Judges 9:13

Authorized King James Version

And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, 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
הַגֶּ֔פֶן
And the vine
a vine (as twining), especially the grape
#4
הֶֽחֳדַ֙לְתִּי֙
unto them Should I leave
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
תִּ֣ירוֹשִׁ֔י
my wine
must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
#7
הַֽמְשַׂמֵּ֥חַ
which cheereth
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
#8
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#9
וַֽאֲנָשִׁ֑ים
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)
#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

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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