Judges 9:38

Authorized King James Version

Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תֹּאמַ֔ר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלָ֜יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
זְבֻ֗ל
Zebul
zebul, an israelite
#4
אַיֵּ֨ה
where?
#5
אֵפ֥וֹא
unto him Where is now
strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then
#6
פִ֙יךָ֙
thy mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#7
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
תֹּאמַ֔ר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
מִ֥י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#10
אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ
H40
Who is Abimelech
abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites
#11
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
נַֽעַבְדֶ֑נּוּ
that we should serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#13
הֲלֹ֨א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
זֶ֤ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#15
הָעָם֙
him is not this the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#16
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
מָאַ֣סְתָּה
that thou hast despised
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
#18
בּ֔וֹ
H0
#19
צֵא
go out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#20
נָ֥א
I pray now
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#21
עַתָּ֖ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#22
וְהִלָּ֥חֶם
and fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#23
בּֽוֹ׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

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

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