Greek Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Judges, Chapter 20ΚΡΙΤΑΙ Κ′

Each verse opens with the running Greek, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case (color), parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Israel's war against Benjamin wins justice at fearful cost and leaves a tribe nearly destroyed.

Translation & textual notes

The Greek text of Judges 20 follows the Rahlfs–Hanhart edition (Septuaginta, rev. ed. 2006); Rahlfs prints Judges in two parallel text-forms (A and B), and the verbatim reference annotated here is reproduced as given. Judges 20 is one of the longest battle narratives in the LXX historical books: the assembly of all Israel ὡς ἀνὴρ εἷς ('as one man', vv. 1, 8, 11), the Levite's forensic testimony (vv. 4–7), the demand upon Benjamin and its refusal (vv. 12–14), the muster of the two armies (vv. 15–17), the oracle at Bethel (v. 18), two catastrophic Israelite defeats (vv. 19–25), the weeping and fasting before the ark with Φινεες ministering (vv. 26–28), and the third-day ambush stratagem against Gibeah that ends in the near-annihilation of Benjamin (vv. 29–48). The chapter is saturated with military and cultic vocabulary: παράταξις ('battle-line'), συνάπτω ('join battle'), ἕλκων ῥομφαίαν ('drawing the sword', a Hebraism for שֹׁלֵף חֶרֶב), ἔνεδρον ('ambush'), σύσσημον καπνοῦ ('smoke-signal'), and the recurring inquiry-formula ἠρώτησαν ἐν κυρίῳ. The numerals are large and schematic — 400,000 Israelite swordsmen (v. 2), 26,000 Benjaminites with 700 left-handed slingers who could sling at a hair and not miss (vv. 15–16), 22,000 and 18,000 Israelite dead (vv. 21, 25), 25,100 Benjaminites slain (v. 35), 600 survivors at the rock of Rimmon (v. 47). The narrative repeatedly attributes the decisive blow to YHWH: ἐπάταξεν κύριος τὸν Βενιαμιν (v. 35).

1

καὶ ἐξῆλθον πάντες οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ καὶ ἐξεκκλησιάσθη ἡ συναγωγὴ ὡς ἀνὴρ εἷς ἀπὸ Δαν καὶ ἕως Βηρσαβεε καὶ γῆ τοῦ Γαλααδ πρὸς κύριον εἰς Μασσηφα

And all the sons of Israel went out, and the congregation was assembled as one man, from Dan and as far as Beersheba and the land of Gilead, before the LORD at Mizpah.

Narrative opening of the war-account (main line)καὶ ἐξῆλθον
The chapter opens with paratactic καί and the total muster of Israel; the simile ὡς ἀνὴρ εἷς ('as one man') is the leitmotif of the assembly (recurring vv. 8, 11), stressing the corporate unanimity that frames the war against Benjamin. The geographical merism ἀπὸ Δαν … ἕως Βηρσαβεε denotes the whole land north to south.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (Hebraizing καί-parataxis)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐξῆλθονwent outAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐξέρχομαιmain verb (corporate action of assembling)→ constative aorist (single completed muster)ἐξέρχομαι: 'go out / come forth'; renders יָצָא; here of the tribes coming out from their territories to the national assembly point.
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying υἱοὶ)πᾶς: 'all / every'; the totality marks the comprehensiveness of the muster — no tribe is absent (the absence of Jabesh-gilead will surface only at 21:8).
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubjectυἱός: 'son'; the idiom οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ renders בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, the standard designation of the covenant people.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)Ισραηλ: transliteration of Hebrew יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable in the LXX; here the whole covenant nation acting as one body.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐξεκκλησιάσθηwas assembledAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐξεκκλησιάζωmain verb (passive of corporate convening)→ constative aorist passive (the congregation was brought together)ἐξεκκλησιάζω: 'assemble / gather as an assembly (ἐκκλησία)'; renders קָהַל (Niphal); the verb is cognate with συναγωγή / ἐκκλησία and frames the muster as a formal sacral-civic convocation before YHWH.
theNominativearticleἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
συναγωγὴcongregationNominativesubject of ἐξεκκλησιάσθησυναγωγή: 'gathering / congregation'; renders עֵדָה; the technical term for Israel convened as a corporate body, here for judgment and war.
ὡςascomparative particle (introducing simile)ὡς: 'as / like'; introduces the unity-simile ἀνὴρ εἷς.
ἀνὴρmanNominativepredicate of comparison (with εἷς)ἀνήρ: 'man'; the phrase ὡς ἀνὴρ εἷς renders כְּאִישׁ אֶחָד, a Hebraism for perfect corporate unanimity (cf. vv. 8, 11).
εἷςoneNominativenumeral adjective (modifying ἀνὴρ)εἷς, μία, ἕν: 'one'; intensifies the simile — the whole nation acts with a single will.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (start of geographical merism)ἀπό: the construction ἀπὸ Δαν … ἕως Βηρσαβεε is the stock merism for the whole land from north to south.
ΔανDangenitive object of ἀπό (indeclinable place-name)Δαν: transliteration of Hebrew דָּן; indeclinable; the northernmost reference-point of Israel's territory.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἕωςas far aspreposition + genitive (end-point of merism)ἕως: 'until / as far as'; marks the southern limit of the merism.
ΒηρσαβεεBeershebagenitive object of ἕως (indeclinable place-name)Βηρσαβεε: transliteration of Hebrew בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע; indeclinable; the southernmost reference-point of the land.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (extending the merism)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
γῆlandNominativeappositional extension (the Transjordan added to the merism)γῆ: 'land'; the explicit inclusion of the land of Gilead extends the muster across the Jordan, so that the Transjordanian tribes too are present.
τοῦtheGenitivearticleτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΓαλααδGileadgenitive of relationship (indeclinable place-name)Γαλααδ: transliteration of Hebrew גִּלְעָד; indeclinable; the Transjordanian region, here named to show the full geographical scope of the assembly.
πρὸςbeforepreposition + accusative (cultic orientation: 'unto the LORD')πρός + acc.: here 'before / unto'; the assembly is convened toward YHWH, framing the gathering as a sacral act.
κύριονthe LORDAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (Tetragrammaton)κύριος: standard LXX rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the assembly gathers 'unto the LORD,' indicating that Mizpah functioned as a cultic meeting-place.
εἰςat / topreposition + accusative (destination)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΜασσηφαMizpahaccusative object of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)Μασσηφα: transliteration of Hebrew מִצְפָּה ('watchtower'); indeclinable; the assembly-site in Benjamin used as a covenant gathering-place (cf. 1 Sam 7:5–6).
2

καὶ ἐστάθησαν κατὰ πρόσωπον κυρίου πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τοῦ Ισραηλ ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ λαοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ τετρακόσιαι χιλιάδες ἀνδρῶν πεζῶν ἕλκοντες ῥομφαίαν

And all the tribes of Israel took their stand before the face of the LORD in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand foot-soldiers drawing the sword.

Continuation: the muster quantified (main line)καὶ ἐστάθησαν
v. 2 quantifies and sacralizes the assembly: the tribes 'take their stand before the face of YHWH' (κατὰ πρόσωπον κυρίου, a cultic Hebraism) in the ἐκκλησία τοῦ λαοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ. The figure τετρακόσιαι χιλιάδες (400,000) and the Hebraism ἕλκοντες ῥομφαίαν ('drawing the sword', שֹׁלֵף חֶרֶב) frame the gathering as a national army.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐστάθησανtook their standAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἵστημιmain verb (took position before YHWH)→ constative aorist (the assembly formally presented itself)ἵστημι (aor. pass.): 'stand / take one's stand / present oneself'; renders יָצַב / עָמַד; the passive-intransitive denotes formal presentation before YHWH, a cultic posture.
κατὰbeforepreposition + accusative (in the phrase 'before the face')κατά + acc.: in κατὰ πρόσωπον = 'in the presence of / before the face of', a Hebraism rendering לִפְנֵי.
πρόσωπονfaceAccusativeaccusative in prepositional idiom (κατὰ πρόσωπον)πρόσωπον: 'face / presence'; κατὰ πρόσωπον κυρίου renders לִפְנֵי יהוה, marking the assembly as enacted in YHWH's presence.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive (possessive: 'face of the LORD'; Tetragrammaton)κύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the assembly stands in the presence of YHWH himself, not a sanctuary merely.
πᾶσαιallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying φυλαὶ)πᾶς: 'all'; feminine plural agreeing with φυλαί; reinforces total tribal participation.
αἱtheNominativearticleαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλαὶtribesNominativesubject of ἐστάθησανφυλή: 'tribe'; renders שֵׁבֶט / מַטֶּה; the corporate units of Israel here gathered for collective judicial-military action.
τοῦofGenitivearticleτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable; here defining the tribes as those of the covenant nation.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative/circumstantial)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ἐκκλησίᾳassemblyDativedative of place/circumstance (the convened assembly)ἐκκλησία: 'assembly / congregation'; renders קָהָל; cognate with ἐξεκκλησιάσθη (v. 1); frames the gathering as the formal qahal of YHWH's people.
τοῦof theGenitivearticleτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαοῦpeopleGenitivegenitive (defining the assembly: 'of the people')λαός: 'people'; the covenant term for Israel (עַם); the phrase λαοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ ('people of God') gives the muster theological weight.
τοῦofGenitivearticleτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive of relationship ('people of God')θεός: 'God'; renders אֱלֹהִים; the genitive marks the assembly as a sacral convocation of God's own people.
τετρακόσιαιfour hundredNominativenumeral (modifying χιλιάδες)τετρακόσιοι: 'four hundred'; with χιλιάδες yields 400,000; the schematic large number signals the overwhelming size of Israel's host against Benjamin's 26,000.
χιλιάδεςthousandsNominativenumeral noun in apposition (the count of the army)χιλιάς: 'a thousand'; τετρακόσιαι χιλιάδες = 400,000; appositional to the tribes, specifying the army's strength.
ἀνδρῶνof menGenitivepartitive/descriptive genitive (men comprising the thousands)ἀνήρ: 'man'; here in the military sense of fighting men.
πεζῶνfoot-soldiersGenitiveattributive adjective (modifying ἀνδρῶν: 'men on foot')πεζός: 'on foot / infantry'; renders רַגְלִי; specifies the army as foot-soldiers (Israel had no cavalry in this period).
ἕλκοντεςdrawingPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · ἕλκωattributive participle (describing the men: 'sword-drawing')→ characterizing present participle (habitual warrior capacity)ἕλκω: 'draw / drag'; the phrase ἕλκοντες ῥομφαίαν renders the Hebraism שֹׁלֵף חֶרֶב ('drawer of the sword'), a stock idiom for armed warriors fit for battle (recurs vv. 15, 17, 25, 46).
ῥομφαίανthe swordAccusativedirect object of ἕλκοντεςῥομφαία: 'sword / broadsword'; renders חֶרֶב; the LXX's preferred term for the sword in martial contexts; object of the warrior-idiom ἕλκων ῥομφαίαν.
3

καὶ ἤκουσαν οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν ὅτι ἀνέβησαν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ εἰς Μασσηφα καὶ ἐλθόντες εἶπαν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ λαλήσατε ποῦ ἐγένετο ἡ πονηρία αὕτη

And the sons of Benjamin heard that the sons of Israel had gone up to Mizpah. And the sons of Israel came and said, 'Tell us, how did this evil come to be?'

Narrative development: Benjamin hears; Israel demands an account (main line)καὶ ἤκουσαν
The verse pivots from muster to inquiry. Benjamin's 'hearing' (ἤκουσαν) sets up their later refusal (v. 13). Israel's demand λαλήσατε ποῦ ἐγένετο ἡ πονηρία αὕτη ('tell, how did this evil come to be?') opens the forensic phase; πονηρία ('evil / wickedness') is the keyword for the Gibeah outrage (cf. vv. 12, 13).
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἤκουσανheardAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀκούωmain verb (Benjamin's perception)→ constative aorist (single act of hearing the news)ἀκούω: 'hear'; renders שָׁמַע; here of Benjamin receiving report of the national assembly — a hearing that does not lead to compliance.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἤκουσανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν renders בְּנֵי בִנְיָמִן, the tribe of Benjamin as a corporate body.
ΒενιαμινBenjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable tribe-name)Βενιαμιν: transliteration of Hebrew בִּנְיָמִן; indeclinable; the offending tribe whose city Gibeah is at issue.
ὅτιthatcomplementizer (introducing object clause of ἤκουσαν)ὅτι: 'that'; introduces the content of what Benjamin heard.
ἀνέβησανhad gone upAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀναβαίνωverb of the ὅτι-clause→ constative aorist (the completed ascent to Mizpah)ἀναβαίνω: 'go up / ascend'; renders עָלָה; the standard verb for movement up to a cultic or assembly site; recurs throughout the chapter for going up to Bethel and against Gibeah.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἀνέβησανυἱοὶ: lexical item interpreted according to its local syntactic role in this passage.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: function word shaping the local clause or phrase relation in this oracle.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΜασσηφαMizpahaccusative object of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)Μασσηφα: the assembly-site (see v. 1).
καὶandnarrative conjunction (new clause)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐλθόντεςhaving comeAor Act Part Nom Pl Masc · ἔρχομαιcircumstantial participle (attendant circumstance of εἶπαν)→ antecedent aorist participle (coming preceding speaking)ἔρχομαι: 'come / go'; the aorist participle ἐλθόντες denotes the action of coming to the inquiry-scene prior to speaking.
εἶπανsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb (speech-introduction)→ constative aorist (single collective speech-act)λέγω: 'say'; the Hellenistic aorist εἶπαν (for εἶπον) introduces the corporate demand for testimony.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of εἶπανυἱοὶ: lexical item interpreted according to its local syntactic role in this passage.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: function word shaping the local clause or phrase relation in this oracle.
λαλήσατεtell / speakAor Act Impv 2 Pl · λαλέωmain verb (imperative demand for testimony)→ ingressive aorist imperative (give your account now)λαλέω: 'speak / tell'; renders דָּבַר (Piel); the imperative summons the Levite to give his forensic account before the assembly.
ποῦhow / whereinterrogative adverb (introducing indirect question)ποῦ: properly 'where?'; here in the sense 'in what circumstances / how' did this evil arise — an interrogative seeking the account of the deed.
ἐγένετοcame to beAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιverb of the indirect question→ constative aorist (the occurrence of the evil)γίνομαι: 'become / come to pass / happen'; renders הָיָה; asks for the manner of the outrage's occurrence.
theNominativearticleἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πονηρίαevilNominativesubject of ἐγένετοπονηρία: 'wickedness / evil deed'; renders רָעָה; the keyword for the Gibeah atrocity, recurring in the demand to Benjamin (vv. 12, 13).
αὕτηthisNominativedemonstrative adjective (modifying πονηρία)οὗτος: 'this'; the near-demonstrative points to the notorious outrage now under judicial scrutiny.
4

καὶ ἀπεκρίθη ὁ ἀνὴρ ὁ Λευίτης ὁ ἀνὴρ τῆς γυναικὸς τῆς φονευθείσης καὶ εἶπεν εἰς Γαβαα τῆς Βενιαμιν ἦλθον ἐγὼ καὶ ἡ παλλακή μου τοῦ αὐλισθῆναι

And the man, the Levite, the husband of the woman who was murdered, answered and said, 'I came to Gibeah of Benjamin, I and my concubine, to lodge there.'

The Levite's testimony begins (embedded direct speech, level 1)καὶ ἀπεκρίθη
The Levite is identified by triple apposition (ὁ ἀνὴρ ὁ Λευίτης ὁ ἀνὴρ τῆς γυναικὸς τῆς φονευθείσης), establishing his standing as both witness and aggrieved party. The participle φονευθείσης ('who was murdered') states the crime's outcome at the outset, framing the testimony juridically.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀπεκρίθηansweredAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκρίνομαιmain verb (speech-introduction)→ constative aorist (the deponent passive form for 'answered')ἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer / respond'; renders עָנָה; the aorist passive form ἀπεκρίθη is the standard LXX deponent for 'he answered.'
theNominativearticleὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνὴρmanNominativesubject of ἀπεκρίθηἀνήρ: 'man / husband'; the witness, identified first as 'the man,' then by apposition as Levite and husband.
theNominativearticle (with appositional Λευίτης)ὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίτηςLeviteNominativeapposition to ἀνὴρ (defining his status)Λευίτης: 'Levite'; renders לֵוִי; his Levitical status lends weight and pathos to the testimony — the outrage was committed against a man set apart for sacred service.
theNominativearticle (second appositional phrase)ὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνὴρhusbandNominativeapposition (defining him as the woman's husband)ἀνήρ: here in the sense 'husband'; ὁ ἀνὴρ τῆς γυναικός = 'the husband of the woman', the aggrieved party.
τῆςof theGenitivearticleτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυναικὸςwomanGenitivegenitive of relationship ('husband of the woman')γυνή: 'woman / wife'; here the murdered concubine, designated γυνή to underscore the marital bond violated by the crime.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with the participle φονευθείσης)τῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φονευθείσηςwho was murderedAor Pass Part Gen Sg Fem · φονεύωattributive participle (modifying γυναικὸς)→ resultative aorist participle (her death as accomplished fact)φονεύω: 'murder / kill'; renders רָצַח / מוּת; the passive participle states the woman's violent death at the outset, framing the testimony as a homicide case.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (linking ἀπεκρίθη and εἶπεν)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (introducing the testimony proper)→ constative aoristλέγω: the pleonastic ἀπεκρίθη … καὶ εἶπεν ('answered and said') is a Hebraism (וַיַּעַן … וַיֹּאמֶר) introducing direct speech.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination of ἦλθον)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΓαβααGibeahaccusative object of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)Γαβαα: transliteration of Hebrew גִּבְעָה ('hill'); indeclinable; the Benjaminite town where the outrage occurred and which becomes the focus of the war.
τῆςofGenitivearticle (genitive of relationship with Βενιαμιν)τῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΒενιαμινBenjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'Gibeah of Benjamin')Βενιαμιν: indeclinable; the qualifier locates Gibeah within Benjaminite territory, implicating the whole tribe.
ἦλθονI cameAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb of the testimony (first-person narration)→ constative aorist (the Levite recounts his arrival)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; the first-person ἦλθον begins the eyewitness narration of events at Gibeah.
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic personal pronoun)ἐγώ: emphatic 'I'; foregrounds the Levite as eyewitness; paired with ἡ παλλακή μου as the two who lodged at Gibeah.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
theNominativearticleἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παλλακήconcubineNominativesubject (joined to ἐγὼ)παλλακή: 'concubine / secondary wife'; renders פִּילֶגֶשׁ; the victim of the Gibeah outrage; her status as the Levite's woman makes the crime a violation of his household.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying παλλακή)ἐγώ (gen.): 'my'; possessive marking the concubine as belonging to the Levite's household.
τοῦtoGenitivearticle with articular infinitive (genitive of purpose)τοῦ + inf.: the articular infinitive of purpose, 'in order to'; a frequent LXX construction rendering Hebrew לְ + infinitive.
αὐλισθῆναιto lodgeAor Pass Inf · αὐλίζομαιarticular infinitive of purpose (with τοῦ)→ purpose infinitive (the aim of the journey)αὐλίζομαι: 'lodge / spend the night / encamp'; renders לוּן; states the innocent purpose of the stop at Gibeah, heightening the horror of what followed.
5

καὶ ἀνέστησαν ἐπ᾿ ἐμὲ οἱ ἄνδρες τῆς Γαβαα καὶ ἐκύκλωσαν ἐπ᾿ ἐμὲ ἐπὶ τὴν οἰκίαν νυκτός ἐμὲ ἠθέλησαν φονεῦσαι καὶ τὴν παλλακήν μου ἐταπείνωσαν καὶ ἀπέθανεν

And the men of Gibeah rose up against me and surrounded me, against the house, by night; me they wished to kill, and my concubine they humiliated, and she died.

The Levite's testimony continues: the assault narrated (embedded direct speech, level 1)καὶ ἀνέστησαν
The Levite narrates the assault in stark sequence: rising up, surrounding, intent to kill, and the fatal violation. The fronted ἐμὲ … ἐμὲ ('me … me') and the blunt final ἀπέθανεν ('and she died') give the testimony forensic force; ἐταπείνωσαν ('they humiliated') is the LXX euphemism for sexual violation (cf. Gen 34:2; 2 Sam 13:14).
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀνέστησανrose upAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀνίστημιmain verb (hostile rising against the Levite)→ ingressive aorist (the onset of the assault)ἀνίστημι: 'rise / stand up / rise against'; renders קוּם; here in the hostile sense 'rose up against me' (ἀνέστησαν ἐπ᾿ ἐμέ).
ἐπ᾿againstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction, elided)ἐπί + acc.: 'against'; in hostile sense, marking the assault's target.
ἐμὲmeAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπ᾿ (the Levite as target)ἐγώ (acc.): emphatic 'me'; the fronted object stresses the personal danger to the Levite.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄνδρεςmenNominativesubject of ἀνέστησανἀνήρ: 'man'; οἱ ἄνδρες τῆς Γαβαα are the perpetrators, the 'men of Gibeah' (= the 'worthless men' of v. 13).
τῆςofGenitivearticle (genitive of origin with Γαβαα)τῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΓαβααGibeahgenitive of origin (indeclinable: 'men of Gibeah')Γαβαα: indeclinable; identifies the assailants' town (see v. 4).
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐκύκλωσανsurroundedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · κυκλόωmain verb (siege of the house)→ constative aorist (the encircling of the house)κυκλόω: 'encircle / surround'; renders סָבַב / נָקַף; the men besiege the house at night, trapping its occupants (cf. the parallel at Gen 19:4).
ἐπ᾿againstpreposition + accusative (hostile, elided)ἐπ᾿: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ἐμὲmeAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπ᾿ἐμὲ: lexical item interpreted according to its local syntactic role in this passage.
ἐπὶagainst / atpreposition + accusative (the location encircled)ἐπὶ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἰκίανhouseAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπὶ (the besieged house)οἰκία: 'house / dwelling'; renders בַּיִת; the house in which the Levite was a guest, now besieged.
νυκτόςby nightGenitivegenitive of time (within which: 'during the night')νύξ (gen.): the genitive of time νυκτός = 'by night / during the night'; the nocturnal setting heightens the menace.
ἐμὲmeAccusativefronted direct object of φονεῦσαι (emphatic)ἐγώ (acc.): the third fronted ἐμέ stresses that the Levite himself was the intended murder-victim.
ἠθέλησανthey wishedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · θέλωmain verb (intent to kill, with complementary infinitive)→ constative aorist (their settled intent)θέλω: 'wish / want / intend'; renders אָבָה / חָפֵץ; with the infinitive φονεῦσαι expresses the murderous intent of the men of Gibeah.
φονεῦσαιto killAor Act Inf · φονεύωcomplementary infinitive (object of ἠθέλησαν)→ complementary infinitive (the content of their intent)φονεύω: 'murder / kill'; the same root as φονευθείσης (v. 4); the men intended to kill the Levite, but the violence fell instead on the concubine.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (adversative shift to the concubine)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παλλακήνconcubineAccusativefronted direct object of ἐταπείνωσανπαλλακή: 'concubine'; the victim (see v. 4); the fronting parallels the fronted ἐμέ, contrasting the intended and actual victims.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying παλλακήν)μου: pronominal form marking person, possession, or reference within the clause.
ἐταπείνωσανthey humiliatedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ταπεινόωmain verb (the sexual violation)→ constative aorist (the completed atrocity)ταπεινόω: 'humble / humiliate / violate'; renders עִנָּה (Piel); in this context the standard LXX euphemism for sexual violation (cf. Gen 34:2; Deut 22:24; 2 Sam 13:14).
καὶandnarrative conjunction (result)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀπέθανενshe diedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποθνῄσκωmain verb (the fatal outcome)→ constative aorist (the woman's death)ἀποθνῄσκω: 'die'; renders מוּת; the terse final clause states the lethal result of the abuse, the crime that triggers the war.
6

καὶ ἐκράτησα τὴν παλλακήν μου καὶ ἐμέλισα αὐτὴν καὶ ἀπέστειλα ἐν παντὶ ὁρίῳ κληρονομίας υἱῶν Ισραηλ ὅτι ἐποίησαν ζεμα καὶ ἀπόπτωμα ἐν Ισραηλ

And I took hold of my concubine and cut her in pieces and sent her throughout all the territory of the inheritance of the sons of Israel, because they had committed a lewd and outrageous thing in Israel.

The Levite's testimony concludes: his response and the charge (embedded direct speech, level 1)καὶ ἐκράτησα
The Levite recounts his grim summons of the tribes — dismembering the body and sending the pieces throughout Israel's inheritance (cf. 19:29). The charge is framed with two terms: ζεμα (transliterated Hebrew זִמָּה, 'lewdness') and ἀπόπτωμα ('outrage / disgrace'), categorizing the deed as an abomination 'in Israel.'
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐκράτησαI took hold ofAor Act Indic 1 Sg · κρατέωmain verb (the Levite's act)→ constative aoristκρατέω: 'seize / take hold of / grasp'; renders אָחַז / חָזַק; here the Levite takes hold of the dead body in order to dismember it.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παλλακήνconcubineAccusativedirect object of ἐκράτησαπαλλακή: the dead concubine (see vv. 4–5).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possessionμου: pronominal form marking person, possession, or reference within the clause.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐμέλισαI cut in piecesAor Act Indic 1 Sg · μελίζωmain verb (dismemberment)→ constative aorist (the shocking act of summons)μελίζω: 'divide limb from limb / cut into pieces (μέλη)'; renders נָתַח; the dismemberment (cf. 19:29) is a grisly call-to-arms summoning all Israel to judgment.
αὐτὴνherAccusativedirect object of ἐμέλισααὐτός: 'her'; the dismembered concubine, whose pieces become the summons-tokens.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀπέστειλαI sentAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb (dispatch of the body-parts)→ constative aoristἀποστέλλω: 'send / send out'; renders שָׁלַח; the body-parts are dispatched throughout Israel's territory as a national summons (cf. 1 Sam 11:7 for the parallel device with the oxen).
ἐνthroughoutpreposition + dative (extent: 'in all the territory')ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
παντὶallDativeattributive adjective (modifying ὁρίῳ)πᾶς: 'all / every'; the whole territory, so that no part of Israel is uninformed of the outrage.
ὁρίῳterritoryDativedative of place (extent of distribution)ὅριον: 'boundary / territory / region'; renders גְּבוּל; the term for tribal/national territory, here the whole inheritance of Israel.
κληρονομίαςof the inheritanceGenitivegenitive (defining the territory: 'territory of the inheritance')κληρονομία: 'inheritance / allotted possession'; renders נַחֲלָה; the land as Israel's divinely allotted heritage, defiled by the crime.
υἱῶνof the sonsGenitivegenitive of relationship (modifying κληρονομίας)υἱός: 'son'; the inheritance of the sons of Israel = the whole covenant land.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (introducing the charge)ὅτι: 'because'; introduces the legal ground for the summons — the abomination committed at Gibeah.
ἐποίησανthey committedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ποιέωverb of the causal clause→ constative aorist (the deed as a settled fact)ποιέω: 'do / make / commit'; renders עָשָׂה; with ζεμα as object, 'they committed lewdness.'
ζεμαlewdnessdirect object of ἐποίησαν (transliterated Hebrew term)ζεμα: a transliteration of Hebrew זִמָּה ('lewdness / depravity / heinous wickedness'); left untranslated in this Greek text-form; treated as indeclinable; the technical term for sexual/moral abomination (cf. Lev 18:17; 20:14).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (second object)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀπόπτωμαan outrageAccusativesecond direct object of ἐποίησανἀπόπτωμα: 'a falling away / disgrace / outrage'; renders נְבָלָה ('senseless disgrace'); paired with ζεμα to characterize the deed as both lewd and shameful, an outrage in Israel (the term recurs at v. 10).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΙσραηλIsraeldative object of ἐν (indeclinable: 'in Israel')Ισραηλ: indeclinable; the phrase 'in Israel' marks the deed as a defilement of the covenant community as a whole.
7

ἰδοὺ πάντες ὑμεῖς υἱοὶ Ισραηλ δότε ἑαυτοῖς λόγον καὶ βουλὴν ἐκεῖ

Behold, all you sons of Israel, give yourselves a word and counsel here.

The Levite's appeal for collective deliberation (embedded direct speech, level 1)ἰδοὺ
The testimony closes with an appeal: the deictic ἰδού fronts the address to 'all of you, sons of Israel,' and the imperative δότε ('give yourselves a word and counsel') calls the assembly to deliberate and decide a corporate verdict.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative interjection (attention-marker)ἰδού: 'behold / see'; renders הִנֵּה; the deictic particle calling the assembly to attention before the appeal.
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ὑμεῖς)πᾶς: 'all'; the whole assembly is addressed, demanding a collective response.
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic 2nd person plural pronoun, vocative force)σύ (pl. ὑμεῖς): emphatic 'you'; the direct address to the gathered Israelites.
υἱοὶsonsNominativeapposition / vocative (defining the addressees)υἱός: 'son'; υἱοὶ Ισραηλ here in address, summoning the covenant people to judgment.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
δότεgiveAor Act Impv 2 Pl · δίδωμιmain verb (imperative appeal)→ ingressive aorist imperative (resolve now)δίδωμι: 'give'; the idiom δότε ἑαυτοῖς λόγον καὶ βουλήν ('give yourselves word and counsel') summons the assembly to deliberate and reach a verdict.
ἑαυτοῖςyourselvesDativereflexive indirect object (dative of advantage)ἑαυτοῦ: reflexive 'yourselves'; the deliberation is for the assembly's own collective decision.
λόγονa wordAccusativedirect object of δότελόγος: 'word / matter / decision'; renders דָּבָר; here 'a deliberated word' — a corporate resolution on the matter.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
βουλὴνcounselAccusativesecond direct object of δότεβουλή: 'counsel / plan / deliberation'; renders עֵצָה; paired with λόγος for the assembly's deliberated decision.
ἐκεῖhere / thereadverb of place (at the assembly-site)ἐκεῖ: 'there'; here pointing to the place of assembly, 'right here and now,' urging immediate deliberation.
8

καὶ ἀνέστη πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ὡς ἀνὴρ εἷς λέγοντες οὐκ ἀπελευσόμεθα ἀνὴρ εἰς σκήνωμα αὐτοῦ καὶ οὐκ ἐπιστρέψομεν ἀνὴρ εἰς οἶκον αὐτοῦ

And all the people rose up as one man, saying, 'We will not go away, each man to his tent, nor will we turn back, each man to his house.'

The assembly's unanimous resolve (main line + embedded vow, level 1)καὶ ἀνέστη
The assembly responds with the recurring unity-formula ὡς ἀνὴρ εἷς and a double negative vow (οὐκ … οὐκ) of non-return: no one will go home until the matter is settled. The distributive ἀνήρ ('each man') with singular nouns (σκήνωμα / οἶκον αὐτοῦ) renders the Hebrew אִישׁ ('each').
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀνέστηrose upAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀνίστημιmain verb (the people's collective response)→ ingressive aorist (the assembly rising to resolve)ἀνίστημι: 'rise / stand up'; the singular verb agrees with the collective πᾶς ὁ λαός, treated as a unity.
πᾶςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying λαὸς)πᾶς: 'all / whole'; emphasizes the unanimity of the response.
theNominativearticleὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαὸςpeopleNominativesubject of ἀνέστηλαός: 'people'; the covenant assembly acting as one.
ὡςascomparative particle (unity-simile)ὡς: introduces the recurring simile ἀνὴρ εἷς (cf. vv. 1, 11).
ἀνὴρmanNominativepredicate of comparisonἀνήρ: 'man'; ὡς ἀνὴρ εἷς = 'as one man,' the unity-formula of the chapter.
εἷςoneNominativenumeral adjective (modifying ἀνὴρ)εἷς: 'one'; intensifies the corporate unanimity of the resolve.
λέγοντεςsayingPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · λέγωparticiple of speech (constructio ad sensum: plural with collective λαὸς)→ circumstantial present participle (manner of the rising)λέγω: 'say'; the plural participle λέγοντες after the singular collective λαός is a constructio ad sensum, introducing the people's vow.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἀπελευσόμεθα)οὐ: 'not'; the first member of the emphatic double-negative vow.
ἀπελευσόμεθαwe will go awayFut Mid Indic 1 Pl · ἀπέρχομαιmain verb of the vow (first negated clause)→ emphatic future of solemn resolve (a vow)ἀπέρχομαι: 'go away / depart'; renders הָלַךְ; the negated future expresses a binding communal vow not to disperse before the matter is resolved.
ἀνὴρeach manNominativedistributive apposition (subject: 'each man')ἀνήρ: here distributive 'each / every man', rendering אִישׁ in the idiom 'each man to his tent.'
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
σκήνωμαtentAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (destination of return)σκήνωμα: 'tent / dwelling / encampment'; renders אֹהֶל; the soldiers' tents, to which they vow not to return prematurely.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (with σκήνωμα)αὐτοῦ: pronominal form marking person, possession, or reference within the clause.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (second negated clause)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἐπιστρέψομεν)οὐ: the second member of the double-negative vow.
ἐπιστρέψομενwe will turn backFut Act Indic 1 Pl · ἐπιστρέφωmain verb of the vow (second negated clause)→ emphatic future of solemn resolveἐπιστρέφω: 'turn back / return'; renders שׁוּב; parallel to ἀπελευσόμεθα, reinforcing the vow not to go home until Gibeah is judged.
ἀνὴρeach manNominativedistributive apposition (subject: 'each man')ἀνήρ: distributive 'each man' (see above).
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
οἶκονhouseAccusativeaccusative object of εἰςοἶκος: 'house / household'; renders בַּיִת; parallel to σκήνωμα, completing the vow of non-return.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (with οἶκον)αὐτοῦ: pronominal form marking person, possession, or reference within the clause.
9

καὶ νῦν τοῦτο τὸ ῥῆμα ὃ ποιηθήσεται τῇ Γαβαα ἀναβησόμεθα ἐπ᾿ αὐτὴν ἐν κλήρῳ

And now this is the thing that shall be done to Gibeah: we will go up against her by lot.

Resolution stated: the plan of action (embedded resolve, level 1)καὶ νῦν
καὶ νῦν ('and now') introduces the operative decision after the vow of v. 8. The plan is twofold: 'this is the thing' (τοῦτο τὸ ῥῆμα) and its execution — going up against Gibeah ἐν κλήρῳ ('by lot'), letting the cast lot determine the order of attack.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (with νῦν: transition to decision)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
νῦνnowtemporal adverb (logical transition)νῦν: 'now'; καὶ νῦν renders וְעַתָּה, a stock LXX transition from premise to resolution.
τοῦτοthisNominativedemonstrative (predicate: 'this is the thing')οὗτος: 'this'; cataphoric, pointing forward to the plan that follows.
τὸtheNominativearticleτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ῥῆμαthing / wordNominativesubject (the matter to be done)ῥῆμα: 'word / thing / matter'; renders דָּבָר; in Hebraistic usage ῥῆμα can mean 'thing / deed' as well as 'word'; here the planned course of action.
whichNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ποιηθήσεται)ὅς: relative 'which'; introduces the clause defining the 'thing.'
ποιηθήσεταιshall be doneFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωverb of relative clause (passive of the planned action)→ predictive future passive (resolved action)ποιέω (fut. pass.): 'be done / be made'; renders עָשָׂה; the passive presents the action as a settled communal decree against Gibeah.
τῇtoDativearticle (dative of disadvantage with Γαβαα)τῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΓαβααGibeahdative of disadvantage (indeclinable: 'to/against Gibeah')Γαβαα: indeclinable; the target of the action (see v. 4).
ἀναβησόμεθαwe will go upFut Mid Indic 1 Pl · ἀναβαίνωmain verb (the resolved attack)→ predictive future (the army's intended advance)ἀναβαίνω: 'go up / advance'; renders עָלָה; the military 'go up against' (ἀναβαίνω ἐπί) for an attack.
ἐπ᾿againstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction, elided)ἐπ᾿: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
αὐτὴνherAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπ᾿ (Gibeah)αὐτός: 'her'; the feminine refers to the city Gibeah (πόλις).
ἐνbypreposition + dative (means: 'by lot')ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
κλήρῳlotDativedative of means (ἐν κλήρῳ: 'by lot')κλῆρος: 'lot'; renders גּוֹרָל; the lot determines the apportionment or order of attack, a customary means of seeking divine direction.
10

πλὴν λημψόμεθα δέκα ἄνδρας τοῖς ἑκατὸν εἰς πάσας φυλὰς Ισραηλ καὶ ἑκατὸν τοῖς χιλίοις καὶ χιλίους τοῖς μυρίοις λαβεῖν ἐπισιτισμὸν τοῦ ποιῆσαι ἐλθεῖν αὐτοὺς εἰς Γαβαα Βενιαμιν ποιῆσαι αὐτῇ κατὰ πᾶν τὸ ἀπόπτωμα ὃ ἐποίησεν ἐν Ισραηλ

But we will take ten men of every hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and a hundred of every thousand, and a thousand of every ten thousand, to take provisions, so as to make those who come to Gibeah of Benjamin do to her according to all the outrage that she did in Israel.

Logistical provision for the campaign (embedded resolve, level 1)πλὴν λημψόμεθα
πλήν ('but / only') marks a supplementary provision: a graduated levy (10:100, 100:1000, 1000:10000) to supply provisions (ἐπισιτισμόν) for the army. The purpose-chain (τοῦ ποιῆσαι … ποιῆσαι αὐτῇ) caps the plan: that Gibeah be requited 'according to all the outrage (ἀπόπτωμα) she did in Israel,' echoing v. 6.
Word-by-word analysis· 37 words
πλὴνbut / onlyadversative/restrictive particle (introducing the provision)πλήν: 'except / but / only'; renders אַךְ / רַק; here introducing a logistical proviso to the attack-plan.
λημψόμεθαwe will takeFut Mid Indic 1 Pl · λαμβάνωmain verb (the levy of provisioners)→ predictive future (the planned levy)λαμβάνω: 'take / select'; renders לָקַח; the Hellenistic future λημψόμεθα; here of detailing men for the supply-train.
δέκαtennumeral (modifying ἄνδρας)δέκα: 'ten'; indeclinable numeral; the first ratio of the graduated levy (ten per hundred).
ἄνδραςmenAccusativedirect object of λημψόμεθαἀνήρ: 'man'; the men levied for provisioning duty.
τοῖςfor theDativearticle (dative of ratio with ἑκατὸν)τοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἑκατὸνhundredDativedative of ratio (ten 'to the hundred')ἑκατόν: 'hundred'; indeclinable; the distributive dative τοῖς ἑκατόν = 'per hundred,' giving the ratio 10:100.
εἰςthroughoutpreposition + accusative (distributive: 'for all the tribes')εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
πάσαςallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying φυλὰς)πᾶς: 'all'; the levy spans every tribe.
φυλὰςtribesAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (distributive scope)φυλή: 'tribe'; the levy is apportioned across all the tribes of Israel.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (next ratio)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἑκατὸνa hundredAccusativenumeral (object: a hundred men)ἑκατόν: 'hundred'; the second ratio's numerator (100 per 1000).
τοῖςfor theDativearticle (dative of ratio with χιλίοις)τοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χιλίοιςthousandDativedative of ratio ('per thousand')χίλιοι: 'thousand'; the distributive dative τοῖς χιλίοις = 'per thousand,' ratio 100:1000.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (third ratio)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
χιλίουςa thousandAccusativenumeral (object: a thousand men)χίλιοι: 'thousand'; the third ratio's numerator (1000 per 10,000).
τοῖςfor theDativearticle (dative of ratio with μυρίοις)τοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μυρίοιςten thousandDativedative of ratio ('per ten thousand')μύριοι: 'ten thousand'; the distributive dative τοῖς μυρίοις = 'per ten thousand,' ratio 1000:10,000.
λαβεῖνto takeAor Act Inf · λαμβάνωinfinitive of purpose (the levy's task)→ purpose infinitive (to fetch provisions)λαμβάνω: 'take / fetch'; the infinitive states the task of the levied men — to gather provisions for the army.
ἐπισιτισμὸνprovisionsAccusativedirect object of λαβεῖνἐπισιτισμός: 'provisions / food-supply'; renders צֵדָה; the rations needed to sustain a prolonged campaign.
τοῦso asGenitivearticle with articular infinitive (genitive of purpose)τοῦ + inf.: articular infinitive of purpose.
ποιῆσαιto makeAor Act Inf · ποιέωarticular infinitive of purpose (with τοῦ)→ purpose infinitive (the campaign's aim)ποιέω: 'make / cause'; with the following ἐλθεῖν it has a causative nuance — 'to cause / arrange that those coming to Gibeah act.'
ἐλθεῖνto comeAor Act Inf · ἔρχομαιinfinitive (with accusative subject αὐτοὺς)→ infinitive in accusative-and-infinitive constructionἔρχομαι: 'come'; in the accusative-infinitive ἐλθεῖν αὐτοὺς, of the army's coming to Gibeah.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive ἐλθεῖναὐτός: 'them'; the soldiers who advance on Gibeah.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΓαβααGibeahaccusative object of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)Γαβαα: indeclinable; the target-city.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'Gibeah of Benjamin')Βενιαμιν: indeclinable; locating Gibeah within Benjamin.
ποιῆσαιto doAor Act Inf · ποιέωinfinitive (the requital of Gibeah)→ purpose/result infinitive (the deserved recompense)ποιέω: 'do'; the second ποιῆσαι states the requital: to do to Gibeah as she did in Israel — lex talionis.
αὐτῇto herDativedative indirect object (Gibeah as recipient of requital)αὐτός: 'to her'; the city Gibeah, to be requited.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (measure: 'according to')κατά + acc.: 'according to'; introduces the measure of the requital.
πᾶνallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ἀπόπτωμα)πᾶς: 'all'; the requital is to match the full extent of the outrage.
τὸtheAccusativearticleτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀπόπτωμαoutrageAccusativeaccusative object of κατὰ (the standard of requital)ἀπόπτωμα: 'outrage / disgrace'; the same term as v. 6; the requital is calibrated to the abomination committed.
whichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐποίησεν)ὅς: relative 'which'; introduces the clause defining the outrage.
ἐποίησενshe didAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωverb of relative clause (Gibeah's deed)→ constative aorist (the committed outrage)ποιέω: 'do / commit'; the singular subject is Gibeah, treated as a collective agent of the outrage.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΙσραηλIsraeldative object of ἐν (indeclinable: 'in Israel')Ισραηλ: indeclinable; the deed defiled the whole covenant community (cf. v. 6).
11

καὶ συνήχθη πᾶς ἀνὴρ Ισραηλ εἰς τὴν πόλιν ὡς ἀνὴρ εἷς

And every man of Israel was gathered against the city as one man.

Execution of the resolve: the army assembles (main line)καὶ συνήχθη
The deliberation phase closes with the third occurrence of the unity-formula ὡς ἀνὴρ εἷς (cf. vv. 1, 8): all Israel gathers united against the city. The verse forms an inclusio with the assembly of v. 1, sealing the corporate resolve before the demand to Benjamin.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
συνήχθηwas gatheredAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · συνάγωmain verb (the army's mustering against the city)→ constative aorist passive (the gathering completed)συνάγω: 'gather / assemble'; renders אָסַף / קָבַץ; the passive συνήχθη with the collective subject πᾶς ἀνήρ marks the united muster against Gibeah.
πᾶςeveryNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ἀνὴρ)πᾶς: 'every / all'; with the collective singular ἀνήρ, 'every man of Israel.'
ἀνὴρmanNominativesubject (collective singular)ἀνήρ: 'man'; πᾶς ἀνὴρ Ισραηλ renders כָּל־אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'every man of Israel,' the collective militia.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
εἰςagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile destination)εἰς: here with hostile nuance, 'against the city'; the gathering is for assault.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλινcityAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (Gibeah)πόλις: 'city'; renders עִיר; here Gibeah, the focus of the gathered assault.
ὡςascomparative particle (unity-simile)ὡς: introduces the third occurrence of the unity-formula.
ἀνὴρmanNominativepredicate of comparisonἀνήρ: in ὡς ἀνὴρ εἷς, 'as one man' (cf. vv. 1, 8).
εἷςoneNominativenumeral adjective (modifying ἀνὴρ)εἷς: 'one'; completes the unity-formula sealing Israel's resolve.
12

καὶ ἀπέστειλαν αἱ φυλαὶ Ισραηλ ἄνδρας ἐν πάσῃ φυλῇ Βενιαμιν λέγοντες τίς ἡ πονηρία αὕτη ἡ γενομένη ἐν ὑμῖν

And the tribes of Israel sent men throughout all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, 'What is this evil that has come about among you?'

The formal demand to Benjamin opens (main line + embedded question, level 1)καὶ ἀπέστειλαν
Before war, Israel observes due process: envoys are sent throughout Benjamin with a formal inquiry, τίς ἡ πονηρία αὕτη ('what is this evil?'), echoing the keyword πονηρία (v. 3) and giving Benjamin opportunity to surrender the guilty.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀπέστειλανsentAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀποστέλλωmain verb (dispatch of envoys)→ constative aorist (the formal embassy)ἀποστέλλω: 'send'; renders שָׁלַח; here of dispatching envoys to demand the surrender of the guilty before resorting to war.
αἱtheNominativearticleαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλαὶtribesNominativesubject of ἀπέστειλανφυλή: 'tribe'; the tribes of Israel act corporately in sending the embassy.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
ἄνδραςmenAccusativedirect object of ἀπέστειλαν (the envoys)ἀνήρ: 'man'; here the messengers sent to Benjamin.
ἐνthroughoutpreposition + dative (extent: 'throughout')ἐν: here distributive, 'throughout all the tribe of Benjamin.'
πάσῃallDativeattributive adjective (modifying φυλῇ)πᾶς: 'all'; the envoys range over the whole tribe.
φυλῇtribeDativedative of place (extent of the embassy)φυλή: 'tribe'; here the tribe of Benjamin, addressed as a whole.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
λέγοντεςsayingPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · λέγωparticiple of speech (introducing the demand)→ circumstantial present participle (manner of the sending)λέγω: 'say'; the participle introduces the content of the embassy's demand.
τίςwhatNominativeinterrogative pronoun (subject of the question)τίς: interrogative 'what / who'; demands an accounting of the deed.
theNominativearticleἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πονηρίαevilNominativesubject of the question (predicate nominative)πονηρία: 'wickedness / evil deed'; the keyword (cf. v. 3) for the Gibeah outrage, now made the basis of the formal demand.
αὕτηthisNominativedemonstrative adjective (modifying πονηρία)οὗτος: 'this'; the near-demonstrative pointing to the known atrocity.
theNominativearticle (with the participle γενομένη)ἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γενομένηthat has come aboutAor Mid Part Nom Sg Fem · γίνομαιattributive participle (modifying πονηρία)→ resultative aorist participle (the evil as accomplished among them)γίνομαι: 'become / come to pass'; the participle γενομένη ('that has come to be') locates the evil among the Benjaminites, pressing their responsibility.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (sphere: 'among you')ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ὑμῖνyouDativedative object of ἐν (the Benjaminites)σύ (pl. ὑμῖν): 'you'; the evil arose 'among you,' implicating Benjamin collectively.
13

καὶ νῦν δότε τοὺς ἄνδρας υἱοὺς παρανόμων τοὺς ἐν Γαβαα καὶ θανατώσομεν αὐτοὺς καὶ ἐκκαθαριοῦμεν πονηρίαν ἀπὸ Ισραηλ καὶ οὐκ εὐδόκησαν οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν ἀκοῦσαι τῆς φωνῆς τῶν ἀδελφῶν αὐτῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ

And now hand over the men, sons of lawless ones, who are in Gibeah, and we will put them to death and purge the evil from Israel. But the sons of Benjamin were not willing to listen to the voice of their brothers, the sons of Israel.

The demand and Benjamin's refusal (embedded demand level 1; narratorial outcome main line)καὶ νῦν δότε
The demand (δότε, 'hand over') seeks the surrender of the 'sons of lawless ones' (υἱοὺς παρανόμων = the Hebraism בְּנֵי בְלִיַּעַל, 'sons of worthlessness') for execution, to 'purge the evil' (ἐκκαθαριοῦμεν πονηρίαν), a Deuteronomic formula. The narratorial counter (καὶ οὐκ εὐδόκησαν) records Benjamin's fateful refusal, the immediate cause of the civil war.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (with νῦν)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
νῦνnowtemporal adverb (transition to demand)νῦν: 'now'; καὶ νῦν renders וְעַתָּה, introducing the operative demand.
δότεhand overAor Act Impv 2 Pl · δίδωμιmain verb (imperative demand for surrender)→ ingressive aorist imperative (surrender them now)δίδωμι: 'give / hand over / surrender'; renders נָתַן; the legal demand to deliver up the guilty for execution.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticleτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄνδραςmenAccusativedirect object of δότεἀνήρ: 'man'; the perpetrators of the Gibeah outrage, demanded for surrender.
υἱοὺςsonsAccusativeapposition to ἄνδρας ('sons of lawless ones')υἱός: 'son'; the idiom υἱοὶ παρανόμων ('sons of lawless men') is a Hebraism characterizing them as utterly depraved.
παρανόμωνof lawless onesGenitivegenitive of quality (defining υἱοὺς)παράνομος: 'lawless / wicked'; renders בְּלִיַּעַל ('worthlessness'); the genitive of quality 'sons of worthlessness' brands them as the scum of Gibeah.
τοὺςthe onesAccusativearticle (substantizing the locative phrase: 'who are in Gibeah')τοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΓαβααGibeahdative object of ἐν (indeclinable place-name)Γαβαα: indeclinable; the guilty men 'in Gibeah.'
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (result clause)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
θανατώσομενwe will put to deathFut Act Indic 1 Pl · θανατόωmain verb (the intended execution)→ predictive/volitive future (the just penalty)θανατόω: 'put to death / execute'; renders מוּת (Hiphil); the judicial death-penalty for the perpetrators.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of θανατώσομεναὐτός: 'them'; the guilty men.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (purpose/result)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐκκαθαριοῦμενwe will purgeFut Act Indic 1 Pl · ἐκκαθαρίζωmain verb (purgation of evil)→ predictive future (the cleansing aim of the execution)ἐκκαθαρίζω: 'cleanse out / purge'; renders בָּעַר ('burn away / remove'); the Deuteronomic formula 'purge the evil from Israel' (cf. Deut 13:5; 17:7; 19:19) frames the execution as cultic cleansing.
πονηρίανevilAccusativedirect object of ἐκκαθαριοῦμενπονηρία: 'evil / wickedness'; the keyword (cf. vv. 3, 12); the moral pollution to be removed from the community.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source: removal from)ἀπὸ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive object of ἀπὸ (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable; the evil is to be purged from the covenant people.
καὶbutnarrative conjunction (adversative: the refusal)καί: here adversative in force, introducing Benjamin's refusal against the just demand.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with εὐδόκησαν)οὐ: 'not'; negates Benjamin's willingness.
εὐδόκησανwere willingAor Act Indic 3 Pl · εὐδοκέωmain verb (Benjamin's refusal)→ constative aorist (their settled unwillingness)εὐδοκέω: 'be pleased / be willing / consent'; renders אָבָה / חָפֵץ; οὐκ εὐδόκησαν marks Benjamin's culpable refusal to comply, sealing the war.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of εὐδόκησανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν, the tribe refusing surrender.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
ἀκοῦσαιto listenAor Act Inf · ἀκούωcomplementary infinitive (object of εὐδόκησαν)→ complementary infinitive (the refused action)ἀκούω: 'hear / listen / obey'; renders שָׁמַע; ἀκοῦσαι τῆς φωνῆς ('listen to the voice') is a Hebraism for heeding/obeying.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (genitive object of ἀκοῦσαι)τῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φωνῆςvoiceGenitivegenitive object of ἀκοῦσαι (Hebraism: 'voice' = appeal)φωνή: 'voice / sound'; renders קוֹל; ἀκούειν τῆς φωνῆς = 'to heed the appeal' of their kinsmen.
τῶνof theGenitivearticleτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδελφῶνbrothersGenitivegenitive of relationship (whose voice)ἀδελφός: 'brother'; renders אָח; the term underscores the tragic fratricidal nature of the impending war — Benjamin will not heed their own kin.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying ἀδελφῶν)αὐτῶν: pronominal form marking person, possession, or reference within the clause.
υἱῶνthe sonsGenitiveapposition to ἀδελφῶν ('their brothers, the sons of Israel')υἱός: 'son'; in apposition, identifying the brothers as the sons of Israel.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
14

καὶ συνήχθησαν οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν ἀπὸ τῶν πόλεων αὐτῶν εἰς Γαβαα ἐξελθεῖν εἰς παράταξιν πρὸς υἱοὺς Ισραηλ

And the sons of Benjamin gathered from their cities to Gibeah, to go out for battle against the sons of Israel.

Benjamin musters for war (main line)καὶ συνήχθησαν
Benjamin's muster mirrors Israel's (συνήχθησαν, cf. συνήχθη v. 11) but for war against their kin. The term παράταξις ('battle-array / pitched battle') is introduced here and dominates the rest of the chapter as the technical word for the formal engagement.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
συνήχθησανgatheredAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · συνάγωmain verb (Benjamin's muster)→ constative aorist (the completed mustering)συνάγω: 'gather / assemble'; the same verb as v. 11, now of Benjamin mustering for war against Israel.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of συνήχθησανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν, the mustering tribe.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source of the muster)ἀπὸ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῶνtheGenitivearticleτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλεωνcitiesGenitivegenitive object of ἀπὸ (source: from their towns)πόλις: 'city / town'; the Benjaminite towns from which the fighters converge.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying πόλεων)αὐτῶν: pronominal form marking person, possession, or reference within the clause.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination of muster)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΓαβααGibeahaccusative object of εἰς (rallying-point)Γαβαα: indeclinable; Gibeah serves as Benjamin's rallying-point and stronghold.
ἐξελθεῖνto go outAor Act Inf · ἐξέρχομαιinfinitive of purpose (the aim of the muster)→ purpose infinitive (to sally out for battle)ἐξέρχομαι: 'go out / sally forth'; renders יָצָא; the military 'go out to battle.'
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose: 'for battle')εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
παράταξινbattleAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (the engagement)παράταξις: 'battle-line / pitched battle / armed array'; renders מִלְחָמָה / מַעֲרָכָה; the leading military term of the chapter (recurs vv. 18, 20, 22, etc.).
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)πρός + acc.: here 'against,' marking the foe.
υἱοὺςsonsAccusativeaccusative object of πρὸς (the enemy)υἱός: 'son'; πρὸς υἱοὺς Ισραηλ = against the sons of Israel — Benjamin arrays against its own nation.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
15

καὶ ἐπεσκέπησαν οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ἀπὸ τῶν πόλεων εἴκοσι τρεῖς χιλιάδες ἀνὴρ ἕλκων ῥομφαίαν ἐκτὸς τῶν οἰκούντων τὴν Γαβαα οἳ ἐπεσκέπησαν ἑπτακόσιοι ἄνδρες ἐκλεκτοὶ

And the sons of Benjamin were mustered on that day from the cities, twenty-three thousand men drawing the sword, besides those dwelling in Gibeah, who were mustered, seven hundred chosen men.

The muster of Benjamin numbered (main line)καὶ ἐπεσκέπησαν
The census-verb ἐπεσκέπησαν ('were mustered/numbered') quantifies Benjamin's army: 23,000 swordsmen (εἴκοσι τρεῖς χιλιάδες) from the towns, plus 700 chosen men of Gibeah itself. The Hebraism ἀνὴρ ἕλκων ῥομφαίαν (collective singular, 'each a sword-drawer') recurs from v. 2.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐπεσκέπησανwere musteredAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἐπισκέπτομαιmain verb (the military census)→ constative aorist passive (the muster numbered)ἐπισκέπτομαι: 'visit / inspect / muster / number'; renders פָּקַד; the technical verb for a military census/review (recurs vv. 15b, 17).
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἐπεσκέπησανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν, the mustered tribe.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (temporal)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῇtheDativearticleτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of time (when the muster occurred)ἡμέρα: 'day'; ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ('on that day') is a stock LXX temporal phrase.
ἐκείνῃthatDativedemonstrative adjective (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)ἐκεῖνος: 'that'; the far-demonstrative for the day of mustering.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source of muster)ἀπὸ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῶνtheGenitivearticleτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλεωνcitiesGenitivegenitive object of ἀπὸ (source of the levy)πόλις: 'city'; the Benjaminite towns furnishing the swordsmen.
εἴκοσιtwentynumeral (with τρεῖς χιλιάδες: 23,000)εἴκοσι: 'twenty'; indeclinable; with τρεῖς, twenty-three (thousand).
τρεῖςthreeNominativenumeral (with εἴκοσι and χιλιάδες)τρεῖς: 'three'; εἴκοσι τρεῖς χιλιάδες = 23,000 (this Greek text-form gives 23,000; cf. the Hebrew Masoretic 26,000).
χιλιάδεςthousandNominativenumeral noun (the count of swordsmen)χιλιάς: 'a thousand'; the unit multiplied by twenty-three.
ἀνὴρmenNominativecollective singular in apposition (each a warrior)ἀνήρ: collective singular 'man / each man,' rendering the Hebrew distributive idiom; here characterizing the whole as swordsmen.
ἕλκωνdrawingPres Act Part Nom Sg Masc · ἕλκωattributive participle (modifying ἀνὴρ: 'sword-drawing')→ characterizing present participle (warrior capacity)ἕλκω: the singular ἀνὴρ ἕλκων ῥομφαίαν = 'each a drawer of the sword,' the warrior-Hebraism (cf. v. 2).
ῥομφαίανthe swordAccusativedirect object of ἕλκωνῥομφαία: 'sword'; object of the warrior-idiom (see v. 2).
ἐκτὸςbesidespreposition + genitive (exception: 'apart from')ἐκτός: 'outside / besides / except'; renders מִלְּבַד; the 700 of Gibeah are counted separately from the 23,000.
τῶνthoseGenitivearticle (substantizing the participle)τῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἰκούντωνdwellingPres Act Part Gen Pl Masc · οἰκέωsubstantival participle (genitive object of ἐκτὸς)→ characterizing present participle (the inhabitants)οἰκέω: 'dwell / inhabit'; renders יָשַׁב; οἱ οἰκοῦντες τὴν Γαβαα = the inhabitants of Gibeah, the 700 elite.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΓαβααGibeahaccusative object of οἰκούντων (indeclinable place-name)Γαβαα: indeclinable; οἰκέω here takes a direct accusative of the place inhabited.
οἳwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ἐπεσκέπησαν)ὅς: relative 'who'; introduces the count of the Gibeah elite.
ἐπεσκέπησανwere musteredAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἐπισκέπτομαιverb of relative clause (the second census)→ constative aorist passiveἐπισκέπτομαι: 'muster / number'; the same census-verb (see above), here numbering the 700 of Gibeah.
ἑπτακόσιοιseven hundredNominativenumeral (predicate: the count of the elite)ἑπτακόσιοι: 'seven hundred'; the count of the chosen men of Gibeah (the left-handed slingers of v. 16).
ἄνδρεςmenNominativeapposition to ἑπτακόσιοιἀνήρ: 'man'; the seven hundred elite warriors.
ἐκλεκτοὶchosenNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ἄνδρες)ἐκλεκτός: 'chosen / select / elite'; renders בָּחוּר; marks them as crack troops — the slingers described next.
16

ἐκ παντὸς λαοῦ ἀμφοτεροδέξιοι πάντες οὗτοι σφενδονῆται ἐν λίθοις πρὸς τρίχα καὶ οὐκ ἐξαμαρτάνοντες

Of all this people, ambidextrous; all these were slingers with stones at a hair and would not miss.

Description of the elite slingers (appositional, main line)ἐκ παντὸς λαοῦ
The verse describes the 700 elite: ἀμφοτεροδέξιοι ('ambidextrous', rendering the Hebrew 'bound in the right hand' = left-handed), expert σφενδονῆται ('slingers') who could sling πρὸς τρίχα ('at a hair') καὶ οὐκ ἐξαμαρτάνοντες ('and not miss'), a proverbial hyperbole for marksmanship.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ἐκofpreposition + genitive (partitive: 'out of')ἐκ: 'out of / from'; partitive, drawing the elite from the whole people.
παντὸςallGenitiveattributive adjective (modifying λαοῦ)πᾶς: 'all'; the whole Benjaminite host from which the elite are drawn.
λαοῦpeopleGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (partitive)λαός: 'people / host'; here the Benjaminite fighting-force.
ἀμφοτεροδέξιοιambidextrousNominativepredicate adjective (describing the elite)ἀμφοτεροδέξιος: 'using both hands as right hands / ambidextrous'; the LXX rendering of the Hebrew idiom אִטֵּר יַד־יְמִינוֹ ('restricted in the right hand', i.e. left-handed); the trait made these Benjaminite slingers especially dangerous in battle.
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjective (with οὗτοι)πᾶς: 'all'; emphasizes that the entire elite corps shared the skill.
οὗτοιtheseNominativedemonstrative pronoun (subject: 'all these')οὗτος: 'these'; resumptive, pointing to the 700 of v. 15.
σφενδονῆταιslingersNominativepredicate nominative (their specialty)σφενδονήτης: 'slinger'; renders קֹלֵעַ; the sling was a deadly precision weapon in ancient warfare (cf. 1 Sam 17:40, 49).
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrument: 'with stones')ἐν: instrumental, 'with / by means of.'
λίθοιςstonesDativedative of instrument (the sling-stones)λίθος: 'stone'; renders אֶבֶן; the ammunition of the slingers.
πρὸςatpreposition + accusative (target: 'at a hair')πρός + acc.: here 'at / aiming at'; πρὸς τρίχα = 'to a hairsbreadth.'
τρίχαa hairAccusativeaccusative object of πρὸς (the proverbial fine target)θρίξ (acc. τρίχα): 'hair'; renders שַׂעֲרָה; πρὸς τρίχα ('at a hair') is a proverbial hyperbole for pinpoint accuracy.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with the participle ἐξαμαρτάνοντες)οὐ: 'not'; negates the participle — they did not miss.
ἐξαμαρτάνοντεςmissingPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · ἐξαμαρτάνωpredicate participle (with οὐκ: 'not missing')→ characterizing present participle (habitual unerring aim)ἐξαμαρτάνω: 'miss the mark / err' (a play on the literal sense of ἁμαρτάνω, 'to miss a target'); οὐκ ἐξαμαρτάνοντες = 'not missing,' completing the proverb of unerring marksmanship — they could sling at a hair and never miss.
17

καὶ ἀνὴρ Ισραηλ ἐπεσκέπησαν ἐκτὸς τοῦ Βενιαμιν τετρακόσιαι χιλιάδες ἀνδρῶν ἑλκόντων ῥομφαίαν πάντες οὗτοι ἄνδρες παρατάξεως

And the men of Israel were mustered, apart from Benjamin, four hundred thousand men drawing the sword; all these were men of war.

The muster of Israel numbered, set against Benjamin's (main line)καὶ ἀνὴρ Ισραηλ
Israel's count (400,000 swordsmen, ἐκτὸς τοῦ Βενιαμιν 'apart from Benjamin') is set against Benjamin's 23,700, a roughly 17:1 disparity that makes the two coming defeats all the more shocking and theologically pointed. ἄνδρες παρατάξεως ('men of battle-array') stresses their veteran fitness.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀνὴρthe menNominativecollective singular subject (constructio ad sensum with plural verb)ἀνήρ: collective singular 'man / each man,' here = the men of Israel as a body; the plural verb ἐπεσκέπησαν follows the sense.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
ἐπεσκέπησανwere musteredAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἐπισκέπτομαιmain verb (the census of Israel)→ constative aorist passiveἐπισκέπτομαι: 'muster / number' (see v. 15); here counting Israel's army.
ἐκτὸςapart frompreposition + genitive (exception)ἐκτός: 'apart from / except'; the count excludes Benjamin, the enemy tribe.
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with the indeclinable Βενιαμιν)τοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΒενιαμινBenjamingenitive object of ἐκτὸς (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable; the article τοῦ supplies the case.
τετρακόσιαιfour hundredNominativenumeral (with χιλιάδες: 400,000)τετρακόσιοι: 'four hundred'; with χιλιάδες, 400,000 (cf. v. 2).
χιλιάδεςthousandNominativenumeral noun (the count of Israel's army)χιλιάς: 'a thousand'; the unit multiplied to 400,000.
ἀνδρῶνof menGenitivepartitive/descriptive genitive (the men comprising the host)ἀνήρ: 'man'; the fighting men.
ἑλκόντωνdrawingPres Act Part Gen Pl Masc · ἕλκωattributive participle (modifying ἀνδρῶν)→ characterizing present participle (warrior capacity)ἕλκω: ἀνδρῶν ἑλκόντων ῥομφαίαν = 'men drawing the sword,' the warrior-Hebraism (cf. vv. 2, 15).
ῥομφαίανthe swordAccusativedirect object of ἑλκόντωνῥομφαία: 'sword'; object of the warrior-idiom.
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjective (with οὗτοι)πᾶς: 'all'; the whole host are seasoned fighters.
οὗτοιtheseNominativedemonstrative pronoun (subject of implied 'were')οὗτος: 'these'; resumptive, summing up the 400,000.
ἄνδρεςmenNominativepredicate nominative ('men of war')ἀνήρ: 'man'; ἄνδρες παρατάξεως = 'men of battle' (cf. ἄνδρες δυνάμεως at vv. 44, 46).
παρατάξεωςof warGenitivegenitive of quality (defining ἄνδρες: 'warriors')παράταξις: 'battle-array / war'; the genitive of quality ἄνδρες παρατάξεως marks them as trained men of war.
18

καὶ ἀνέστησαν καὶ ἀνέβησαν εἰς Βαιθηλ καὶ ἠρώτησαν ἐν τῷ θεῷ καὶ εἶπαν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ τίς ἀναβήσεται ἡμῖν ἐν ἀρχῇ εἰς παράταξιν πρὸς υἱοὺς Βενιαμιν καὶ εἶπεν κύριος Ιουδας ἐν ἀρχῇ ἀναβήσεται ἀφηγούμενος

And they arose and went up to Bethel and inquired of God; and the sons of Israel said, 'Who shall go up for us first for battle against the sons of Benjamin?' And the LORD said, 'Judah shall go up first, leading the way.'

The oracle of inquiry at Bethel (main line + embedded inquiry and answer, level 1)καὶ ἀνέστησαν
The inquiry-formula ἠρώτησαν ἐν τῷ θεῷ ('inquired of God', cf. vv. 23, 27) opens the first of three consultations. The question (τίς ἀναβήσεται … ἐν ἀρχῇ) and YHWH's answer (Ιουδας … ἀφηγούμενος, 'Judah … leading') echo the opening oracle of the book (1:1–2), giving Judah priority — but here without a promise of victory.
Word-by-word analysis· 34 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀνέστησανthey aroseAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀνίστημιmain verb (setting out)→ ingressive aorist (the army sets out)ἀνίστημι: 'rise / set out'; here of the army rising to go up to the sanctuary at Bethel.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀνέβησανwent upAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀναβαίνωmain verb (ascent to Bethel)→ constative aoristἀναβαίνω: 'go up'; the standard verb for going up to a sanctuary (cf. v. 3).
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΒαιθηλBethelaccusative object of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)Βαιθηλ: transliteration of Hebrew בֵּית־אֵל ('house of God'); indeclinable; the cultic site where the ark resided (v. 27) and inquiries were made.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἠρώτησανinquiredAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐρωτάωmain verb (oracular consultation)→ constative aorist (the act of inquiry)ἐρωτάω: 'ask / inquire'; renders שָׁאַל; ἠρώτησαν ἐν τῷ θεῷ ('inquired of God') is the technical formula for oracular consultation (cf. vv. 23, 27).
ἐνofpreposition + dative (object of inquiry: 'inquired of/by God')ἐν: here in the oracular idiom 'inquire ἐν (by means of / of) God.'
τῷtheDativearticleτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεῷGodDativedative object of ἐν (the one consulted)θεός: 'God'; the object of the oracular inquiry at Bethel.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
εἶπανsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb (introducing the inquiry)→ constative aoristλέγω: the Hellenistic aorist εἶπαν introduces Israel's question.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of εἶπανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ, the inquirers.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
τίςwhoNominativeinterrogative pronoun (subject of ἀναβήσεται)τίς: interrogative 'who'; asks which tribe should lead the attack.
ἀναβήσεταιshall go upFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀναβαίνωverb of the question (deliberative future)→ deliberative future (seeking divine direction)ἀναβαίνω: 'go up (to battle)'; the future in a deliberative question, asking who is to lead.
ἡμῖνfor usDativedative of advantage (on our behalf)ἐγώ (pl. ἡμῖν): 'for us'; dative of advantage, 'who shall go up on our behalf.'
ἐνfirst / at the beginningpreposition + dative (temporal: 'at the outset')ἐν: in the phrase ἐν ἀρχῇ = 'first / at the beginning,' rendering בַּתְּחִלָּה.
ἀρχῇbeginningDativedative in temporal idiom (ἐν ἀρχῇ: 'first')ἀρχή: 'beginning'; ἐν ἀρχῇ = 'at the first / first of all,' here 'who goes up first into battle.'
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose: 'for battle')εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
παράταξινbattleAccusativeaccusative object of εἰςπαράταξις: 'battle'; the engagement against Benjamin (cf. v. 14).
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)πρὸς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
υἱοὺςsonsAccusativeaccusative object of πρὸς (the enemy)υἱός: 'son'; πρὸς υἱοὺς Βενιαμιν, against Benjamin.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (introducing the divine answer)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (the oracle's response)→ constative aoristλέγω: introduces YHWH's oracular reply.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of εἶπεν (Tetragrammaton)κύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; YHWH himself answers the oracle through the sanctuary.
ΙουδαςJudahNominativesubject of ἀναβήσεται (the appointed leader-tribe)Ιουδας: the tribe of Judah; the Hellenized form Ἰούδας is declinable (here nom.); Judah is given priority as at Judg 1:2 — but without the victory-promise of that earlier oracle.
ἐνfirstpreposition + dative (temporal: 'first')ἐν: ἐν ἀρχῇ = 'first' (see above).
ἀρχῇbeginningDativedative in temporal idiom (ἐν ἀρχῇ: 'first')ἀρχή: 'beginning'; the answer matches the wording of the question — Judah goes up first.
ἀναβήσεταιshall go upFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀναβαίνωmain verb of the oracle (the divine directive)→ directive future (the command of the oracle)ἀναβαίνω: 'go up'; the oracle's directive that Judah lead the assault.
ἀφηγούμενοςleading the wayPres Mid Part Nom Sg Masc · ἀφηγέομαιcircumstantial participle (manner: 'as leader')→ circumstantial present participle (the leading role)ἀφηγέομαι: 'lead / go before / take the lead'; here Judah goes up 'leading the way,' i.e. as vanguard of the host.
19

καὶ ἀνέστησαν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ τὸ πρωὶ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐπὶ Γαβαα

And the sons of Israel arose in the morning and encamped against Gibeah.

Deployment for the first day's battle (main line)καὶ ἀνέστησαν
A terse transitional verse: rising at dawn (τὸ πρωί) and encamping against Gibeah (παρενέβαλον ἐπὶ Γαβαα). The verb παρεμβάλλω introduces the military encampment-vocabulary; the brevity heightens the suddenness of the disaster to follow in v. 21.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀνέστησανaroseAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀνίστημιmain verb (the morning muster)→ ingressive aoristἀνίστημι: 'rise / get up'; here of the army rising at dawn for battle.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἀνέστησανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with the adverbial πρωὶ: accusative of time)τὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρωὶmorningadverb of time (τὸ πρωί: 'in the morning')πρωί: 'early / in the morning'; indeclinable adverb; τὸ πρωί ('the morning') functions as an accusative of time, rendering בַּבֹּקֶר.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
παρενέβαλονencampedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · παρεμβάλλωmain verb (taking up battle-position)→ constative aorist (the deployment)παρεμβάλλω: 'encamp / draw up (an army)'; renders חָנָה; the military verb for taking position against a city.
ἐπὶagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile position)ἐπί + acc.: 'against'; the encampment is directed at Gibeah.
ΓαβααGibeahaccusative object of ἐπὶ (indeclinable place-name)Γαβαα: indeclinable; the besieged city.
20

καὶ ἐξῆλθον πᾶς ἀνὴρ Ισραηλ εἰς παράταξιν πρὸς Βενιαμιν καὶ συνῆψαν αὐτοῖς ἐπὶ Γαβαα

And every man of Israel went out for battle against Benjamin, and they joined battle with them at Gibeah.

The first engagement begins (main line)καὶ ἐξῆλθον
The first day's battle is joined: συνῆψαν ('they joined battle', from συνάπτω, the key combat-verb of the chapter) at Gibeah. The collective πᾶς ἀνὴρ Ισραηλ with the plural verb (constructio ad sensum) stresses the full commitment of Israel's host to the engagement.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐξῆλθονwent outAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐξέρχομαιmain verb (sallying to battle)→ constative aoristἐξέρχομαι: 'go out / sally forth'; the military 'go out to battle.'
πᾶςeveryNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ἀνὴρ)πᾶς: 'every / all'; with collective ἀνήρ, 'every man of Israel.'
ἀνὴρmanNominativecollective singular subject (with plural verb)ἀνήρ: collective singular for the whole army (cf. v. 11).
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose: 'for battle')εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
παράταξινbattleAccusativeaccusative object of εἰςπαράταξις: 'battle'; the engagement against Benjamin.
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)πρὸς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΒενιαμινBenjaminaccusative object of πρὸς (indeclinable: the enemy)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
συνῆψανjoined battleAor Act Indic 3 Pl · συνάπτωmain verb (engaging in combat)→ ingressive aorist (the onset of battle)συνάπτω: 'join together / join battle / engage'; the key combat-verb of the chapter (recurs vv. 22, 30, 33); here Israel engages Benjamin at Gibeah.
αὐτοῖςwith themDativedative complement of συνῆψαν (the foe joined in battle)αὐτός: 'them'; the dative of the party engaged — συνάπτω τινί = 'join battle with someone.'
ἐπὶatpreposition + accusative (location of battle)ἐπὶ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΓαβααGibeahaccusative object of ἐπὶ (indeclinable place-name)Γαβαα: indeclinable; the battlefield before the city.
21

καὶ ἐξῆλθον οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν ἀπὸ τῆς Γαβαα καὶ διέφθειραν ἐν Ισραηλ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ δύο καὶ εἴκοσι χιλιάδας ἀνδρῶν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν

And the sons of Benjamin came out from Gibeah and destroyed in Israel on that day twenty-two thousand men, to the ground.

The first defeat of Israel (main line)καὶ ἐξῆλθον
Against all numerical expectation, Benjamin sallies out and slaughters 22,000 Israelites (δύο καὶ εἴκοσι χιλιάδας). The phrase ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ('to the ground') graphically depicts the fallen. The reversal — the obedient majority defeated by the guilty few — sets up the theological tension resolved only at v. 35.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐξῆλθονcame outAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐξέρχομαιmain verb (Benjamin's sally)→ constative aoristἐξέρχομαι: 'go out / sally'; Benjamin sallies from the city to meet Israel.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἐξῆλθονυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source of the sally)ἀπὸ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with indeclinable Γαβαα)τῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΓαβααGibeahgenitive object of ἀπὸ (indeclinable; case from article)Γαβαα: indeclinable; the city from which Benjamin sallies.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
διέφθειρανdestroyedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · διαφθείρωmain verb (the slaughter)→ constative aorist (the completed slaughter)διαφθείρω: 'destroy / ruin / cut down'; renders שָׁחַת / הִשְׁחִית; the recurring verb for the slaughter in this chapter (cf. vv. 25, 35).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere: 'among Israel')ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΙσραηλIsraeldative object of ἐν (indeclinable: 'in/among Israel')Ισραηλ: indeclinable; the slaughter falls within Israel's ranks.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (temporal)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῇtheDativearticleτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of time (when the slaughter occurred)ἡμέρα: 'day'; ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ, 'on that day' (the first day of battle).
ἐκείνῃthatDativedemonstrative adjective (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)ἐκεῖνος: 'that.'
δύοtwonumeral (with εἴκοσι χιλιάδας: 22,000)δύο: 'two'; with εἴκοσι, twenty-two (thousand).
καὶandconjunction (in compound numeral)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
εἴκοσιtwentynumeral (with δύο and χιλιάδας)εἴκοσι: 'twenty'; indeclinable; δύο καὶ εἴκοσι χιλιάδας = 22,000.
χιλιάδαςthousandAccusativedirect object of διέφθειραν (the slain count)χιλιάς: 'a thousand'; the count of Israel's first-day dead.
ἀνδρῶνof menGenitivepartitive genitive (men comprising the thousands)ἀνήρ: 'man'; the slain fighters of Israel.
ἐπὶtopreposition + accusative (direction: 'to the ground')ἐπὶ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆνgroundAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπὶ (graphic: 'down to the ground')γῆ: 'earth / ground'; ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν renders אָרְצָה, depicting the slain as struck down to the earth.
22

καὶ ἐνίσχυσαν ἀνὴρ Ισραηλ καὶ προσέθηκαν συνάψαι παράταξιν ἐν τῷ τόπῳ ὅπου συνῆψαν ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ πρώτῃ

And the men of Israel took courage, and again drew up for battle in the place where they had joined battle on the first day.

Israel regroups for a second attempt (main line)καὶ ἐνίσχυσαν
Despite the loss, Israel rallies (ἐνίσχυσαν, 'took courage') and re-forms the battle-line at the same place. The Hebraistic προσέθηκαν συνάψαι ('they added to join battle' = 'they again joined battle') uses προστίθημι + infinitive, the standard LXX calque of יָסַף + infinitive for 'do again.'
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐνίσχυσανtook courageAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐνισχύωmain verb (Israel rallies)→ ingressive aorist (they grew strong / took heart)ἐνισχύω: 'strengthen / take courage / grow strong'; renders חָזַק (Hithpael); Israel resolves to fight on despite the defeat.
ἀνὴρthe menNominativecollective singular subject (with plural verb)ἀνήρ: collective singular 'the men of Israel' (cf. v. 17).
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
προσέθηκανagainAor Act Indic 3 Pl · προστίθημιmain verb (auxiliary in Hebraistic 'do again' idiom)→ constative aorist (renewal of the action)προστίθημι: 'add / proceed to'; renders יָסַף; προσέθηκαν συνάψαι ('they added to join battle') is the LXX calque for 'they again joined battle.'
συνάψαιto join battleAor Act Inf · συνάπτωcomplementary infinitive (with προσέθηκαν)→ complementary infinitive (the repeated engagement)συνάπτω: 'join battle'; the combat-verb (cf. v. 20); here with προστίθημι in the 'do again' idiom.
παράταξινbattleAccusativedirect object of συνάψαι (cognate accusative)παράταξις: 'battle / battle-line'; συνάπτω παράταξιν = 'engage in battle.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῷtheDativearticleτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τόπῳplaceDativedative of place (where they re-formed)τόπος: 'place'; renders מָקוֹם; the same battlefield as the first day.
ὅπουwhererelative adverb (introducing relative clause)ὅπου: 'where'; introduces the clause locating the renewed engagement.
συνῆψανthey had joined battleAor Act Indic 3 Pl · συνάπτωverb of relative clause (the prior engagement)→ constative aorist (the first day's battle)συνάπτω: 'join battle'; refers back to the first-day engagement of v. 20.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (temporal)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῇtheDativearticleτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of timeἡμέρα: 'day'; the first day of battle.
τῇtheDativearticle (with the ordinal πρώτῃ)τῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρώτῃfirstDativeordinal adjective (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)πρῶτος: 'first'; the first day of the three days of battle.
23

καὶ ἀνέβησαν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ καὶ ἔκλαυσαν ἐνώπιον κυρίου ἕως ἑσπέρας καὶ ἠρώτησαν ἐν κυρίῳ λέγοντες εἰ προσθῶμεν ἐγγίσαι εἰς παράταξιν πρὸς υἱοὺς Βενιαμιν ἀδελφοὺς ἡμῶν καὶ εἶπεν κύριος ἀνάβητε πρὸς αὐτούς

And the sons of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until evening, and inquired of the LORD, saying, 'Shall we again draw near for battle against the sons of Benjamin, our brothers?' And the LORD said, 'Go up against them.'

The second inquiry, with weeping (main line + embedded inquiry and answer, level 1)καὶ ἀνέβησαν
After the defeat the inquiry deepens into lament: they weep ἕως ἑσπέρας ('until evening') and inquire again (ἠρώτησαν ἐν κυρίῳ). The poignant ἀδελφοὺς ἡμῶν ('our brothers') marks their grief at fighting kin. YHWH's terse ἀνάβητε ('go up') again commands the attack without yet promising victory.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀνέβησανwent upAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀναβαίνωmain verb (ascent to the sanctuary)→ constative aoristἀναβαίνω: 'go up'; to Bethel, to inquire and lament before YHWH.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἀνέβησανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἔκλαυσανweptAor Act Indic 3 Pl · κλαίωmain verb (lament before YHWH)→ constative aorist (the act of weeping)κλαίω: 'weep / lament'; renders בָּכָה; the communal lament after defeat, expressing both grief and supplication (cf. v. 26).
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)ἐνώπιον: 'before / in the presence of'; renders לִפְנֵי; marks the lament as cultic, performed before YHWH.
κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον (Tetragrammaton)κύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the lament is offered in YHWH's presence at Bethel.
ἕωςuntilpreposition + genitive (temporal limit)ἕως: 'until'; marks the duration of the weeping.
ἑσπέραςeveningGenitivegenitive object of ἕως (temporal limit)ἑσπέρα: 'evening'; renders עֶרֶב; ἕως ἑσπέρας = 'until evening,' the full day of lament.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἠρώτησανinquiredAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐρωτάωmain verb (second oracular consultation)→ constative aoristἐρωτάω: 'inquire'; ἠρώτησαν ἐν κυρίῳ, the second of the three consultations (cf. vv. 18, 27).
ἐνofpreposition + dative (oracular: 'inquired of the LORD')ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
κυρίῳthe LORDDativedative object of ἐν (Tetragrammaton; the one consulted)κύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the object of the oracular inquiry.
λέγοντεςsayingPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · λέγωparticiple of speech (introducing the question)→ circumstantial present participleλέγω: 'say'; introduces the content of the inquiry.
εἰwhetherinterrogative particle (introducing indirect question)εἰ: 'if / whether'; introduces a deliberative question seeking a yes/no oracle.
προσθῶμενshall we againAor Act Subj 1 Pl · προστίθημιdeliberative subjunctive (auxiliary in 'do again' idiom)→ deliberative subjunctive (seeking guidance)προστίθημι: 'add / proceed again'; προσθῶμεν ἐγγίσαι ('shall we add to draw near' = 'shall we again draw near') is the LXX 'do again' calque (cf. v. 22).
ἐγγίσαιto draw nearAor Act Inf · ἐγγίζωcomplementary infinitive (with προσθῶμεν)→ complementary infinitive (the renewed approach)ἐγγίζω: 'draw near / approach'; renders נָגַשׁ; here of advancing to engage in battle.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose: 'for battle')εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
παράταξινbattleAccusativeaccusative object of εἰςπαράταξις: 'battle'; the renewed engagement.
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)πρὸς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
υἱοὺςsonsAccusativeaccusative object of πρὸς (the enemy)υἱός: 'son'; πρὸς υἱοὺς Βενιαμιν.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
ἀδελφοὺςbrothersAccusativeapposition to υἱοὺς Βενιαμιν ('our brothers')ἀδελφός: 'brother'; the appositional 'our brothers' voices Israel's anguish at the fratricidal conflict (cf. v. 13).
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship (modifying ἀδελφοὺς)ἐγώ (pl. ἡμῶν): 'our'; intensifies the pathos of kin warring against kin.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (the divine answer)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (oracular response)→ constative aoristλέγω: introduces YHWH's reply.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of εἶπεν (Tetragrammaton)κύριος: the Tetragrammaton; YHWH answers the inquiry.
ἀνάβητεgo upAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ἀναβαίνωmain verb of the oracle (imperative)→ directive aorist imperative (the divine command to attack)ἀναβαίνω: 'go up'; the imperative ἀνάβητε commands the renewed attack — still without an explicit victory-promise (contrast v. 28).
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)πρὸς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
αὐτούςthemAccusativeaccusative object of πρὸς (the Benjaminites)αὐτός: 'them'; the Benjaminites, against whom Israel is to advance.
24

καὶ προσῆλθον οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ πρὸς υἱοὺς Βενιαμιν ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ δευτέρᾳ

And the sons of Israel drew near against the sons of Benjamin on the second day.

Deployment for the second day's battle (main line)καὶ προσῆλθον
A brief transitional verse echoing v. 19: Israel advances (προσῆλθον) on the second day, setting up the second defeat in v. 25. The pattern of inquiry-advance-defeat is repeated, building toward the decisive third inquiry of vv. 26–28.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
προσῆλθονdrew nearAor Act Indic 3 Pl · προσέρχομαιmain verb (advance to battle)→ constative aoristπροσέρχομαι: 'come to / approach / advance'; renders נָגַשׁ / קָרַב; here of Israel advancing for the second engagement.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of προσῆλθονυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)πρὸς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
υἱοὺςsonsAccusativeaccusative object of πρὸς (the enemy)υἱός: 'son'; πρὸς υἱοὺς Βενιαμιν.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (temporal)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῇtheDativearticleτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of timeἡμέρα: 'day'; the second day of battle.
τῇtheDativearticle (with the ordinal δευτέρᾳ)τῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δευτέρᾳsecondDativeordinal adjective (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)δεύτερος: 'second'; the second of the three days of battle.
25

καὶ ἐξῆλθον οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν εἰς συνάντησιν αὐτοῖς ἀπὸ τῆς Γαβαα ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ δευτέρᾳ καὶ διέφθειραν ἀπὸ υἱῶν Ισραηλ ἔτι ὀκτωκαίδεκα χιλιάδας ἀνδρῶν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν πάντες οὗτοι ἕλκοντες ῥομφαίαν

And the sons of Benjamin came out to meet them from Gibeah on the second day and destroyed of the sons of Israel another eighteen thousand men, to the ground; all these drew the sword.

The second defeat of Israel (main line)καὶ ἐξῆλθον
Benjamin inflicts a second, even more inexplicable defeat: 18,000 (ὀκτωκαίδεκα χιλιάδας) Israelites fall, with ἔτι ('again / still more') marking the mounting toll (40,000 in two days). The closing πάντες οὗτοι ἕλκοντες ῥομφαίαν underscores that seasoned warriors, not raw levies, were cut down.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐξῆλθονcame outAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐξέρχομαιmain verb (Benjamin's sally)→ constative aoristἐξέρχομαι: 'go out / sally'; Benjamin again sallies to meet Israel.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἐξῆλθονυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (purpose: 'to meet')εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
συνάντησινmeetingAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (idiomatic: 'to meet them')συνάντησις: 'meeting / encounter'; εἰς συνάντησιν renders לִקְרַאת ('to meet'), a Hebraism, here of going out to engage in battle.
αὐτοῖςthemDativedative complement (of συνάντησιν: 'to meet them')αὐτός: 'them'; the Israelites whom Benjamin goes out to meet.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source of the sally)ἀπὸ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with indeclinable Γαβαα)τῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΓαβααGibeahgenitive object of ἀπὸ (indeclinable)Γαβαα: indeclinable.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (temporal)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῇtheDativearticleτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of timeἡμέρα: 'day'; the second day.
τῇtheDativearticle (with ordinal δευτέρᾳ)τῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δευτέρᾳsecondDativeordinal adjective (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)δεύτερος: 'second.'
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
διέφθειρανdestroyedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · διαφθείρωmain verb (the second slaughter)→ constative aoristδιαφθείρω: 'destroy / cut down'; the second-day slaughter (cf. v. 21).
ἀπὸofpreposition + genitive (partitive: 'from among')ἀπό: here partitive, 'of / from among the sons of Israel.'
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive object of ἀπὸ (partitive)υἱός: 'son'; ἀπὸ υἱῶν Ισραηλ, 'of the sons of Israel.'
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
ἔτιagain / still moreadverb (additive: 'further')ἔτι: 'still / yet / again'; renders עוֹד; marks the second-day losses as additional to the first, intensifying the catastrophe.
ὀκτωκαίδεκαeighteennumeral (with χιλιάδας: 18,000)ὀκτωκαίδεκα: 'eighteen'; indeclinable; with χιλιάδας, 18,000 — Israel's second-day dead.
χιλιάδαςthousandAccusativedirect object of διέφθειραν (the slain count)χιλιάς: 'a thousand'; the unit multiplied to 18,000.
ἀνδρῶνof menGenitivepartitive genitive (men comprising the thousands)ἀνήρ: 'man'; the slain fighters.
ἐπὶtopreposition + accusative (direction: 'to the ground')ἐπὶ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆνgroundAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπὶ ('down to the ground')γῆ: 'ground'; ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, the slain struck to the earth (cf. v. 21).
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjective (with οὗτοι)πᾶς: 'all'; the fallen were all swordsmen.
οὗτοιtheseNominativedemonstrative pronoun (subject of the participial clause)οὗτος: 'these'; resumptive, summing up the 18,000 slain.
ἕλκοντεςdrawingPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · ἕλκωpredicate participle ('all these drew the sword')→ characterizing present participle (veteran warriors)ἕλκω: ἕλκοντες ῥομφαίαν, the warrior-Hebraism (cf. v. 2); stresses that the fallen were trained swordsmen, deepening the loss.
ῥομφαίανthe swordAccusativedirect object of ἕλκοντεςῥομφαία: 'sword'; object of the warrior-idiom.
26

καὶ ἀνέβησαν πάντες οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ καὶ πᾶς ὁ λαὸς καὶ ἦλθον εἰς Βαιθηλ καὶ ἔκλαυσαν καὶ ἐκάθισαν ἐκεῖ ἐνώπιον κυρίου καὶ ἐνήστευσαν ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ἕως ἑσπέρας καὶ ἀνήνεγκαν ὁλοκαυτώσεις καὶ τελείας ἐνώπιον κυρίου

And all the sons of Israel and all the people went up and came to Bethel and wept and sat there before the LORD, and they fasted on that day until evening and offered up whole burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

The turning-point: full lament, fasting, and sacrifice (main line)καὶ ἀνέβησαν
After two defeats, Israel's response escalates from inquiry to full cultic intercession: weeping, sitting before YHWH, fasting until evening (ἐνήστευσαν), and offering whole burnt offerings (ὁλοκαυτώσεις) and peace offerings (τελείας). This intensified worship marks the narrative pivot to victory, prepared by the disclosure of the ark (v. 27) and Phinehas (v. 28).
Word-by-word analysis· 36 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀνέβησανwent upAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀναβαίνωmain verb (ascent to Bethel)→ constative aoristἀναβαίνω: 'go up'; to Bethel for the decisive intercession.
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying υἱοὶ)πᾶς: 'all'; the whole nation participates.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἀνέβησανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (second subject)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
πᾶςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying λαὸς)πᾶς: 'all'; the whole people, repeated for emphasis on total participation.
theNominativearticleὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαὸςpeopleNominativesubject (second, parallel to υἱοὶ)λαός: 'people'; the covenant assembly in its entirety.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἦλθονcameAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἔρχομαιmain verb (arrival at Bethel)→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come'; they came to the sanctuary.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΒαιθηλBethelaccusative object of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)Βαιθηλ: indeclinable; the sanctuary where the ark resided (see v. 18).
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἔκλαυσανweptAor Act Indic 3 Pl · κλαίωmain verb (lament)→ constative aoristκλαίω: 'weep'; the communal lament intensifies after the second defeat (cf. v. 23).
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐκάθισανsatAor Act Indic 3 Pl · καθίζωmain verb (posture of mourning before YHWH)→ constative aorist (the act of sitting in lament)καθίζω: 'sit / sit down'; renders יָשַׁב; sitting before YHWH is a posture of mourning and supplication.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place (at Bethel)ἐκεῖ: 'there'; at the sanctuary in Bethel.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)ἐνώπιον: 'before / in the presence of' (cf. v. 23).
κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον (Tetragrammaton)κύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the lament and worship are before YHWH at the ark.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐνήστευσανfastedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · νηστεύωmain verb (cultic fasting)→ constative aorist (the day-long fast)νηστεύω: 'fast'; renders צוּם; the fast intensifies the penitential supplication before the decisive battle.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (temporal)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῇtheDativearticleτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of timeἡμέρα: 'day'; the day of the fast.
ἐκείνῃthatDativedemonstrative adjective (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)ἐκεῖνος: 'that.'
ἕωςuntilpreposition + genitive (temporal limit)ἕως: 'until'; the fast lasted to evening.
ἑσπέραςeveningGenitivegenitive object of ἕως (temporal limit)ἑσπέρα: 'evening'; ἕως ἑσπέρας, the full day's fast (cf. v. 23).
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀνήνεγκανoffered upAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀναφέρωmain verb (sacrificial offering)→ constative aorist (the act of sacrifice)ἀναφέρω: 'bring up / offer up'; renders הֶעֱלָה; the technical verb for offering sacrifices on the altar.
ὁλοκαυτώσειςwhole burnt offeringsAccusativedirect object of ἀνήνεγκανὁλοκαύτωσις: 'whole burnt offering'; renders עֹלָה; the sacrifice wholly consumed on the altar, expressing total consecration and atonement.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
τελείαςpeace offeringsAccusativedirect object of ἀνήνεγκαν (parallel to ὁλοκαυτώσεις)τελεία (θυσία): 'peace/completion offering'; renders שְׁלָמִים; the fellowship offering signifying restored communion with YHWH; paired with the whole burnt offering as the standard sacrificial complement.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)ἐνώπιον: 'before'; the sacrifices are offered in YHWH's presence.
κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον (Tetragrammaton)κύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the sacrifices are made before YHWH at the ark.
27

ὅτι ἐκεῖ κιβωτὸς διαθήκης κυρίου τοῦ θεοῦ

for there was the ark of the covenant of the LORD God,

Explanatory parenthesis: the ark at Bethel (subordinate)ὅτι ἐκεῖ
A narratorial aside (ὅτι, 'for / because') explaining why Bethel was the place of decisive inquiry: the ark of the covenant of YHWH was there. The verbless clause is solemn and abrupt; the presence of the ark grounds the efficacy of the coming oracle (v. 28).
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
ὅτιforcausal/explanatory conjunction (introducing aside)ὅτι: 'for / because'; introduces the narrator's explanation of the sanctuary's significance.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place (predicative: 'there was')ἐκεῖ: 'there'; at Bethel; the fronted adverb in the verbless clause stresses the location of the ark.
κιβωτὸςarkNominativesubject of the verbless clause (predicate 'was there')κιβωτός: 'box / chest / ark'; renders אֲרוֹן; the ark of the covenant, locus of YHWH's presence and the means of oracular guidance.
διαθήκηςof the covenantGenitivegenitive (defining the ark: 'ark of the covenant')διαθήκη: 'covenant'; renders בְּרִית; the ark of the covenant houses the covenant tablets, symbolizing YHWH's bond with Israel.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of relationship (whose covenant; Tetragrammaton)κύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the covenant and ark belong to YHWH.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (in apposition: 'the LORD God')τοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive in apposition to κυρίου ('the LORD God')θεός: 'God'; κυρίου τοῦ θεοῦ renders יהוה אֱלֹהִים, the full divine title emphasizing the ark's sacred authority.
28

καὶ Φινεες υἱὸς Ελεαζαρ υἱοῦ Ααρων παρεστηκὼς ἐνώπιον αὐτῆς ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις καὶ ἐπηρώτησαν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ ἐν κυρίῳ λέγοντες εἰ προσθῶμεν ἔτι ἐξελθεῖν εἰς παράταξιν πρὸς υἱοὺς Βενιαμιν ἀδελφοὺς ἡμῶν ἢ ἐπίσχωμεν καὶ εἶπεν κύριος ἀνάβητε ὅτι αὔριον δώσω αὐτοὺς εἰς τὰς χεῖρας ὑμῶν

and Phinehas son of Eleazar son of Aaron was standing before it in those days; and the sons of Israel inquired of the LORD, saying, 'Shall we yet again go out for battle against the sons of Benjamin, our brothers, or shall we cease?' And the LORD said, 'Go up, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands.'

Phinehas at the ark; the third inquiry and the victory-oracle (main line + embedded inquiry, level 1)καὶ Φινεες
The naming of Phinehas (grandson of Aaron) at the ark dates the events to the generation after the conquest and authenticates the oracle priesthood. The third inquiry, framed as a choice (ἢ ἐπίσχωμεν, 'or shall we cease?'), at last receives the explicit victory-promise: αὔριον δώσω αὐτοὺς εἰς τὰς χεῖρας ὑμῶν ('tomorrow I will give them into your hands').
Word-by-word analysis· 46 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (continuing the parenthesis of v. 27)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ΦινεεςPhinehassubject of the verbless/periphrastic clause (indeclinable name)Φινεες: transliteration of Hebrew פִּינְחָס; indeclinable; the high-priestly grandson of Aaron (cf. Num 25:7–13), here ministering at the ark.
υἱὸςsonNominativeapposition to Φινεες (genealogical identification)υἱός: 'son'; identifies Phinehas's lineage, anchoring the priestly authority of the oracle.
Ελεαζαρof Eleazargenitive of relationship (indeclinable name)Ελεαζαρ: transliteration of Hebrew אֶלְעָזָר; indeclinable; Aaron's son and successor as high priest.
υἱοῦsonGenitiveapposition (genitive: 'son of Aaron')υἱός: 'son'; continues the genealogy to Aaron.
Ααρωνof Aarongenitive of relationship (indeclinable name)Ααρων: transliteration of Hebrew אַהֲרֹן; indeclinable; the first high priest; the three-generation pedigree dates the war to early in the settlement period.
παρεστηκὼςstanding / ministeringPerf Act Part Nom Sg Masc · παρίστημιperiphrastic/predicative participle (Phinehas's priestly office)→ perfect participle (settled state of ministering)παρίστημι (perf. part.): 'stand by / attend / minister'; renders עָמַד לִפְנֵי; the perfect denotes a settled standing — Phinehas's continual priestly ministry before the ark, qualifying him to deliver the oracle.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)ἐνώπιον: 'before'; Phinehas ministers before the ark.
αὐτῆςitGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον (the ark, fem. κιβωτός)αὐτός: 'it / her'; the feminine refers to the ark (κιβωτός, v. 27), before which Phinehas stands.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (temporal)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ταῖςthoseDativearticleταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέραιςdaysDativedative of time (when Phinehas ministered)ἡμέρα: 'day'; ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις, 'in those days,' the period of the war.
ἐκείναιςthoseDativedemonstrative adjective (modifying ἡμέραις)ἐκεῖνος: 'those.'
καὶandnarrative conjunction (resuming the inquiry)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐπηρώτησανinquiredAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐπερωτάωmain verb (the third consultation)→ constative aoristἐπερωτάω: 'inquire / question'; the intensified compound (cf. ἐρωτάω, vv. 18, 23) for the decisive third oracular inquiry.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἐπηρώτησανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
ἐνofpreposition + dative (oracular: 'inquired of the LORD')ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
κυρίῳthe LORDDativedative object of ἐν (Tetragrammaton)κύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the object of the oracular inquiry.
λέγοντεςsayingPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · λέγωparticiple of speech (introducing the question)→ circumstantial present participleλέγω: 'say'; introduces the third inquiry.
εἰwhetherinterrogative particle (introducing alternative question)εἰ: 'whether'; introduces the deliberative question with disjunctive ἤ.
προσθῶμενshall we againAor Act Subj 1 Pl · προστίθημιdeliberative subjunctive (auxiliary in 'do again' idiom)→ deliberative subjunctiveπροστίθημι: προσθῶμεν … ἐξελθεῖν ('shall we again go out'), the LXX 'do again' calque (cf. vv. 22, 23).
ἔτιyetadverb (additive: 'yet again')ἔτι: 'still / yet'; reinforces the sense of yet another attempt after two failures.
ἐξελθεῖνto go outAor Act Inf · ἐξέρχομαιcomplementary infinitive (with προσθῶμεν)→ complementary infinitive (the renewed sally)ἐξέρχομαι: 'go out'; the military 'go out to battle.'
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
παράταξινbattleAccusativeaccusative object of εἰςπαράταξις: 'battle.'
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)πρὸς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
υἱοὺςsonsAccusativeaccusative object of πρὸς (the enemy)υἱός: 'son'; πρὸς υἱοὺς Βενιαμιν.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
ἀδελφοὺςbrothersAccusativeapposition to υἱοὺς Βενιαμιν ('our brothers')ἀδελφός: 'brother'; the recurring note of fratricidal grief (cf. v. 23).
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship (modifying ἀδελφοὺς)ἐγώ (pl. ἡμῶν): 'our.'
ordisjunctive conjunction (introducing the alternative)ἤ: 'or'; introduces the second horn of the deliberative question — whether to desist.
ἐπίσχωμενshall we ceaseAor Act Subj 1 Pl · ἐπέχωdeliberative subjunctive (the alternative course)→ deliberative subjunctive (whether to hold back)ἐπέχω: 'hold back / stop / desist'; renders חָדַל; the alternative — to give up the war — making the inquiry a genuine choice answered by YHWH.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (the divine answer)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (oracular response)→ constative aoristλέγω: introduces the victory-oracle.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of εἶπεν (Tetragrammaton)κύριος: the Tetragrammaton; YHWH gives the decisive answer.
ἀνάβητεgo upAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ἀναβαίνωmain verb of the oracle (imperative)→ directive aorist imperativeἀναβαίνω: 'go up'; the command to attack, now paired with an explicit victory-promise (cf. v. 23).
ὅτιforcausal conjunction (ground of the command)ὅτι: 'for / because'; introduces the victory-promise grounding the command.
αὔριονtomorrowadverb of time (when victory comes)αὔριον: 'tomorrow'; renders מָחָר; pins the promised victory to the very next (third) day of battle.
δώσωI will giveFut Act Indic 1 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb of the victory-promise (divine first-person)→ predictive future (the divine guarantee)δίδωμι: 'give / hand over'; renders נָתַן; δώσω … εἰς τὰς χεῖρας ('I will give into your hands') is the LXX formula for granting victory (cf. Josh 6:2; Judg 3:28).
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of δώσω (the Benjaminites)αὐτός: 'them'; the Benjaminites, to be delivered up.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (idiomatic: 'into your hands')εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τὰςtheAccusativearticleτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖραςhandsAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (idiom of power/victory)χείρ: 'hand'; εἰς τὰς χεῖρας ('into the hands') renders בְּיָד, the idiom for delivering an enemy into one's power.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying χεῖρας)σύ (pl. ὑμῶν): 'your'; Israel's hands, into which Benjamin will be given.
29

καὶ ἔθηκαν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ ἔνεδρα τῇ Γαβαα κύκλῳ

And the sons of Israel set ambushes against Gibeah round about.

The ambush stratagem prepared (main line)καὶ ἔθηκαν
On the strength of the victory-oracle Israel shifts from frontal assault to stratagem: ambushes (ἔνεδρα) are set around Gibeah. The term ἔνεδρον dominates the rest of the chapter (vv. 33, 36, 37, 38); the ambush tactic recalls the conquest of Ai (Josh 8).
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἔθηκανsetAor Act Indic 3 Pl · τίθημιmain verb (placing the ambushes)→ constative aoristτίθημι: 'place / set'; renders שִׂים / אָרַב; here of laying ambushes around the city.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἔθηκανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
ἔνεδραambushesAccusativedirect object of ἔθηκανἔνεδρον: 'ambush / liers-in-wait'; renders אֹרֵב / מַאֲרָב; the neuter plural ἔνεδρα = the ambush-parties set around Gibeah.
τῇagainstDativearticle (dative of disadvantage with Γαβαα)τῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΓαβααGibeahdative of disadvantage (indeclinable: 'against Gibeah')Γαβαα: indeclinable; the city encircled by the ambush.
κύκλῳround aboutDativeadverbial dative (encirclement: 'all around')κύκλος (dat. κύκλῳ): 'in a circle / round about'; renders סָבִיב; the ambushes surround the city on all sides.
30

καὶ ἀνέβησαν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ πρὸς υἱοὺς Βενιαμιν ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ καὶ συνῆψαν πρὸς τὴν Γαβαα ὡς ἅπαξ καὶ ἅπαξ

And the sons of Israel went up against the sons of Benjamin on the third day and drew up against Gibeah as at other times.

The third day's deployment (main line)καὶ ἀνέβησαν
On the third day Israel advances and engages 'as at other times' (ὡς ἅπαξ καὶ ἅπαξ, lit. 'as once and once / as before'), feigning the same frontal tactic of the previous two days so as to lure Benjamin out for the ambush.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀνέβησανwent upAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀναβαίνωmain verb (advance to battle)→ constative aoristἀναβαίνω: 'go up'; the third-day advance against Benjamin.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἀνέβησανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)πρὸς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
υἱοὺςsonsAccusativeaccusative object of πρὸς (the enemy)υἱός: 'son'; πρὸς υἱοὺς Βενιαμιν.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (temporal)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῇtheDativearticleτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of timeἡμέρα: 'day'; the decisive third day.
τῇtheDativearticle (with ordinal τρίτῃ)τῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τρίτῃthirdDativeordinal adjective (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)τρίτος: 'third'; the day of victory promised in v. 28.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
συνῆψανdrew up / joined battleAor Act Indic 3 Pl · συνάπτωmain verb (engaging at the city)→ ingressive aorist (onset of the engagement)συνάπτω: 'join battle / engage' (cf. v. 20); here Israel engages at Gibeah as a feint.
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (position of engagement)πρὸς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΓαβααGibeahaccusative object of πρὸς (indeclinable; case from article)Γαβαα: indeclinable.
ὡςascomparative particle (introducing 'as before' idiom)ὡς: 'as'; introduces the idiom ἅπαξ καὶ ἅπαξ ('as at other times').
ἅπαξat other timesadverb (in the idiom ὡς ἅπαξ καὶ ἅπαξ)ἅπαξ: lit. 'once'; the doubled idiom ὡς ἅπαξ καὶ ἅπαξ ('as time and again / as before') renders כְּפַעַם בְּפַעַם, 'as at other times' (cf. v. 31).
καὶandconjunction (within the idiom)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἅπαξagainadverb (completing the idiom)ἅπαξ: 'once'; the second member of the 'time and again' idiom.
31

καὶ ἐξῆλθον οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν εἰς συνάντησιν τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ ἐξεκενώθησαν τῆς πόλεως καὶ ἤρξαντο πατάσσειν ἀπὸ τοῦ λαοῦ τραυματίας ὡς ἅπαξ καὶ ἅπαξ ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς ἥ ἐστιν μία ἀναβαίνουσα εἰς Βαιθηλ καὶ μία εἰς Γαβαα ἐν ἀγρῷ ὡς τριάκοντα ἄνδρας ἐν Ισραηλ

And the sons of Benjamin came out to meet the people and were drawn away from the city, and they began to strike down some of the people, slain as at other times, on the roads — one of which goes up to Bethel and one to Gibeah — in the open country, about thirty men in Israel.

Benjamin is lured out; the trap springs (main line)καὶ ἐξῆλθον
The decisive lure: Benjamin sallies and is 'emptied out' from the city (ἐξεκενώθησαν, the key verb of the stratagem), beginning to strike down about thirty Israelites on the roads to Bethel and Gibeah — just enough to convince them victory is repeating, while the ambush waits behind the now-undefended city.
Word-by-word analysis· 44 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐξῆλθονcame outAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐξέρχομαιmain verb (Benjamin's sally into the trap)→ constative aoristἐξέρχομαι: 'go out / sally'; Benjamin sallies, taking the bait.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἐξῆλθονυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (purpose: 'to meet')εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
συνάντησινmeetingAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (idiom: 'to meet the people')συνάντησις: 'meeting'; εἰς συνάντησιν, the Hebraism for going out to engage (cf. v. 25).
τοῦtheGenitivearticleτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαοῦpeopleGenitiveobjective genitive (with συνάντησιν: 'to meet the people')λαός: 'people'; the army of Israel, whom Benjamin goes out to meet.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐξεκενώθησανwere drawn awayAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἐκκενόωmain verb (the fatal separation from the city)→ constative aorist passive (drawn out / emptied from)ἐκκενόω: 'empty out / draw away'; the key stratagem-verb (cf. ἐκκενώσωμεν, v. 32) — Benjamin is 'emptied out' from the city, separated from their stronghold and exposed to the ambush.
τῆςtheGenitivearticleτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλεωςcityGenitivegenitive of separation (drawn away from the city)πόλις: 'city'; Gibeah, from which Benjamin is fatally lured away.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἤρξαντοbeganAor Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἄρχωmain verb (inceptive, with complementary infinitive)→ ingressive aorist (the onset of striking)ἄρχω (mid.): 'begin'; renders הֵחֵל; with πατάσσειν, 'began to strike down.'
πατάσσεινto strike downPres Act Inf · πατάσσωcomplementary infinitive (with ἤρξαντο)→ complementary present infinitive (ongoing striking)πατάσσω: 'strike / smite / strike down'; renders נָכָה (Hiphil); the standard combat-verb for inflicting casualties.
ἀπὸofpreposition + genitive (partitive: 'some of the people')ἀπό: partitive 'some of.'
τοῦtheGenitivearticleτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαοῦpeopleGenitivegenitive object of ἀπὸ (partitive)λαός: 'people'; the Israelite army, some of whom are struck down.
τραυματίαςslainAccusativeaccusative in apposition (the wounded/slain struck down)τραυματίας: 'wounded / slain (man)'; renders חָלָל; the battle-casualties inflicted to maintain the deception.
ὡςascomparative particle (the 'as before' idiom)ὡς: introduces ἅπαξ καὶ ἅπαξ (cf. v. 30).
ἅπαξat other timesadverb (in the 'as before' idiom)ἅπαξ: 'once'; ὡς ἅπαξ καὶ ἅπαξ = 'as at other times' (cf. v. 30).
καὶandconjunction (within the idiom)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἅπαξagainadverb (completing the idiom)ἅπαξ: 'once'; completes the idiom.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (locative: 'on the roads')ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ταῖςtheDativearticleταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁδοῖςroadsDativedative of place (where the slain fell)ὁδός: 'road / way'; renders מְסִלָּה / דֶּרֶךְ; the highways on which the deception-casualties fell.
whichNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ἐστιν; constructio ad sensum, sg.)ὅς: relative 'which'; introduces the description of the two roads.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula of relative clause (describing the roads)→ descriptive presentεἰμί: 'be'; the present copula in the geographical aside identifying the roads.
μίαoneNominativenumeral (subject: 'one [road]')εἷς, μία, ἕν: 'one'; the first of the two roads.
ἀναβαίνουσαgoing upPres Act Part Nom Sg Fem · ἀναβαίνωattributive participle (modifying μία: 'going up to Bethel')→ descriptive present participleἀναβαίνω: 'go up'; the road 'going up to Bethel.'
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination of the road)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΒαιθηλBethelaccusative object of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)Βαιθηλ: indeclinable; one road's destination.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
μίαoneNominativenumeral (subject: 'the other [road]')εἷς, μία, ἕν: 'one'; the second road.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination of the road)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΓαβααGibeahaccusative object of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)Γαβαα: indeclinable; the other road's destination.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative: 'in the field')ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ἀγρῷthe open countryDativedative of place (the open field)ἀγρός: 'field / open country'; renders שָׂדֶה; the open ground where the casualties fell, away from the city walls.
ὡςaboutadverb (approximation with numeral)ὡς: here 'about / approximately' with the numeral τριάκοντα.
τριάκονταthirtynumeral (modifying ἄνδρας)τριάκοντα: 'thirty'; indeclinable; the small count (about thirty) that maintained Benjamin's false confidence.
ἄνδραςmenAccusativeaccusative (the count of slain Israelites)ἀνήρ: 'man'; the roughly thirty Israelites struck down in the feint.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΙσραηλIsraeldative object of ἐν (indeclinable: 'in Israel')Ισραηλ: indeclinable; the thirty fell from Israel's ranks.
32

καὶ εἶπαν οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν πίπτουσιν ἐνώπιον ἡμῶν ὡς τὸ πρῶτον καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ εἶπον φύγωμεν καὶ ἐκκενώσωμεν αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ τῆς πόλεως εἰς τὰς ὁδούς καὶ ἐποίησαν οὕτως

And the sons of Benjamin said, 'They are falling before us as at the first.' But the sons of Israel said, 'Let us flee and draw them away from the city onto the roads.' And they did so.

The two sides' calculations: Benjamin deceived, Israel's plan (main line + embedded speeches, level 1)καὶ εἶπαν
The verse juxtaposes Benjamin's fatal misreading (πίπτουσιν … ὡς τὸ πρῶτον, 'they are falling as at the first') with Israel's deliberate plan (φύγωμεν … ἐκκενώσωμεν, 'let us flee and draw them out'). The verb ἐκκενώσωμεν echoes ἐξεκενώθησαν (v. 31), naming the stratagem from Israel's side.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
εἶπανsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb (Benjamin's speech)→ constative aoristλέγω: introduces Benjamin's confident misjudgment.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of εἶπανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
πίπτουσινthey are fallingPres Act Indic 3 Pl · πίπτωmain verb of Benjamin's speech (vivid present)→ descriptive present (the foe seemingly collapsing)πίπτω: 'fall'; renders נָפַל; here 'they are falling [in defeat] before us,' Benjamin's deceived assessment.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in front of)ἐνώπιον: 'before'; ἐνώπιον ἡμῶν = 'before us,' i.e. falling in defeat at our hands.
ἡμῶνusGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιονἐγώ (pl. ἡμῶν): 'us'; the Benjaminites speaking.
ὡςascomparative particle ('as at the first')ὡς: 'as'; comparing to the prior victories.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with adverbial πρῶτον)τὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρῶτονfirstAccusativeadverbial accusative (τὸ πρῶτον: 'at the first')πρῶτος: 'first'; τὸ πρῶτον = 'at first / as before,' the deceived comparison to the two earlier defeats of Israel.
καὶbutnarrative conjunction (adversative: Israel's contrasting plan)καί: here adversative, contrasting Israel's design with Benjamin's misjudgment.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of εἶπονυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
εἶπονsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb (Israel's speech)→ constative aoristλέγω: introduces Israel's stratagem-resolve.
φύγωμενlet us fleeAor Act Subj 1 Pl · φεύγωhortatory subjunctive (the feigned flight)→ hortatory subjunctive (deliberate feint)φεύγω: 'flee'; renders נוּס; the feigned flight designed to draw Benjamin into the open.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐκκενώσωμενlet us draw awayAor Act Subj 1 Pl · ἐκκενόωhortatory subjunctive (the goal of the feint)→ hortatory subjunctive (purpose of the flight)ἐκκενόω: 'empty out / draw away'; the stratagem-verb (cf. ἐξεκενώθησαν, v. 31); Israel's aim is to 'empty' Benjamin out of the city.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of ἐκκενώσωμεν (the Benjaminites)αὐτός: 'them'; the Benjaminites to be drawn out.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)ἀπὸ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῆςtheGenitivearticleτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλεωςcityGenitivegenitive of separation (away from the city)πόλις: 'city'; Gibeah, from which Benjamin is to be separated.
εἰςontopreposition + accusative (destination: 'onto the roads')εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τὰςtheAccusativearticleτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁδούςroadsAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (where they are to be lured)ὁδός: 'road'; the highways into the open, away from the walls (cf. v. 31).
καὶandnarrative conjunction (execution of the plan)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐποίησανthey didAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ποιέωmain verb (carrying out the stratagem)→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do / act'; ἐποίησαν οὕτως ('they did so') notes the execution of the plan.
οὕτωςso / thusadverb of manner (referring back to the plan)οὕτως: 'thus / so'; renders כֵּן; refers to the feint-and-draw plan just stated.
33

καὶ πᾶς ἀνὴρ ἀνέστη ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτοῦ καὶ συνῆψαν ἐν Βααλθαμαρ καὶ τὸ ἔνεδρον Ισραηλ ἐπήρχετο ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ Μααραγαβε

And every man rose up from his place, and they joined battle at Baal-tamar; and the ambush of Israel was coming up from its place, from Maaragabe.

The main force regroups and the ambush moves (main line)καὶ πᾶς ἀνὴρ ἀνέστη
The trap springs on two fronts: the main Israelite force re-forms at Baal-tamar (συνῆψαν, re-engaging in earnest), while the ambush (τὸ ἔνεδρον) advances from its concealed position at Maaragabe. The imperfect ἐπήρχετο ('was coming up') depicts the ambush in mid-movement, a vivid simultaneity.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
πᾶςeveryNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ἀνὴρ)πᾶς: 'every'; with collective ἀνήρ, 'every man' of Israel's force.
ἀνὴρmanNominativecollective singular subjectἀνήρ: collective singular for the whole army (cf. v. 11).
ἀνέστηrose upAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀνίστημιmain verb (the main force re-forms)→ ingressive aorist (rising to re-engage)ἀνίστημι: 'rise up'; the army rises from its position to turn and fight in earnest.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)ἐκ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τοῦtheGenitivearticleτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τόπουplaceGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (the position left)τόπος: 'place / position'; the battle-station from which the army rises.
αὐτοῦitsGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying τόπου)αὐτοῦ: pronominal form marking person, possession, or reference within the clause.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
συνῆψανjoined battleAor Act Indic 3 Pl · συνάπτωmain verb (the real engagement)→ ingressive aorist (the decisive battle joined)συνάπτω: 'join battle' (cf. v. 20); now Israel engages in earnest at Baal-tamar.
ἐνatpreposition + dative (locative)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΒααλθαμαρBaal-tamardative object of ἐν (indeclinable place-name)Βααλθαμαρ: transliteration of Hebrew בַּעַל תָּמָר ('lord of the palm'); indeclinable; the place where Israel's main force re-forms.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
τὸtheNominativearticleτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔνεδρονambushNominativesubject of ἐπήρχετοἔνεδρον: 'ambush / liers-in-wait' (cf. v. 29); here the ambush-party as a unit, now springing into action.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'ambush of Israel')Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
ἐπήρχετοwas coming upImpf Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐπέρχομαιmain verb (the ambush in motion)→ descriptive imperfect (the ambush advancing simultaneously)ἐπέρχομαι: 'come upon / advance'; the imperfect ἐπήρχετο depicts the ambush in mid-movement, springing from concealment as the main battle is joined.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)ἐκ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τοῦtheGenitivearticleτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τόπουplaceGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (the ambush's hidden position)τόπος: 'place'; the concealed position of the ambush.
αὐτοῦitsGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying τόπου)αὐτοῦ: pronominal form marking person, possession, or reference within the clause.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source: the named location)ἀπὸ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΜααραγαβεMaaragabegenitive object of ἀπὸ (indeclinable place-name)Μααραγαβε: a transliterated place-name (representing Hebrew מַעֲרֵה־גֶבַע, 'the open place / clearing of Geba'); indeclinable; the staging-point from which the ambush emerged.
34

καὶ ἦλθον ἐξ ἐναντίας Γαβαα δέκα χιλιάδες ἀνδρῶν ἐκλεκτῶν ἐκ παντὸς Ισραηλ καὶ παράταξις βαρεῖα καὶ αὐτοὶ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν ὅτι φθάνει ἐπ᾿ αὐτοὺς ἡ κακία

And there came over against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was heavy; but they did not know that disaster was overtaking them.

The elite force closes in; Benjamin's blind confidence (main line)καὶ ἦλθον
Ten thousand chosen men (δέκα χιλιάδες … ἐκλεκτῶν) advance against Gibeah and the battle grows heavy (παράταξις βαρεῖα). The dramatic-irony clause αὐτοὶ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν ὅτι φθάνει ἐπ᾿ αὐτοὺς ἡ κακία ('they did not know that disaster was overtaking them') marks the turning of the tide against Benjamin.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἦλθονcameAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἔρχομαιmain verb (advance of the elite force)→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come'; the ten thousand advance against the city.
ἐξover againstpreposition (in the phrase ἐξ ἐναντίας: 'opposite')ἐκ: in the idiom ἐξ ἐναντίας = 'over against / opposite,' rendering מִנֶּגֶד.
ἐναντίαςoppositeGenitivegenitive in prepositional idiom (ἐξ ἐναντίας: 'over against')ἐναντίος: 'opposite / facing'; ἐξ ἐναντίας Γαβαα = 'over against Gibeah,' from the front.
ΓαβααGibeahgenitive object of the idiom (indeclinable place-name)Γαβαα: indeclinable; the city faced by the elite force.
δέκαtennumeral (with χιλιάδες: 10,000)δέκα: 'ten'; indeclinable; with χιλιάδες, ten thousand.
χιλιάδεςthousandNominativenumeral noun (subject of ἦλθον)χιλιάς: 'a thousand'; the elite strike-force of ten thousand.
ἀνδρῶνof menGenitivepartitive genitive (men comprising the thousands)ἀνήρ: 'man'; the chosen fighters.
ἐκλεκτῶνchosenGenitiveattributive adjective (modifying ἀνδρῶν)ἐκλεκτός: 'chosen / elite'; renders בָּחוּר; the crack troops of all Israel (cf. v. 15).
ἐκout ofpreposition + genitive (partitive source)ἐκ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
παντὸςallGenitiveattributive adjective (modifying Ισραηλ)πᾶς: 'all'; the elite drawn from the whole nation.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive object of ἐκ (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
παράταξιςbattleNominativesubject of an implied 'was' (nominal clause)παράταξις: 'battle / engagement'; here the combat itself, described as heavy.
βαρεῖαheavyNominativepredicate adjective (modifying παράταξις)βαρύς: 'heavy / severe'; renders כָּבֵד; the battle was fierce and costly — a hard-fought engagement.
καὶbutnarrative conjunction (adversative: dramatic irony)καί: here adversative, introducing Benjamin's fatal ignorance.
αὐτοὶtheyNominativesubject (emphatic: the Benjaminites)αὐτός: emphatic 'they'; the Benjaminites, unaware of their doom.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἔγνωσαν)οὐ: 'not.'
ἔγνωσανknewAor Act Indic 3 Pl · γινώσκωmain verb (Benjamin's ignorance)→ constative aorist (their failure to perceive)γινώσκω: 'know / perceive'; renders יָדַע; οὐκ ἔγνωσαν marks the dramatic irony — Benjamin does not realize the disaster bearing down.
ὅτιthatcomplementizer (object clause of ἔγνωσαν)ὅτι: 'that'; introduces the content of what they failed to know.
φθάνειis overtakingPres Act Indic 3 Sg · φθάνωverb of the ὅτι-clause (vivid present)→ vivid present (the disaster imminent / arriving)φθάνω: 'arrive / overtake / come upon'; renders נָגַע / קָדַם; the present tense vividly portrays the disaster as already upon them.
ἐπ᾿uponpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)ἐπ᾿: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπ᾿ (the Benjaminites)αὐτός: 'them'; the doomed Benjaminites.
theNominativearticleἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κακίαdisasterNominativesubject of φθάνεικακία: 'evil / calamity / disaster'; renders רָעָה; here the impending military catastrophe, divinely ordained, descending on Benjamin.
35

καὶ ἐπάταξεν κύριος τὸν Βενιαμιν ἐνώπιον υἱῶν Ισραηλ καὶ διέφθειραν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ ἐκ τοῦ Βενιαμιν ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ εἴκοσι καὶ πέντε χιλιάδας καὶ ἑκατὸν ἄνδρας πάντες οὗτοι εἷλκον ῥομφαίαν

And the LORD struck Benjamin before the sons of Israel, and the sons of Israel destroyed of Benjamin on that day twenty-five thousand one hundred men; all these drew the sword.

The theological climax: YHWH strikes Benjamin (main line)καὶ ἐπάταξεν κύριος
The decisive verse names the true agent: ἐπάταξεν κύριος τὸν Βενιαμιν ('the LORD struck Benjamin'). The human victory (διέφθειραν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ) is subordinate to the divine act, fulfilling the oracle of v. 28. The toll — 25,100 swordsmen — is given as the total Benjaminite loss, summarized again at v. 46.
Word-by-word analysis· 31 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐπάταξενstruckAor Act Indic 3 Sg · πατάσσωmain verb (the decisive divine blow)→ constative aorist (the divine act of judgment)πατάσσω: 'strike / smite'; renders נָגַף / נָכָה; the same verb used of YHWH's plagues — here YHWH himself strikes Benjamin, the theological center of the chapter.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of ἐπάταξεν (Tetragrammaton)κύριος: the Tetragrammaton; YHWH is the explicit agent of Benjamin's defeat, fulfilling the promise of v. 28.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with indeclinable Βενιαμιν, supplying case)τὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΒενιαμινBenjamindirect object of ἐπάταξεν (indeclinable; case from article)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable; the object of YHWH's blow.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence/sight of)ἐνώπιον: 'before / in the sight of'; the rout happens in full view of Israel — they are witnesses, not the prime agents.
υἱῶνthe sonsGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιονυἱός: 'son'; ἐνώπιον υἱῶν Ισραηλ, before the sons of Israel.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
διέφθειρανdestroyedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · διαφθείρωmain verb (Israel's executing the slaughter)→ constative aoristδιαφθείρω: 'destroy / cut down'; Israel as YHWH's instrument carries out the slaughter (cf. vv. 21, 25, now reversed against Benjamin).
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of διέφθειρανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
ἐκofpreposition + genitive (partitive: 'of Benjamin')ἐκ: partitive 'of / from among.'
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with indeclinable Βενιαμιν)τοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΒενιαμινBenjamingenitive object of ἐκ (indeclinable; case from article)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable; the tribe whose ranks are decimated.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (temporal)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῇtheDativearticleτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of timeἡμέρα: 'day'; the day of victory.
ἐκείνῃthatDativedemonstrative adjective (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)ἐκεῖνος: 'that.'
εἴκοσιtwentynumeral (with πέντε χιλιάδας)εἴκοσι: 'twenty'; indeclinable; with πέντε, twenty-five (thousand).
καὶandconjunction (in compound numeral)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
πέντεfivenumeral (with εἴκοσι and χιλιάδας)πέντε: 'five'; indeclinable; εἴκοσι καὶ πέντε χιλιάδας = 25,000.
χιλιάδαςthousandAccusativedirect object of διέφθειραν (the slain count)χιλιάς: 'a thousand'; the count of Benjaminite dead.
καὶandconjunction (in compound numeral)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἑκατὸνone hundredAccusativenumeral (with ἄνδρας: the additional hundred)ἑκατόν: 'hundred'; the additional hundred — 25,100 total.
ἄνδραςmenAccusativeaccusative (the slain men)ἀνήρ: 'man'; the slain Benjaminite warriors.
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjective (with οὗτοι)πᾶς: 'all'; the fallen were all swordsmen.
οὗτοιtheseNominativedemonstrative pronoun (subject of εἷλκον)οὗτος: 'these'; resumptive, summing up the 25,100 slain.
εἷλκονdrewImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · ἕλκωmain verb (descriptive: 'these drew the sword')→ characterizing imperfect (habitual: they were sword-drawers)ἕλκω: 'draw'; the imperfect εἷλκον ῥομφαίαν, 'these were drawers of the sword' — veteran warriors (cf. the participial form at vv. 2, 25).
ῥομφαίανthe swordAccusativedirect object of εἷλκονῥομφαία: 'sword'; object of the warrior-idiom.
36

καὶ εἶδον οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν ὅτι ἐπλήγησαν καὶ ἔδωκεν ἀνὴρ Ισραηλ τόπον τῷ Βενιαμιν ὅτι ἤλπισαν πρὸς τὸ ἔνεδρον ὃ ἔθηκαν ἐπὶ τὴν Γαβαα

And the sons of Benjamin saw that they were defeated. Now the men of Israel had given ground to Benjamin, because they trusted in the ambush that they had set against Gibeah.

Benjamin perceives defeat; the narrator explains the stratagem (main line + explanatory flashback)καὶ εἶδον
This verse marks the hinge of the final section (the summary of v. 35 now expanded in detail, vv. 36b–46). Benjamin 'sees' it is defeated; the narrator then explains retrospectively (ὅτι ἤλπισαν, 'because they trusted') that Israel's earlier yielding of ground was a deliberate part of the ambush-plan.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
εἶδονsawAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ὁράωmain verb (Benjamin's realization)→ constative aorist (the moment of perception)ὁράω: 'see / perceive'; renders רָאָה; Benjamin perceives, too late, that they are beaten.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of εἶδονυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Βενιαμιν.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
ὅτιthatcomplementizer (object clause of εἶδον)ὅτι: 'that'; introduces what Benjamin saw.
ἐπλήγησανthey were defeatedAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · πλήσσωverb of the ὅτι-clause (their defeat)→ constative aorist passive (the accomplished rout)πλήσσω: 'strike / smite / defeat'; renders נָגַף; the passive ἐπλήγησαν = 'they were struck/defeated.'
καὶnownarrative conjunction (introducing explanatory flashback)καί: here introducing the narrator's retrospective explanation.
ἔδωκενhad givenAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (Israel's tactical yielding)→ constative aorist (the deliberate ceding of ground)δίδωμι: 'give'; ἔδωκεν … τόπον ('gave ground / yielded place') is the idiom for tactical retreat — here a feigned yielding as part of the ambush-plan.
ἀνὴρthe menNominativecollective singular subject (with singular verb)ἀνήρ: collective singular 'the men of Israel' (cf. v. 17).
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
τόπονground / placeAccusativedirect object of ἔδωκεν (the ceded ground)τόπος: 'place / ground'; ἔδωκεν τόπον = 'gave ground,' the feigned retreat that drew Benjamin out.
τῷtoDativearticle (dative of advantage with Βενιαμιν)τῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΒενιαμινBenjamindative of advantage (indeclinable: 'to Benjamin')Βενιαμιν: indeclinable; the ones to whom ground was yielded.
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (explaining the yielding)ὅτι: 'because'; gives the reason for Israel's tactical retreat.
ἤλπισανthey trustedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐλπίζωverb of the causal clause (Israel's reliance)→ constative aorist (their settled reliance)ἐλπίζω: 'hope / trust / rely'; renders בָּטַח; here Israel 'trusted / relied on' the ambush as the basis for the feigned retreat.
πρὸςinpreposition + accusative (object of trust)πρός + acc.: here marking the object of reliance, 'trusted in the ambush.'
τὸtheAccusativearticleτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔνεδρονambushAccusativeaccusative object of πρὸς (the trusted ambush)ἔνεδρον: 'ambush' (cf. vv. 29, 33); the hidden force on which Israel's plan depended.
whichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἔθηκαν)ὅς: relative 'which'; introduces the clause describing the ambush's placement.
ἔθηκανthey had setAor Act Indic 3 Pl · τίθημιverb of relative clause (the laying of the ambush)→ constative aorist (the prior placement)τίθημι: 'place / set'; refers back to the setting of the ambush in v. 29.
ἐπὶagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile position)ἐπὶ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΓαβααGibeahaccusative object of ἐπὶ (indeclinable; case from article)Γαβαα: indeclinable; the city against which the ambush was laid.
37

καὶ ἐν τῷ αὐτοὺς ὑποχωρῆσαι καὶ τὸ ἔνεδρον ἐκινήθη καὶ ἐξέτειναν ἐπὶ τὴν Γαβαα καὶ ἐξεχύθη τὸ ἔνεδρον καὶ ἐπάταξαν τὴν πόλιν ἐν στόματι ῥομφαίας

And while they were withdrawing, the ambush moved and rushed against Gibeah; and the ambush poured out and struck the city with the edge of the sword.

The ambush executes its assault on the city (main line)καὶ ἐν τῷ … ὑποχωρῆσαι
The temporal articular infinitive (ἐν τῷ … ὑποχωρῆσαι, 'while they withdrew') synchronizes Israel's feigned retreat with the ambush's strike. The vivid sequence — ἐκινήθη ('moved'), ἐξέτειναν ('rushed/deployed'), ἐξεχύθη ('poured out') — culminates in the city's fall ἐν στόματι ῥομφαίας ('by the edge of the sword'), the herem-formula of total destruction.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐνwhilepreposition + articular infinitive (temporal: 'while')ἐν + τῷ + inf.: the LXX temporal construction 'while / when,' rendering the Hebrew בְּ + infinitive construct.
τῷtheDativearticle (with the articular infinitive)τῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αὐτοὺςtheyAccusativeaccusative subject of the articular infinitiveαὐτός: 'they'; the accusative subject of ὑποχωρῆσαι — the Israelite main force feigning retreat.
ὑποχωρῆσαιto withdrawAor Act Inf · ὑποχωρέωarticular infinitive (temporal clause: 'while withdrawing')→ temporal infinitive (the feigned retreat in progress)ὑποχωρέω: 'withdraw / draw back / retreat'; the feigned tactical withdrawal that pulled Benjamin from the city.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (apodosis; Hebraizing καί)καί: the apodotic καί common after a temporal clause in LXX narrative.
τὸtheNominativearticleτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔνεδρονambushNominativesubject of ἐκινήθηἔνεδρον: 'ambush' (cf. vv. 29, 33, 36); the hidden force now springing into action.
ἐκινήθηmovedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · κινέωmain verb (the ambush springs)→ ingressive aorist passive (set into motion)κινέω: 'move / set in motion'; the passive ἐκινήθη = 'was set moving / sprang into action.'
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐξέτεινανrushed / deployedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐκτείνωmain verb (the ambush spreads against the city)→ ingressive aorist (the surge forward)ἐκτείνω: 'stretch out / extend / spread out'; here of the ambush-force fanning out and rushing against Gibeah.
ἐπὶagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)ἐπὶ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΓαβααGibeahaccusative object of ἐπὶ (indeclinable; case from article)Γαβαα: indeclinable; the city stormed by the ambush.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐξεχύθηpoured outAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐκχέωmain verb (the ambush spills into the city)→ ingressive aorist passive (the surging spread)ἐκχέω: 'pour out'; the passive ἐξεχύθη vividly depicts the ambush-force pouring/spilling out over the city like a flood.
τὸtheNominativearticleτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔνεδρονambushNominativesubject of ἐξεχύθηἔνεδρον: 'ambush'; repeated for narrative vividness as it overruns the city.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐπάταξανstruckAor Act Indic 3 Pl · πατάσσωmain verb (putting the city to the sword)→ constative aorist (the destruction of the city)πατάσσω: 'strike / smite'; here of putting the whole city to the sword (cf. v. 35).
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλινcityAccusativedirect object of ἐπάταξαν (Gibeah)πόλις: 'city'; Gibeah, struck down by the ambush.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrumental, in the herem-idiom)ἐν: instrumental, in the phrase 'with the edge of the sword.'
στόματιedgeDativedative of instrument (in the idiom 'mouth/edge of the sword')στόμα: 'mouth / edge'; ἐν στόματι ῥομφαίας ('by the mouth/edge of the sword') renders לְפִי־חֶרֶב, the standard idiom for total slaughter (recurs v. 48).
ῥομφαίαςof the swordGenitivegenitive (with στόματι: 'edge of the sword')ῥομφαία: 'sword'; στόμα ῥομφαίας = the sword's edge.
38

καὶ σημεῖον ἦν τοῖς υἱοῖς Ισραηλ μετὰ τοῦ ἐνέδρου τῆς μάχης ἀνενέγκαι αὐτοὺς σύσσημον καπνοῦ ἀπὸ τῆς πόλεως

Now there was an appointed signal for the sons of Israel with the ambush of battle, that they should send up a smoke-signal from the city.

Explanatory aside: the pre-arranged smoke-signal (subordinate/parenthetical)καὶ σημεῖον ἦν
A narratorial parenthesis explaining the coordination: the main force and the ambush had agreed on a σημεῖον ('signal'), namely that the ambush would send up a σύσσημον καπνοῦ ('smoke-signal') from the captured city to tell the main force the city had fallen — the cue described as fulfilled in v. 40.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
καὶnownarrative conjunction (introducing parenthetical explanation)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
σημεῖονsignalNominativesubject of ἦν (the agreed sign)σημεῖον: 'sign / signal'; renders מוֹעֵד / אוֹת; the pre-arranged battle-signal between the two Israelite forces.
ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula of the parenthesis)→ descriptive imperfect (the standing arrangement)εἰμί: 'be'; the imperfect ἦν describes the pre-existing agreement.
τοῖςfor theDativearticle (dative of advantage)τοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοῖςsonsDativedative of advantage (for whom the signal was arranged)υἱός: 'son'; τοῖς υἱοῖς Ισραηλ, the beneficiaries of the signal-arrangement.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (association)μετά + gen.: 'with'; marks the arrangement between the main force and the ambush.
τοῦtheGenitivearticleτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐνέδρουambushGenitivegenitive object of μετὰ (the partner in the arrangement)ἔνεδρον: 'ambush'; the concealed force coordinating with the main army.
τῆςof theGenitivearticleτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μάχηςbattleGenitivegenitive of quality (defining the ambush: 'of battle')μάχη: 'battle / fight'; renders מִלְחָמָה; 'the ambush of battle' = the combat-ambush.
ἀνενέγκαιto send upAor Act Inf · ἀναφέρωepexegetical infinitive (explaining the signal)→ epexegetical infinitive (defining the content of the signal)ἀναφέρω: 'bring up / send up'; here of sending up a column of smoke as the signal (the same verb used of offering sacrifices at v. 26, now of raising smoke).
αὐτοὺςtheyAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive ἀνενέγκαιαὐτός: 'they'; the ambush-party who would raise the smoke.
σύσσημονsmoke-signalAccusativedirect object of ἀνενέγκαισύσσημον: 'pre-arranged signal / beacon'; renders מַשְׂאֵת; the agreed-upon smoke beacon raised from the captured city (cf. v. 40).
καπνοῦof smokeGenitivegenitive of material/content (the signal made of smoke)καπνός: 'smoke'; renders עָשָׁן; σύσσημον καπνοῦ = the smoke-signal.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source of the smoke)ἀπὸ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῆςtheGenitivearticleτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλεωςcityGenitivegenitive object of ἀπὸ (source: the burning city)πόλις: 'city'; Gibeah, from which the smoke would rise as the signal.
39

καὶ εἶδον οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ ὅτι προκατελάβετο τὸ ἔνεδρον τὴν Γαβαα καὶ ἔστησαν ἐν τῇ παρατάξει καὶ Βενιαμιν ἤρξατο πατάσσειν τραυματίας ἐν ἀνδράσιν Ισραηλ ὡς τριάκοντα ἄνδρας ὅτι εἶπαν πάλιν πτώσει πίπτουσιν ἐνώπιον ἡμῶν ὡς ἡ παράταξις ἡ πρώτη

And the sons of Israel saw that the ambush had seized Gibeah beforehand, and they stood firm in the battle-line; and Benjamin had begun to strike down slain among the men of Israel, about thirty men, for they said, 'Surely they are falling before us again, as in the first battle.'

The turn of the battle, with Benjamin's mistaken boast (main line + embedded speech, level 1)καὶ εἶδον
Israel's main force, seeing the ambush has 'seized Gibeah beforehand' (προκατελάβετο), stands its ground (ἔστησαν). The flashback notes Benjamin had been striking down about thirty Israelites, boasting (with the cognate-dative πτώσει πίπτουσιν, 'they are surely falling') that the third battle would repeat the first two victories — the very moment their doom is sealed.
Word-by-word analysis· 39 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
εἶδονsawAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ὁράωmain verb (Israel's perception of the captured city)→ constative aoristὁράω: 'see'; Israel sees (by the smoke-signal) that the ambush has succeeded.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of εἶδονυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
ὅτιthatcomplementizer (object clause of εἶδον)ὅτι: 'that.'
προκατελάβετοhad seized beforehandAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · προκαταλαμβάνωverb of the ὅτι-clause (the ambush's capture of the city)→ constative aorist (the prior seizure)προκαταλαμβάνω: 'seize beforehand / capture in advance'; the compound προ- stresses that the ambush took the city ahead of the main engagement's resolution.
τὸtheNominativearticleτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔνεδρονambushNominativesubject of προκατελάβετοἔνεδρον: 'ambush'; the force that seized Gibeah.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΓαβααGibeahdirect object of προκατελάβετο (indeclinable; case from article)Γαβαα: indeclinable; the captured city.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἔστησανstood firmAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἵστημιmain verb (the main force holds its line)→ ingressive aorist (taking a firm stand)ἵστημι: 'stand / take a stand'; here Israel's main force turns and stands firm in the battle-line, ending the feigned flight.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῇtheDativearticleτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παρατάξειbattle-lineDativedative of place (where they stood)παράταξις: 'battle-line / battle-array'; here the formation in which Israel stood firm (cf. v. 14).
καὶandnarrative conjunction (flashback to Benjamin's striking)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ΒενιαμινBenjaminsubject of ἤρξατο (indeclinable, nominative sense)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable; here as the subject 'Benjamin.'
ἤρξατοhad begunAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἄρχωmain verb (inceptive, with complementary infinitive)→ ingressive aorist (the onset of striking)ἄρχω (mid.): 'begin'; with πατάσσειν, 'began to strike down' (cf. v. 31).
πατάσσεινto strike downPres Act Inf · πατάσσωcomplementary infinitive (with ἤρξατο)→ complementary present infinitiveπατάσσω: 'strike / smite' (cf. v. 31).
τραυματίαςslainAccusativedirect object of πατάσσειν (the slain inflicted)τραυματίας: 'wounded / slain' (cf. v. 31); the casualties Benjamin inflicted in its brief, deceptive success.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (sphere: 'among the men')ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ἀνδράσινmenDativedative object of ἐν (the men struck down)ἀνήρ: 'man'; ἐν ἀνδράσιν Ισραηλ, 'among the men of Israel.'
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
ὡςaboutadverb (approximation with numeral)ὡς: 'about / approximately' (cf. v. 31).
τριάκονταthirtynumeral (modifying ἄνδρας)τριάκοντα: 'thirty'; the same small toll as v. 31, sustaining Benjamin's false confidence.
ἄνδραςmenAccusativeaccusative (the count of slain Israelites)ἀνήρ: 'man'; about thirty Israelites.
ὅτιforcausal conjunction (explaining Benjamin's boldness)ὅτι: 'for / because'; introduces Benjamin's mistaken reasoning.
εἶπανthey saidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωverb of the causal clause (Benjamin's boast)→ constative aoristλέγω: introduces Benjamin's confident misjudgment.
πάλινagainadverb (repetition: 'again')πάλιν: 'again'; Benjamin assumes the rout of Israel is repeating itself.
πτώσειwith a fallDativecognate dative (intensifying πίπτουσιν: Hebraism)πτῶσις: 'fall / falling'; the cognate dative πτώσει πίπτουσιν ('they are falling with a fall' = 'they are surely falling') renders a Hebrew infinitive-absolute construction, intensifying Benjamin's certainty.
πίπτουσινthey are fallingPres Act Indic 3 Pl · πίπτωmain verb of Benjamin's speech (vivid present)→ descriptive present (the foe seemingly collapsing)πίπτω: 'fall'; with the cognate dative, 'they are surely falling before us' (cf. v. 32).
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in front of)ἐνώπιον: 'before'; ἐνώπιον ἡμῶν, 'before us.'
ἡμῶνusGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιονἐγώ (pl. ἡμῶν): 'us'; the Benjaminites speaking.
ὡςascomparative particle (comparison to the first battle)ὡς: 'as'; comparing the present to the first engagement.
theNominativearticleἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παράταξιςbattleNominativenominative in comparison (with ὡς)παράταξις: 'battle'; the comparison is to the first battle's outcome.
theNominativearticle (with ordinal πρώτη)ἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρώτηfirstNominativeordinal adjective (modifying παράταξις)πρῶτος: 'first'; the first battle, in which Benjamin had triumphed (v. 21).
40

καὶ τὸ σύσσημον ἀνέβη ἐπὶ πλεῖον ἐπὶ τῆς πόλεως ὡς στῦλος καπνοῦ καὶ ἐπέβλεψεν Βενιαμιν ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ καὶ ἰδοὺ ἀνέβη ἡ συντέλεια τῆς πόλεως ἕως οὐρανοῦ

And the signal began to rise more and more over the city, like a column of smoke; and Benjamin looked behind him, and behold, the consuming of the city went up to heaven.

The smoke-signal fulfilled; Benjamin sees the catastrophe (main line)καὶ τὸ σύσσημον ἀνέβη
The agreed signal (σύσσημον, v. 38) is now fulfilled: smoke rises ἐπὶ πλεῖον ('ever more') ὡς στῦλος καπνοῦ ('like a column of smoke'). The presentative ἰδού dramatizes Benjamin's horror as they look back to see the συντέλεια ('total destruction / consummation') of their city rising ἕως οὐρανοῦ ('to heaven').
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
τὸtheNominativearticleτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σύσσημονsignalNominativesubject of ἀνέβησύσσημον: 'pre-arranged signal' (cf. v. 38); the smoke-beacon now rising from the city.
ἀνέβηroseAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναβαίνωmain verb (the smoke ascending)→ ingressive aorist (the smoke beginning to rise)ἀναβαίνω: 'go up / rise'; here of the smoke-column ascending as the agreed signal.
ἐπὶmore and morepreposition (in the idiom ἐπὶ πλεῖον: 'increasingly')ἐπί: in the idiom ἐπὶ πλεῖον = 'more and more / increasingly,' of the swelling smoke.
πλεῖονmoreAccusativecomparative adverbial (ἐπὶ πλεῖον: 'ever more')πλείων: 'more'; ἐπὶ πλεῖον, 'more and more,' depicting the thickening smoke.
ἐπὶoverpreposition + genitive (position: 'over the city')ἐπὶ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῆςtheGenitivearticleτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλεωςcityGenitivegenitive object of ἐπὶ (over the burning city)πόλις: 'city'; Gibeah, now ablaze.
ὡςlikecomparative particle (introducing simile)ὡς: 'like'; introduces the smoke-column simile.
στῦλοςcolumnNominativepredicate of comparison (the smoke as a pillar)στῦλος: 'pillar / column'; renders עַמּוּד; the smoke rises like a pillar — perhaps an ominous echo of the pillar of cloud (cf. Exod 13:21).
καπνοῦof smokeGenitivegenitive of material (the pillar made of smoke)καπνός: 'smoke'; στῦλος καπνοῦ, 'a column of smoke.'
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐπέβλεψενlookedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιβλέπωmain verb (Benjamin's backward glance)→ constative aorist (the fateful look)ἐπιβλέπω: 'look upon / look back'; renders פָּנָה / הִבִּיט; Benjamin turns to look behind and sees the catastrophe.
ΒενιαμινBenjaminsubject of ἐπέβλεψεν (indeclinable, nominative sense)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable; here as subject.
ὀπίσωbehindpreposition + genitive (direction: 'behind him')ὀπίσω: 'behind / after'; renders אַחֲרֵי; the backward glance toward the city.
αὐτοῦhimGenitivegenitive object of ὀπίσωαὐτός: 'him'; Benjamin (collective).
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative interjection (dramatizing the sight)ἰδού: 'behold'; renders הִנֵּה; heightens the horror of what Benjamin beholds.
ἀνέβηwent upAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναβαίνωmain verb (the destruction rising)→ constative aoristἀναβαίνω: 'go up / rise'; the smoke of the city's destruction ascends to heaven.
theNominativearticleἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
συντέλειαconsuming / destructionNominativesubject of ἀνέβησυντέλεια: 'completion / consummation / total destruction'; renders כָּלִיל / כָּלָה; here the whole consuming-conflagration of the city, rising as smoke to heaven.
τῆςof theGenitivearticleτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλεωςcityGenitivegenitive (the city being consumed)πόλις: 'city'; Gibeah, wholly consumed.
ἕωςtopreposition + genitive (extent: 'as far as heaven')ἕως: 'until / as far as'; the smoke reaches to the sky.
οὐρανοῦheavenGenitivegenitive object of ἕως (the extent of the smoke)οὐρανός: 'heaven / sky'; renders שָׁמַיִם; ἕως οὐρανοῦ, a hyperbole for the towering column of smoke signaling total ruin.
41

καὶ ἀνὴρ Ισραηλ ἐπέστρεψεν καὶ ἔσπευσαν ἄνδρες Βενιαμιν ὅτι εἶδον ὅτι συνήντησεν ἐπ᾿ αὐτοὺς ἡ πονηρία

And the men of Israel turned back, and the men of Benjamin were dismayed, for they saw that disaster had come upon them.

The reversal: Israel turns, Benjamin panics (main line)καὶ ἀνὴρ Ισραηλ ἐπέστρεψεν
Israel's feigned retreat reverses (ἐπέστρεψεν, 'turned back' to attack), and Benjamin is thrown into panic (ἔσπευσαν, 'were in a rush/dismayed') on realizing συνήντησεν ἐπ᾿ αὐτοὺς ἡ πονηρία ('disaster had come upon them') — the same πονηρία-language now turned against them, an ironic recompense for the πονηρία of Gibeah (vv. 3, 12).
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἀνὴρthe menNominativecollective singular subject (with singular verb)ἀνήρ: collective singular 'the men of Israel' (cf. v. 17).
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
ἐπέστρεψενturned backAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιστρέφωmain verb (Israel's turn to counterattack)→ ingressive aorist (the turn from flight to attack)ἐπιστρέφω: 'turn back / turn around'; renders הָפַךְ / שׁוּב; Israel turns from the feigned flight to fall on Benjamin.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἔσπευσανwere dismayedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · σπεύδωmain verb (Benjamin's panic)→ ingressive aorist (the onset of panic)σπεύδω: 'hasten / be in alarm'; here in the sense of being thrown into panicked haste — Benjamin is suddenly dismayed (cf. the Hebrew בָּהַל, 'be terrified').
ἄνδρεςmenNominativesubject of ἔσπευσανἀνήρ: 'man'; ἄνδρες Βενιαμιν, the men of Benjamin now in panic.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
ὅτιforcausal conjunction (ground of the panic)ὅτι: 'for / because'; gives the reason for Benjamin's dismay.
εἶδονthey sawAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ὁράωverb of the causal clause (Benjamin's perception)→ constative aoristὁράω: 'see / perceive'; Benjamin perceives the disaster too late.
ὅτιthatcomplementizer (object clause of εἶδον)ὅτι: 'that'; introduces the content perceived.
συνήντησενhad come uponAor Act Indic 3 Sg · συναντάωverb of the ὅτι-clause (disaster overtaking)→ constative aorist (the arrival of disaster)συναντάω: 'meet / befall / come upon'; renders קָרָה / נָגַע; the disaster 'met / overtook' them — echoing φθάνει ἐπ᾿ αὐτοὺς ἡ κακία (v. 34).
ἐπ᾿uponpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)ἐπ᾿: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπ᾿ (the Benjaminites)αὐτός: 'them'; the doomed Benjaminites.
theNominativearticleἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πονηρίαdisaster / evilNominativesubject of συνήντησενπονηρία: 'evil / calamity'; the keyword of the chapter (vv. 3, 12), now ironically denoting the disaster that has overtaken Benjamin — their πονηρία recompensed.
42

καὶ ἐπέβλεψαν ἐνώπιον υἱῶν Ισραηλ εἰς ὁδὸν τῆς ἐρήμου καὶ ἔφυγον καὶ ἡ παράταξις ἔφθασεν ἐπ᾿ αὐτούς καὶ οἱ ἀπὸ τῶν πόλεων διέφθειρον αὐτοὺς ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν

And they turned before the sons of Israel toward the road of the wilderness and fled, but the battle overtook them, and those from the cities were destroying them in their midst.

Benjamin's flight and entrapment (main line)καὶ ἐπέβλεψαν
Benjamin breaks and flees toward the wilderness road, but is caught between two forces: the pursuing battle (ἡ παράταξις ἔφθασεν, 'the battle overtook them') and the men of the captured cities (οἱ ἀπὸ τῶν πόλεων) cutting them down ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν ('in their midst'). The pincer leaves no escape.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐπέβλεψανturnedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐπιβλέπωmain verb (Benjamin turns to flee)→ constative aorist (the turn toward escape)ἐπιβλέπω: 'look toward / turn'; here of Benjamin turning (their gaze/course) toward the wilderness road in flight.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in front of / away from)ἐνώπιον: 'before'; here 'before / away from' the pursuing Israelites.
υἱῶνthe sonsGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιονυἱός: 'son'; ἐνώπιον υἱῶν Ισραηλ, before the sons of Israel.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
εἰςtowardpreposition + accusative (direction of flight)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ὁδὸνroadAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (the escape route)ὁδός: 'road / way'; the road toward the wilderness, Benjamin's intended escape.
τῆςof theGenitivearticleτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐρήμουwildernessGenitivegenitive (defining the road: 'road of the wilderness')ἔρημος: 'wilderness / desert'; renders מִדְבָּר; the wilderness toward which Benjamin fled (cf. the rock of Rimmon, v. 45).
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἔφυγονfledAor Act Indic 3 Pl · φεύγωmain verb (Benjamin's flight)→ constative aoristφεύγω: 'flee'; Benjamin's now-genuine rout (contrast Israel's feigned flight, v. 32).
καὶbutnarrative conjunction (adversative: the pursuit catches up)καί: here adversative, 'but the battle overtook them.'
theNominativearticleἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παράταξιςbattleNominativesubject of ἔφθασενπαράταξις: 'battle / battle-host'; here the pursuing Israelite army personified as overtaking the fugitives.
ἔφθασενovertookAor Act Indic 3 Sg · φθάνωmain verb (the pursuit catching them)→ constative aorist (the overtaking)φθάνω: 'arrive / overtake / catch up'; the same verb as v. 34 (φθάνει ἡ κακία), now realized — the battle overtakes the fleeing Benjaminites.
ἐπ᾿uponpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)ἐπ᾿: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
αὐτούςthemAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπ᾿ (the fleeing Benjaminites)αὐτός: 'them'; the fugitives.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
οἱthoseNominativearticle (substantizing the prepositional phrase)οἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source: 'those from the cities')ἀπὸ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῶνtheGenitivearticleτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλεωνcitiesGenitivegenitive object of ἀπὸ (those who came from the captured cities)πόλις: 'city'; οἱ ἀπὸ τῶν πόλεων = the Israelite force from the captured cities (including the ambush from Gibeah), forming the second jaw of the pincer.
διέφθειρονwere destroyingImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · διαφθείρωmain verb (the ongoing slaughter)→ descriptive imperfect (the slaughter in progress)διαφθείρω: 'destroy / cut down'; the imperfect διέφθειρον depicts the continuous slaughter of the trapped fugitives (cf. vv. 21, 25, 35).
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of διέφθειρον (the Benjaminites)αὐτός: 'them'; the trapped Benjaminites.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative: 'in the midst')ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
μέσῳmidstDativedative in the idiom ἐν μέσῳ ('in the midst of')μέσος: 'middle / midst'; ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν = 'in their midst,' depicting Benjamin caught between the two Israelite forces.
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive (with μέσῳ: 'in the midst of them')αὐτός: 'them'; the encircled Benjaminites.
43

καὶ κατέκοπτον τὸν Βενιαμιν καὶ ἐδίωξαν αὐτὸν ἀπὸ Νουα κατὰ πόδα αὐτοῦ ἕως ἀπέναντι Γαβαα πρὸς ἀνατολὰς ἡλίου

And they cut Benjamin down and pursued him from Nua, hard on his heels, as far as opposite Gibeah, toward the rising of the sun.

The relentless pursuit of Benjamin (main line)καὶ κατέκοπτον
The imperfect κατέκοπτον ('they kept cutting down') depicts the unceasing slaughter, with relentless pursuit κατὰ πόδα αὐτοῦ ('at his foot' = hard on his heels) from Nua to opposite Gibeah, eastward toward the sunrise (πρὸς ἀνατολὰς ἡλίου).
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
κατέκοπτονcut downImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · κατακόπτωmain verb (the relentless slaughter)→ descriptive imperfect (continuous cutting down)κατακόπτω: 'cut down / cut to pieces'; renders כָּתַת / הִכָּה; the intensive compound and the imperfect together convey unceasing slaughter.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with indeclinable Βενιαμιν)τὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΒενιαμινBenjamindirect object of κατέκοπτον (indeclinable; case from article)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable; the object of the slaughter.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐδίωξανpursuedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · διώκωmain verb (the pursuit)→ constative aoristδιώκω: 'pursue / chase'; renders רָדַף; the pursuit of the fleeing Benjaminites.
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of ἐδίωξαν (Benjamin)αὐτός: 'him'; Benjamin (collective).
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (starting-point of pursuit)ἀπὸ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΝουαNuagenitive object of ἀπὸ (indeclinable place-name)Νουα: a transliterated place-name (representing Hebrew מְנוּחָה, 'resting place', or a proper site); indeclinable; the starting-point of the pursuit.
κατὰhard onpreposition + accusative (in the idiom κατὰ πόδα: 'at the heel')κατά + acc.: in the idiom κατὰ πόδα = 'at the foot / hard on the heels,' close pursuit.
πόδαfoot / heelAccusativeaccusative in idiom (κατὰ πόδα: 'on his heels')πούς: 'foot'; κατὰ πόδα αὐτοῦ, 'on his heels,' i.e. pursuing closely without respite.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying πόδα)αὐτός: 'his'; Benjamin's.
ἕωςas far aspreposition (extent of pursuit)ἕως: 'until / as far as'; marks how far the pursuit extended.
ἀπέναντιoppositepreposition + genitive (position: 'over against')ἀπέναντι: 'opposite / over against'; renders נֹכַח / נֶגֶד; the pursuit reached the area facing Gibeah.
ΓαβααGibeahgenitive object of ἀπέναντι (indeclinable place-name)Γαβαα: indeclinable; the reference-point of the pursuit's extent.
πρὸςtowardpreposition + accusative (direction: eastward)πρὸς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ἀνατολὰςrisingAccusativeaccusative object of πρὸς (direction: 'toward the sunrise')ἀνατολή: 'rising / east'; πρὸς ἀνατολὰς ἡλίου ('toward the risings of the sun') = eastward, rendering מִזְרַח־שֶׁמֶשׁ.
ἡλίουof the sunGenitivegenitive (with ἀνατολὰς: 'rising of the sun')ἥλιος: 'sun'; ἀνατολαὶ ἡλίου, the sunrise/east.
44

καὶ ἔπεσαν ἀπὸ Βενιαμιν δέκα ὀκτὼ χιλιάδες ἀνδρῶν οἱ πάντες οὗτοι ἄνδρες δυνάμεως

And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men, all these men of valor.

The first tally of Benjamin's dead (main line)καὶ ἔπεσαν
The first of three sub-tallies that make up the 25,100 total (v. 35): 18,000 fall (δέκα ὀκτὼ χιλιάδες), described as ἄνδρες δυνάμεως ('men of valor'), the same epithet used at v. 46 — stressing that Benjamin's finest were destroyed.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἔπεσανfellAor Act Indic 3 Pl · πίπτωmain verb (the count of the slain)→ constative aorist (the fallen)πίπτω: 'fall'; renders נָפַל; the standard verb for falling in battle (the slain).
ἀπὸofpreposition + genitive (partitive: 'of Benjamin')ἀπό: partitive 'of / from among.'
ΒενιαμινBenjamingenitive object of ἀπὸ (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable; the tribe suffering the losses.
δέκαtennumeral (with ὀκτὼ χιλιάδες: 18,000)δέκα: 'ten'; indeclinable; with ὀκτώ, eighteen (thousand).
ὀκτὼeightnumeral (with δέκα and χιλιάδες)ὀκτώ: 'eight'; indeclinable; δέκα ὀκτὼ χιλιάδες = 18,000.
χιλιάδεςthousandNominativesubject of ἔπεσαν (the count of the slain)χιλιάς: 'a thousand'; the first sub-tally of Benjamin's dead.
ἀνδρῶνof menGenitivepartitive genitive (men comprising the thousands)ἀνήρ: 'man'; the slain Benjaminite warriors.
οἱtheNominativearticle (with πάντες οὗτοι)οἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjective (with οὗτοι)πᾶς: 'all'; the fallen were all valiant men.
οὗτοιtheseNominativedemonstrative pronoun (subject of implied 'were')οὗτος: 'these'; resumptive, summing up the 18,000.
ἄνδρεςmenNominativepredicate nominative ('men of valor')ἀνήρ: 'man'; ἄνδρες δυνάμεως, 'men of valor / mighty men.'
δυνάμεωςof valorGenitivegenitive of quality (defining ἄνδρες: 'valiant')δύναμις: 'power / valor / might'; ἄνδρες δυνάμεως renders אַנְשֵׁי־חַיִל ('men of valor'), Benjamin's elite warriors (cf. v. 46).
45

καὶ ἐπέβλεψαν οἱ λοιποὶ καὶ ἔφευγον εἰς τὴν ἔρημον πρὸς τὴν πέτραν τοῦ Ρεμμων καὶ ἐκαλαμήσαντο ἐξ αὐτῶν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ πεντακισχιλίους ἄνδρας καὶ κατέβησαν ὀπίσω αὐτῶν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ ἕως Γεδαν καὶ ἐπάταξαν ἐξ αὐτῶν δισχιλίους ἄνδρας

And the rest turned and fled into the wilderness, to the rock of Rimmon; and the sons of Israel gleaned of them five thousand men, and the sons of Israel went down after them as far as Gidom and struck of them two thousand men.

The pursuit of the survivors; further tallies (main line)καὶ ἐπέβλεψαν οἱ λοιποὶ
The survivors (οἱ λοιποί) flee toward the rock of Rimmon. The striking verb ἐκαλαμήσαντο ('they gleaned', as one gleans grain) depicts Israel picking off 5,000 stragglers, then pursuing to Gidom and striking 2,000 more — the second and third sub-tallies (5,000 + 2,000) completing the 25,000 figure of v. 35.
Word-by-word analysis· 38 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐπέβλεψανturnedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐπιβλέπωmain verb (the survivors turn to flee)→ constative aoristἐπιβλέπω: 'look toward / turn'; here of the survivors turning to flee (cf. v. 42).
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λοιποὶrestNominativesubject of ἐπέβλεψαν (the survivors)λοιπός: 'remaining / rest'; renders יֶתֶר / שְׁאָר; the surviving Benjaminites who fled.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἔφευγονfledImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · φεύγωmain verb (the survivors' flight)→ descriptive imperfect (the ongoing flight)φεύγω: 'flee'; the imperfect ἔφευγον depicts the continuing flight toward the wilderness.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (destination of flight)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔρημονwildernessAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (place of refuge)ἔρημος: 'wilderness'; the desert toward which the survivors fled (cf. v. 42).
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (destination)πρὸς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πέτρανrockAccusativeaccusative object of πρὸς (the refuge-rock)πέτρα: 'rock / crag'; renders סֶלַע; the rock of Rimmon, a natural fortress where the survivors took refuge (cf. v. 47).
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with indeclinable Ρεμμων)τοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΡεμμωνRimmongenitive of relationship (indeclinable place-name)Ρεμμων: transliteration of Hebrew רִמּוֹן ('pomegranate'); indeclinable; the rock of Rimmon, the survivors' refuge.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐκαλαμήσαντοgleanedAor Mid Indic 3 Pl · καλαμάομαιmain verb (picking off stragglers)→ constative aorist (the gleaning-slaughter)καλαμάομαι: 'glean (as gathering left-over stalks, καλάμη)'; a vivid agricultural metaphor — Israel 'gleans' the fleeing stragglers, picking off 5,000 (cf. the similar imagery at Jer 6:9).
ἐξofpreposition + genitive (partitive: 'of them')ἐκ: partitive 'of / from among.'
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of ἐξ (partitive: the fugitives)αὐτός: 'them'; the fleeing Benjaminites.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἐκαλαμήσαντουἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
πεντακισχιλίουςfive thousandAccusativenumeral (modifying ἄνδρας)πεντακισχίλιοι: 'five thousand'; the second sub-tally of Benjamin's dead.
ἄνδραςmenAccusativedirect object of ἐκαλαμήσαντο (the gleaned slain)ἀνήρ: 'man'; the five thousand picked off.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
κατέβησανwent downAor Act Indic 3 Pl · καταβαίνωmain verb (continued pursuit)→ constative aoristκαταβαίνω: 'go down'; renders יָרַד; Israel pursues the fugitives down toward Gidom.
ὀπίσωafterpreposition + genitive (in pursuit of)ὀπίσω: 'after / behind'; ὀπίσω αὐτῶν, 'after them,' the pursuit.
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of ὀπίσω (the pursued)αὐτός: 'them'; the fleeing Benjaminites.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of κατέβησανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
ἕωςas far aspreposition (extent of pursuit)ἕως: 'until / as far as'; the extent of the descent.
ΓεδανGidomgenitive object of ἕως (indeclinable place-name)Γεδαν: a transliterated place-name (representing Hebrew גִּדְעֹם, 'Gidom'); indeclinable; the limit of the pursuit.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐπάταξανstruckAor Act Indic 3 Pl · πατάσσωmain verb (the third tally)→ constative aoristπατάσσω: 'strike / smite'; the final blow to the fugitives (cf. v. 35).
ἐξofpreposition + genitive (partitive)ἐξ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of ἐξ (partitive: the fugitives)αὐτός: 'them'; the fleeing Benjaminites.
δισχιλίουςtwo thousandAccusativenumeral (modifying ἄνδρας)δισχίλιοι: 'two thousand'; the third sub-tally (18,000 + 5,000 + 2,000 = 25,000, the total of v. 35).
ἄνδραςmenAccusativedirect object of ἐπάταξαν (the slain)ἀνήρ: 'man'; the final two thousand struck down.
46

καὶ ἐγένοντο πάντες οἱ πίπτοντες ἀπὸ Βενιαμιν εἴκοσι πέντε χιλιάδες ἀνδρῶν ἑλκόντων ῥομφαίαν ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ οἱ πάντες οὗτοι ἄνδρες δυνάμεως

And all who fell of Benjamin that day were twenty-five thousand men drawing the sword, all these men of valor.

The summary total of Benjamin's dead (main line)καὶ ἐγένοντο
The grand summary: all who fell of Benjamin that day numbered 25,000 swordsmen (rounding the 25,100 of v. 35), all ἄνδρες δυνάμεως ('men of valor'). The verse closes the casualty-accounting begun at v. 35, repeating the warrior-epithets (ἕλκοντες ῥομφαίαν, ἄνδρες δυνάμεως) to underscore the magnitude of Benjamin's loss.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐγένοντοwereAor Mid Indic 3 Pl · γίνομαιmain verb (the total reckoning)→ constative aorist (the sum total)γίνομαι: 'become / come to be / amount to'; here 'amounted to / were in all,' summing the slain.
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjective (with οἱ πίπτοντες)πᾶς: 'all'; the entire body of the slain.
οἱthe onesNominativearticle (substantizing the participle)οἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πίπτοντεςwho fellPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · πίπτωsubstantival participle (subject: 'all those falling')→ substantival present participle (the fallen as a class)πίπτω: 'fall'; οἱ πίπτοντες ('those falling') = the slain, as a collective class.
ἀπὸofpreposition + genitive (partitive: 'of Benjamin')ἀπὸ: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
ΒενιαμινBenjamingenitive object of ἀπὸ (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
εἴκοσιtwentynumeral (with πέντε χιλιάδες: 25,000)εἴκοσι: 'twenty'; indeclinable; with πέντε, twenty-five (thousand).
πέντεfivenumeral (with εἴκοσι and χιλιάδες)πέντε: 'five'; εἴκοσι πέντε χιλιάδες = 25,000 (the round figure of the 25,100 in v. 35).
χιλιάδεςthousandNominativepredicate nominative (the total count)χιλιάς: 'a thousand'; the summary total of Benjamin's dead.
ἀνδρῶνof menGenitivepartitive genitive (men comprising the thousands)ἀνήρ: 'man'; the slain warriors.
ἑλκόντωνdrawingPres Act Part Gen Pl Masc · ἕλκωattributive participle (modifying ἀνδρῶν)→ characterizing present participle (warrior capacity)ἕλκω: ἀνδρῶν ἑλκόντων ῥομφαίαν, the warrior-Hebraism (cf. vv. 2, 17, 25), here of the slain.
ῥομφαίανthe swordAccusativedirect object of ἑλκόντωνῥομφαία: 'sword'; object of the warrior-idiom.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (temporal)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τῇtheDativearticleτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of timeἡμέρα: 'day'; the day of the decisive battle.
ἐκείνῃthatDativedemonstrative adjective (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)ἐκεῖνος: 'that.'
οἱtheNominativearticle (with πάντες οὗτοι)οἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjective (with οὗτοι)πᾶς: 'all'; the slain were all valiant men.
οὗτοιtheseNominativedemonstrative pronoun (subject of implied 'were')οὗτος: 'these'; resumptive, summing up the 25,000.
ἄνδρεςmenNominativepredicate nominative ('men of valor')ἀνήρ: 'man'; ἄνδρες δυνάμεως, 'men of valor' (cf. v. 44).
δυνάμεωςof valorGenitivegenitive of quality (defining ἄνδρες)δύναμις: 'power / valor'; ἄνδρες δυνάμεως renders אַנְשֵׁי־חַיִל, Benjamin's elite (cf. v. 44).
47

καὶ ἐπέβλεψαν οἱ λοιποὶ καὶ ἔφυγον εἰς τὴν ἔρημον πρὸς τὴν πέτραν τοῦ Ρεμμων ἑξακόσιοι ἄνδρες καὶ ἐκάθισαν ἐν πέτρᾳ Ρεμμων τέσσαρας μῆνας

And the rest turned and fled into the wilderness, to the rock of Rimmon — six hundred men — and they remained at the rock of Rimmon four months.

The survival of the remnant of six hundred (main line)καὶ ἐπέβλεψαν οἱ λοιποὶ
Out of 26,000+, only ἑξακόσιοι ἄνδρες ('six hundred men') escape to the rock of Rimmon, where they remain four months (τέσσαρας μῆνας). This tiny remnant is the seed from which the tribe of Benjamin will be preserved (ch. 21), preventing the loss of a tribe from Israel.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐπέβλεψανturnedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐπιβλέπωmain verb (the remnant turns to flee)→ constative aoristἐπιβλέπω: 'turn'; here of the surviving remnant turning to flee (cf. v. 45).
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λοιποὶrestNominativesubject of ἐπέβλεψαν (the remnant)λοιπός: 'remaining / rest'; the surviving remnant of Benjamin (cf. v. 45).
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἔφυγονfledAor Act Indic 3 Pl · φεύγωmain verb (the remnant's flight)→ constative aoristφεύγω: 'flee'; the escape of the six hundred to the wilderness.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (destination)εἰς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔρημονwildernessAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (place of refuge)ἔρημος: 'wilderness'; the desert refuge (cf. vv. 42, 45).
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (destination)πρὸς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
τὴνtheAccusativearticleτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πέτρανrockAccusativeaccusative object of πρὸς (the refuge-rock)πέτρα: 'rock / crag'; the rock of Rimmon, the remnant's stronghold (cf. v. 45).
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with indeclinable Ρεμμων)τοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΡεμμωνRimmongenitive of relationship (indeclinable place-name)Ρεμμων: indeclinable; the rock of Rimmon (cf. v. 45).
ἑξακόσιοιsix hundredNominativenumeral in apposition (the count of survivors)ἑξακόσιοι: 'six hundred'; the surviving remnant of Benjamin — the seed of the tribe's preservation (ch. 21).
ἄνδρεςmenNominativeapposition to ἑξακόσιοι (the surviving men)ἀνήρ: 'man'; the six hundred survivors.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐκάθισανremainedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · καθίζωmain verb (the remnant settles at the rock)→ constative aorist (the prolonged stay)καθίζω: 'sit / settle / remain'; renders יָשַׁב; the remnant stays put at the rock for four months until summoned back (21:13).
ἐνatpreposition + dative (locative)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
πέτρᾳthe rockDativedative of place (where they remained)πέτρα: 'rock'; ἐν πέτρᾳ Ρεμμων, at the rock of Rimmon.
Ρεμμωνof Rimmongenitive of relationship (indeclinable place-name)Ρεμμων: indeclinable.
τέσσαραςfourAccusativenumeral (modifying μῆνας; accusative of duration)τέσσαρες: 'four'; the duration of the remnant's stay.
μῆναςmonthsAccusativeaccusative of duration of time ('for four months')μήν: 'month'; renders חֹדֶשׁ; the accusative of duration, the four months until the reconciliation of ch. 21.
48

καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ ἐπέστρεψαν πρὸς υἱοὺς Βενιαμιν καὶ ἐπάταξαν αὐτοὺς ἐν στόματι ῥομφαίας ἀπὸ πόλεως Μεθλα καὶ ἕως κτήνους καὶ ἕως παντὸς τοῦ εὑρισκομένου εἰς πάσας τὰς πόλεις καὶ τὰς πόλεις τὰς εὑρεθείσας ἐνέπρησαν ἐν πυρί

And the sons of Israel turned back against the sons of Benjamin and struck them with the edge of the sword — from the city of Methla even to the cattle and to all that was found — among all the cities; and the cities that were found they burned with fire.

The devastation of Benjamin's territory (chapter conclusion, main line)καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ ἐπέστρεψαν
The chapter ends with Israel turning back to devastate Benjamin's land: striking everything ἐν στόματι ῥομφαίας ('with the edge of the sword') — from the city to the cattle to all that was found — and burning the cities. The total-destruction merism (city, beast, all found) and the burning recall the herem-warfare of the conquest, ending the war on a note of devastating, near-genocidal totality (the crisis ch. 21 must then resolve).
Word-by-word analysis· 37 words
καὶandnarrative conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
οἱtheNominativearticleοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἐπέστρεψανυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ισραηλ: indeclinable.
ἐπέστρεψανturned backAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐπιστρέφωmain verb (turning to devastate the territory)→ constative aoristἐπιστρέφω: 'turn back'; Israel turns from pursuit to systematic devastation of Benjamin's towns.
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)πρὸς: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
υἱοὺςsonsAccusativeaccusative object of πρὸς (the enemy)υἱός: 'son'; πρὸς υἱοὺς Βενιαμιν.
Βενιαμινof Benjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Βενιαμιν: indeclinable.
καὶandcoordinate conjunctionκαὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἐπάταξανstruckAor Act Indic 3 Pl · πατάσσωmain verb (the devastation)→ constative aoristπατάσσω: 'strike / smite'; here of putting the population to the sword (cf. vv. 35, 37).
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of ἐπάταξαν (the Benjaminites)αὐτός: 'them'; the remaining inhabitants of Benjamin's towns.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrumental, herem-idiom)ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
στόματιedgeDativedative of instrument (in the idiom 'edge of the sword')στόμα: 'mouth / edge'; ἐν στόματι ῥομφαίας, the total-slaughter idiom (cf. v. 37).
ῥομφαίαςof the swordGenitivegenitive (with στόματι: 'edge of the sword')ῥομφαία: 'sword'; στόμα ῥομφαίας, the sword's edge.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (start of the merism of destruction)ἀπό: in the merism ἀπὸ … καὶ ἕως …, marking the full sweep of the devastation.
πόλεωςthe cityGenitivegenitive object of ἀπὸ (the first term of the merism)πόλις: 'city'; the inhabited town, the human pole of the destruction-merism.
ΜεθλαMethlaappositional/qualifying (indeclinable place-name)Μεθλα: a transliterated term (the underlying Hebrew מְתֹם, 'entire / sound', is here read as a place-name in this Greek text-form); indeclinable; taken as qualifying 'city.'
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (extending the merism)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἕωςtopreposition + genitive (second term of the merism)ἕως: 'until / to'; ἀπὸ … ἕως …, the merism of totality.
κτήνουςthe cattleGenitivegenitive object of ἕως (the animal pole of the merism)κτῆνος: 'beast / cattle'; renders בְּהֵמָה; the animal pole — even livestock is destroyed, marking total devastation.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (third term)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
ἕωςtopreposition + genitive (third term of the merism)ἕως: 'to'; completing the merism with 'all that was found.'
παντὸςallGenitiveattributive adjective (modifying τοῦ εὑρισκομένου)πᾶς: 'all'; the totality of what was found, nothing spared.
τοῦthatGenitivearticle (substantizing the participle)τοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εὑρισκομένουwas foundPres Pass Part Gen Sg Neut · εὑρίσκωsubstantival participle (genitive object of ἕως: 'all that is found')→ substantival present participle (whatever was found)εὑρίσκω: 'find'; πᾶν τὸ εὑρισκόμενον = 'everything found / all that was there,' the third pole of the merism — total destruction.
εἰςamongpreposition + accusative (extent: 'throughout the cities')εἰς: here distributive, 'throughout / among all the cities.'
πάσαςallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying πόλεις)πᾶς: 'all'; every city of Benjamin.
τὰςtheAccusativearticleτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλειςcitiesAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (the scope of devastation)πόλις: 'city'; all the towns of Benjamin.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (final clause)καὶ: connective element linking clauses, phrases, or discourse developments in the passage.
τὰςtheAccusativearticleτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλειςcitiesAccusativedirect object of ἐνέπρησαν (fronted)πόλις: 'city'; the towns that were burned.
τὰςthe onesAccusativearticle (with the participle εὑρεθείσας)τὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εὑρεθείσαςthat were foundAor Pass Part Acc Pl Fem · εὑρίσκωattributive participle (modifying πόλεις)→ resultative aorist participle (the cities found/come upon)εὑρίσκω: 'find'; αἱ πόλεις αἱ εὑρεθεῖσαι = 'the cities that were found / come upon,' all of which were put to the torch.
ἐνέπρησανthey burnedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐμπίπρημιmain verb (the burning of the cities)→ constative aorist (the final act of devastation)ἐμπίπρημι (ἐμπίμπρημι): 'set on fire / burn up'; renders שָׂרַף בָּאֵשׁ; the burning of the towns completes the herem-style devastation, the war's grim conclusion.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrument: 'with fire')ἐν: preposition governing its complement and marking the relation specified by the clause.
πυρίfireDativedative of instrument (the means of burning)πῦρ: 'fire'; renders אֵשׁ; ἐν πυρί, 'with fire,' the instrument of the final destruction — the chapter ends in flames, setting up the lament and reconciliation of ch. 21.