Judges 9:15

Authorized King James Version

And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הָ֣אָטָ֔ד
And the bramble
a thorn-tree (especially the buckthorn)
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הָֽעֵצִים֒
unto the trees
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#5
אִ֡ם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#6
בֶּֽאֱמֶ֣ת
If in truth
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#7
אַתֶּם֩
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#8
מֹֽשְׁחִ֨ים
ye anoint
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
#9
אֹתִ֤י
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
לְמֶ֙לֶךְ֙
me king
a king
#11
עֲלֵיכֶ֔ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
בֹּ֖אוּ
over you then come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#13
חֲס֣וּ
and put your trust
to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in
#14
בְצִלִּ֑י
in my shadow
shade, whether literal or figurative
#15
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#16
אַ֕יִן
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#17
תֵּ֤צֵא
come out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#18
אֵשׁ֙
and if not let fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#19
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#20
הָ֣אָטָ֔ד
And the bramble
a thorn-tree (especially the buckthorn)
#21
וְתֹאכַ֖ל
and devour
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#22
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#23
אַרְזֵ֥י
the cedars
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
#24
הַלְּבָנֽוֹן׃
of Lebanon
lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of truth connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about truth, 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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