Judges 8:27

Authorized King James Version

And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּעַשׂ֩

H6213

made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אוֹת֨וֹ

H853

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

לְגִדְע֥וֹן

H1439

And Gideon

gidon, an israelite

לְאֵפ֗וֹד

H646

an ephod

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

וַיַּצֵּ֨ג

H3322

thereof and put

to place permanently

אוֹת֤וֹ

H853

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

בְעִירוֹ֙

H5892

it in his city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

בְּעָפְרָ֔ה

H6084

even in Ophrah

ophrah, the name of an israelite and of two places in palestine

וַיִּזְנ֧וּ

H2181

went thither a whoring

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

#10

כָֽל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל

H3478

and all Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#12

אַֽחֲרָ֖יו

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#13

שָׁ֑ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#14

וַיְהִ֛י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#15

לְגִדְע֥וֹן

H1439

And Gideon

gidon, an israelite

#16

וּלְבֵית֖וֹ

H1004

and to his house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#17

לְמוֹקֵֽשׁ׃

H4170

it which thing became a snare

a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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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