Judges 9:1

Authorized King James Version

And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֲבִימֶ֤לֶךְ

H40

And Abimelech

abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites

בֶּן

H1121

the 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

יְרֻבַּ֙עַל֙

H3378

of Jerubbaal

jerubbaal, a symbolic name of gideon

שְׁכֶ֔מָה

H7927

to Shechem

shekem, a place in palestine

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲחֵ֖י

H251

brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אִמּ֖וֹ

H517

of his mother's

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר

H1696

and communed

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#10

אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

מִשְׁפַּ֛חַת

H4940

with them and with all the family

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

#14

בֵּית

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#15

אֲבִ֥י

father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#16

אִמּ֖וֹ

H517

of his mother's

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

#17

לֵאמֹֽר׃

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine revelation 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 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 might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?

Related Resources

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

Study Resources

Biblical Maps