1 Chronicles 25:7

Authorized King James Version

So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֤י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
מִסְפָּרָם֙
So the number
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#3
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
אֲחֵיהֶ֔ם
of them with their brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#5
מְלֻמְּדֵי
that were instructed
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
#6
שִׁ֖יר
in the songs
a song; abstractly, singing
#7
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
הַ֨מֵּבִ֔ין
even all that were cunning
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#10
מָאתַ֖יִם
was two hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#11
שְׁמוֹנִ֥ים
fourscore
eighty, also eightieth
#12
וּשְׁמוֹנָֽה׃
and eight
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection