Judges 8:9

Authorized King James Version

And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֵאמֹ֑ר
And he spake
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#3
לְאַנְשֵׁ֥י
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)
#4
פְנוּאֵ֖ל
of Penuel
penuel or peniel, a place east of jordan; also (as penuel) the name of two israelites
#5
לֵאמֹ֑ר
And he spake
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
בְּשׁוּבִ֣י
When I come again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#7
בְשָׁל֔וֹם
in peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#8
אֶתֹּ֖ץ
I will break down
to tear down
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הַמִּגְדָּ֥ל
this tower
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
#11
הַזֶּֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of peace reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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