Numbers 1:53

Authorized King James Version

But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַלְוִיִּ֔ם
But the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#2
יַֽחֲנ֤וּ
shall pitch
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
#3
סָבִיב֙
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#4
מִשְׁכַּ֥ן
of 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
#5
הָֽעֵדֽוּת׃
of testimony
testimony
#6
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יִהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
קֶ֔צֶף
that there be no wrath
a splinter (as chipped off)
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
עֲדַ֖ת
upon the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#11
בְּנֵ֣י
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
#12
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#13
וְשָֽׁמְרוּ֙
shall keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#14
הַלְוִיִּ֔ם
But the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
the charge
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#17
מִשְׁכַּ֥ן
of 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
#18
הָֽעֵדֽוּת׃
of testimony
testimony

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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