Numbers 1:44

Authorized King James Version

These are those that were numbered, which Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel, being twelve men: each one was for the house of his fathers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֣לֶּה
these or those
#2
פָּקַ֨ד
These are those that were numbered
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#3
אֲשֶׁר֩
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
פָּקַ֨ד
These are those that were numbered
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#5
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
which Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#6
וְאַֽהֲרֹן֙
and Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#7
וּנְשִׂיאֵ֣י
and the princes
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#8
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#9
שְׁנֵ֥ים
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#10
עָשָׂ֖ר
being twelve
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#11
אִ֑ישׁ
each
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
אִישׁ
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#13
אֶחָ֥ד
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#14
לְבֵית
was for the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#15
אֲבֹתָ֖יו
H1
of his fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#16
הָיֽוּ׃
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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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