1 Chronicles 6:61

Authorized King James Version

And unto the sons of Kohath, which were left of the family of that tribe, were cities given out of the half tribe, namely, out of the half tribe of Manasseh, by lot, ten cities.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלִבְנֵ֨י
And unto the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
קְהָ֜ת
of Kohath
kehath, an israelite
#3
הַנּֽוֹתָרִ֗ים
which were left
to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve
#4
מִמִּשְׁפַּ֣חַת
of the family
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#5
מַטֵּ֨ה
of that tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#6
מִֽ֠מַּחֲצִית
namely out of the half
a halving or the middle
#7
מַטֵּ֨ה
of that tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#8
חֲצִ֧י
were cities given out of the half
the half or middle
#9
מְנַשֶּׁ֛ה
tribe of Manasseh
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#10
בַּגּוֹרָ֖ל
by lot
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#11
עָרִ֥ים
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#12
עָֽשֶׂר׃
ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection