Joshua 3:12

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֗ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
קְח֤וּ
Now therefore take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#3
לָכֶם֙
H0
#4
שְׁנֵ֣י
you twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#5
עָשָׂ֣ר
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#6
אִישׁ
a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#7
לַשָּֽׁבֶט׃
out of the tribes
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#8
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#9
אִישׁ
a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#10
אֶחָ֖ד
out of every
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#11
אִישׁ
a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#12
אֶחָ֖ד
out of every
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#13
לַשָּֽׁבֶט׃
out of the tribes
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. 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 Joshua 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

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