Numbers 1:16

Authorized King James Version

These were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֚לֶּה
these or those
#2
קְרִיּאֵ֣י
These were
called, i.e., select
#3
הָֽעֵדָ֔ה
of the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#4
נְשִׂיאֵ֖י
princes
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#5
מַטּ֣וֹת
of the tribes
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#6
אֲבוֹתָ֑ם
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#7
רָאשֵׁ֛י
heads
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#8
אַלְפֵ֥י
of thousands
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#9
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#10
הֵֽם׃
in
they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Numbers's theological argument.

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 Numbers 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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