Judges 9:16

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely, in that ye have made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֗ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בֶּֽאֱמֶ֤ת

H571

truly

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

וּבְתָמִים֙

H8549

and sincerely

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

עֲשִׂ֥יתֶם

H6213

Now therefore if ye have done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וַתַּמְלִ֖יכוּ

H4427

king

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ

H40

in that ye have made Abimelech

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

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#10

טוֹבָ֤ה

H2896

well

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

#11

עֲשִׂ֥יתֶם

H6213

Now therefore if ye have done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#12

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#13

יְרֻבַּ֣עַל

H3378

with Jerubbaal

jerubbaal, a symbolic name of gideon

#14

וְעִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#15

בֵּית֔וֹ

H1004

and his house

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

#16

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#17

כִּגְמ֥וּל

H1576

unto him according to the deserving

treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital

#18

יָדָ֖יו

H3027

of his hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#19

עֲשִׂ֥יתֶם

H6213

Now therefore if ye have done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#20

לֽוֹ׃

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

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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