Joshua 17:3

Authorized King James Version

But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these are the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלִצְלָפְחָד֩
But Zelophehad
tselophchad, an israelite
#2
בָּנִ֖ים
had no 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
#3
חֵ֨פֶר
of Hepher
chepher, a place in palestine
#4
בָּנִ֖ים
had no 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
#5
גִּלְעָ֜ד
of Gilead
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
#6
בָּנִ֖ים
had no 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
#7
מָכִ֣יר
of Machir
makir, an israelite
#8
בָּנִ֖ים
had no 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
#9
מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה
of Manasseh
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#10
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
הָ֥יוּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
ל֛וֹ
H0
#13
בָּנִ֖ים
had no 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
#14
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#16
בְּנֹתָ֔יו
but daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#17
וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙
these or those
#18
שְׁמ֣וֹת
and these are the names
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#19
בְּנֹתָ֔יו
but daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#20
מַחְלָ֣ה
Mahlah
machlah, the name apparently of two israelitesses
#21
וְנֹעָ֔ה
and Noah
noah, an israelitess
#22
חָגְלָ֥ה
Hoglah
choglah, an israelitess
#23
מִלְכָּ֖ה
Milcah
milcah, the name of a hebrewess and of an israelite
#24
וְתִרְצָֽה׃
and Tirzah
tirtsah, a place in palestine; also an israelitess

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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