Judges 9:40

Authorized King James Version

And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were overthrown and wounded, even unto the entering of the gate.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּרְדְּפֵ֣הוּ
chased
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#2
אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ
H40
And Abimelech
abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites
#3
וַיָּ֖נָס
him and he fled
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#4
מִפָּנָ֑יו
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
וַֽיִּפְּל֛וּ
were overthrown
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#6
חֲלָלִ֥ים
and wounded
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#7
רַבִּ֖ים
him and many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#8
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#9
פֶּ֥תַח
even unto the entering
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
#10
הַשָּֽׁעַר׃
of the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate

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

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 divine revelation 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