Judges 9:21

Authorized King James Version

And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֣נָס
and fled
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#2
יוֹתָ֔ם
And Jotham
jotham, the name of three israelites
#3
וַיִּבְרַ֖ח
ran away
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
#4
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
בְּאֵ֑רָה
to Beer
beer, a place in the desert, also one in palestine
#6
וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב
and dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#7
שָׁ֔ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#8
מִפְּנֵ֖י
there for fear
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
אֲבִימֶ֥לֶךְ
H40
of Abimelech
abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites
#10
אָחִֽיו׃
his brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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