Judges 8:30

Authorized King James Version

And Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten: for he had many wives.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּלְגִדְע֗וֹן

H1439

And Gideon

gidon, an israelite

הָיוּ֙

H1961

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

שִׁבְעִ֣ים

H7657

had threescore and ten

seventy

בָּנִ֔ים

H1121

sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יֹֽצְאֵ֖י

H3318

begotten

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

יְרֵכ֑וֹ

H3409

of his body

the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side

כִּֽי

H3588

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

נָשִׁ֥ים

H802

wives

a woman

רַבּ֖וֹת

H7227

for he had many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

#10

הָ֥יוּ

H1961

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

#11

לֽוֹ׃

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 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

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?
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 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?

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