Numbers 1:31

Authorized King James Version

Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#2
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
of them even of the tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#3
זְבוּלֻ֑ן
of Zebulun
zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe
#4
שִׁבְעָ֧ה
and seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#5
וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים
were fifty
fifty
#6
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#7
וְאַרְבַּ֥ע
and four
four
#8
מֵאֽוֹת׃
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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