Judges 8:3

Authorized King James Version

God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּיֶדְכֶם֩
into your hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#2
נָתַ֨ן
hath delivered
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
שָׂרֵ֤י
the princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#6
מִדְיָן֙
of Midian
midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
עֹרֵ֣ב
Oreb
oreb, the name of a midianite and of the cliff near the jordan
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
זְאֵ֔ב
and Zeeb
zeeb, a midianitish prince
#11
וּמַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#12
יָּכֹ֖לְתִּי
and what was I able
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#13
עֲשׂ֣וֹת
to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
כָּכֶ֑ם
H0
#15
אָ֗ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#16
רָֽפְתָ֤ה
was abated
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
#17
רוּחָם֙
in comparison of you Then their anger
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#18
מֵֽעָלָ֔יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
בְּדַבְּר֖וֹ
that
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#20
הַדָּבָ֥ר
toward him when he had said
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#21
הַזֶּֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources