1 Chronicles 5:21

Authorized King James Version

And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁבּ֣וּ
And they took away
to transport into captivity
#2
מִקְנֵיהֶ֗ם
their cattle
something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
#3
גְּֽמַלֵּיהֶ֞ם
of their camels
a camel
#4
וַֽחֲמִשִּׁים֙
and fifty
fifty
#5
אָֽלֶף׃
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#6
וְצֹ֗אן
and of sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#7
מֵ֥אָה
an hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#8
וַֽחֲמִשִּׁים֙
and fifty
fifty
#9
אָֽלֶף׃
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#10
וַֽחֲמוֹרִ֖ים
and of asses
a male ass (from its dun red)
#11
אָֽלֶף׃
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#12
וְנֶ֥פֶשׁ
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#13
אָדָ֖ם
and of men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#14
מֵ֥אָה
an hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#15
אָֽלֶף׃
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Chronicles. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

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

Questions for Reflection