Judges 9:54

Authorized King James Version

Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְרָ֨א
Then he called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
מְהֵרָ֜ה
hastily
properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
נַֽעֲר֖וֹ
him And his young man
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#5
נֹשֵׂ֣א
his armourbearer
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#6
כֵלָ֗יו
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#7
יֹ֥אמְרוּ
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
לוֹ֙
H0
#9
שְׁלֹ֤ף
unto him Draw
to pull out, up or off
#10
חַרְבְּךָ֙
thy sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#11
וַיָּמֹֽת׃
and he died
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#12
פֶּן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#13
יֹ֥אמְרוּ
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
לִ֖י
H0
#15
אִשָּׁ֣ה
not of me A woman
a woman
#16
הֲרָגָ֑תְהוּ
slew
to smite with deadly intent
#17
וַיִּדְקְרֵ֥הוּ
thrust him through
to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile
#18
נַֽעֲר֖וֹ
him And his young man
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#19
וַיָּמֹֽת׃
and he died
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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