Judges 9:11

Authorized King James Version

But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לָהֶם֙
H0
#3
הַתְּאֵנָ֔ה
But the fig tree
the fig (tree or fruit)
#4
הֶֽחֳדַ֙לְתִּי֙
unto them Should I forsake
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
מָתְקִ֔י
my sweetness
sweetness
#7
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
תְּנֽוּבָתִ֖י
fruit
produce
#9
הַטּוֹבָ֑ה
and my good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#10
וְהָ֣לַכְתִּ֔י
and go
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
לָנ֖וּעַ
to be promoted
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
הָֽעֵצִֽים׃
over the trees
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

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

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