Authorized King James Version

And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.)

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲלֵהֶ֜ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
גִּדְע֗וֹן
And Gideon
gidon, an israelite
#4
אֶשְׁאֲלָ֤ה
unto them I would desire
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#5
מִכֶּם֙
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#6
שְׁאֵלָ֔ה
a request
a petition; by implication, a loan
#7
וּתְנוּ
of you that ye would give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#8
לִ֕י
H0
#9
אִ֖ישׁ
me every 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
נִזְמֵ֤י
earrings
a nose-ring
#11
שְׁלָל֑וֹ
of his prey
booty
#12
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
נִזְמֵ֤י
earrings
a nose-ring
#14
זָהָב֙
For they had golden
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#15
לָהֶ֔ם
H0
#16
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#17
יִשְׁמְעֵאלִ֖ים
because they were Ishmaelites
a jishmaelite or descendant of jishmael
#18
הֵֽם׃
they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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