Numbers 1:2

Authorized King James Version

Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׂא֗וּ
H5375
Take
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
רֹאשׁ֙
H7218
ye the sum
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#4
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
עֲדַ֣ת
H5712
of all the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#6
בְּנֵֽי
H1121
of the children
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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם
H4940
after 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
#9
לְבֵ֣ית
H1004
by the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#10
אֲבֹתָ֑ם
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#11
בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר
H4557
with the number
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#12
שֵׁמ֔וֹת
H8034
of their names
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#13
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
זָכָ֖ר
H2145
every male
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#15
לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָֽם׃
H1538
by their polls
a skull (as round); by implication, a head (in enumeration of persons)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. 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 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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