Judges 9:36

Authorized King James Version

And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there come people down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul said unto him, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רֹאֶ֖ה
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
גַּעַל֮
And when Gaal
gaal, an israelite
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
עָ֣ם
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
זְבֻ֔ל
And Zebul
zebul, an israelite
#8
הִנֵּה
lo!
#9
עָ֣ם
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
יוֹרֵ֔ד
Behold there come
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#11
מֵֽרָאשֵׁ֖י
from the top
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#12
הֶֽהָרִ֛ים
of the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#13
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
אֵלָיו֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
זְבֻ֔ל
And Zebul
zebul, an israelite
#16
אֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
צֵ֧ל
the shadow
shade, whether literal or figurative
#18
הֶֽהָרִ֛ים
of the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#19
אַתָּ֥ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#20
רֹאֶ֖ה
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#21
כָּֽאֲנָשִֽׁים׃
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)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of covenant community 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

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources