Numbers 10:31

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#3
נָ֖א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#4
תַּֽעֲזֹ֣ב
Leave
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#5
אֹתָ֑נוּ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
כִּ֣י׀
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
כֵּ֣ן
us not I pray thee forasmuch as thou knowest
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#9
יָדַ֗עְתָּ
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#10
חֲנֹתֵ֙נוּ֙
how we are to encamp
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
#11
בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#12
וְהָיִ֥יתָ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
לָּ֖נוּ
H0
#14
לְעֵינָֽיִם׃
and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

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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