Judges 8:31

Authorized King James Version

And his concubine that was in Shechem, she also bare him a son, whose name he called Abimelech.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּפִֽילַגְשׁוֹ֙
And his concubine
a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour
#2
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
בִּשְׁכֶ֔ם
that was in Shechem
shekem, a place in palestine
#4
יָֽלְדָה
she also bare
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#5
לּ֥וֹ
H0
#6
גַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#7
הִ֖יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#8
בֵּ֑ן
him a son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
וַיָּ֥שֶׂם
he called
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
שְׁמ֖וֹ
whose name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#12
אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃
H40
Abimelech
abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites

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 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

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