Judges 9:47

Authorized King James Version

And it was told Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֻּגַּ֖ד
And it was told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#2
לַֽאֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ
H40
Abimelech
abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites
#3
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
הִֽתְקַבְּצ֔וּ
were gathered together
to grasp, i.e., collect
#5
כָּֽל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
בַּעֲלֵ֖י
that all the men
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
#7
מִֽגְדַּל
of the tower
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
#8
שְׁכֶֽם׃
of Shechem
shekem, a place in palestine

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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