Judges 8:4

Authorized King James Version

And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֥א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
גִדְע֖וֹן
And Gideon
gidon, an israelite
#3
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑נָה
to Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#4
עֹבֵ֣ר
and passed over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#5
ה֗וּא
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
#6
וּשְׁלֹשׁ
he and the three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#7
מֵא֤וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#8
הָאִישׁ֙
men
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)
#9
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
אִתּ֔וֹ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#11
עֲיֵפִ֖ים
that were with him faint
languid
#12
וְרֹֽדְפִֽים׃
yet pursuing
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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