Obadiah 1:14

Authorized King James Version

Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַֽל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
תַּעֲמֹד֙
Neither shouldest thou have stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
הַפֶּ֔רֶק
in the crossway
rapine; also a fork (in roads)
#5
לְהַכְרִ֖ית
to cut off
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
פְּלִיטָ֑יו
those of his that did escape
a refugee
#8
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#9
תַּסְגֵּ֥ר
neither shouldest thou have delivered up
to shut up; figuratively, to surrender
#10
שְׂרִידָ֖יו
those of his that did remain
a survivor
#11
בְּי֥וֹם
in the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#12
צָרָֽה׃
of distress
transitively, a female rival

Analysis

Within the broader context of Obadiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 establishing foundational concepts crucial to Obadiah's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection