Numbers 11:1

Authorized King James Version

And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֤י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הָעָם֙
And when the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
כְּמִתְאֹ֣נְנִ֔ים
complained
to mourn, i.e., complain
#4
רַ֖ע
it displeased
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#5
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#6
יְהוָ֔ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע
heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#8
יְהוָ֔ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
וַיִּ֣חַר
was kindled
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
#10
אַפּ֔וֹ
it and his anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#11
וַתִּבְעַר
burnt
to be(-come) brutish
#12
בָּם֙
H0
#13
אֵ֣שׁ
and the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#14
יְהוָ֔ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
וַתֹּ֖אכַל
among them and consumed
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#16
בִּקְצֵ֥ה
them that were in the uttermost parts
an extremity
#17
הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃
of the camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources