Numbers 1:51

Authorized King James Version

And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבִנְסֹ֣עַ
setteth forward
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#2
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
And when the tabernacle
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
#3
יוֹרִ֤ידוּ
shall take it down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#4
אֹתוֹ֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַלְוִיִּ֑ם
the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#6
וּבַֽחֲנֹת֙
is to be pitched
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
#7
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
And when the tabernacle
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
#8
יָקִ֥ימוּ
shall set it up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#9
אֹת֖וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הַלְוִיִּ֑ם
the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#11
וְהַזָּ֥ר
and the stranger
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
#12
הַקָּרֵ֖ב
that cometh nigh
near
#13
יוּמָֽת׃
shall be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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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