1 Chronicles 6:63

Authorized King James Version

Unto the sons of Merari were given by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לִבְנֵ֨י
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
מְרָרִ֜י
of Merari
merari, an israelite
#3
לְמִשְׁפְּחוֹתָ֗ם
throughout their families
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
#4
וּמִמַּטֵּ֤ה
and out of the tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#5
רְ֠אוּבֵן
of Reuben
reuben, a son of jacob
#6
וּמִמַּטֵּ֤ה
and out of the tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#7
גָ֞ד
of Gad
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
#8
וּמִמַּטֵּ֤ה
and out of the tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#9
זְבֻלוּן֙
of Zebulun
zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe
#10
בַּגּוֹרָ֔ל
were given 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
עָרִ֖ים
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#12
שְׁתֵּ֥ים
twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#13
עֶשְׂרֵֽה׃
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

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

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