Numbers 11:13

Authorized King James Version

Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֵאַ֤יִן
Whence
where? (only in connection with prepositional prefix, whence)
#2
לִי֙
H0
#3
בָשָׂ֖ר
should I have flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#4
תְּנָה
Give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#5
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
הָעָ֣ם
unto all this people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
הַזֶּ֑ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
יִבְכּ֤וּ
for they weep
to weep; generally to bemoan
#10
עָלַי֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
לֵאמֹ֔ר
unto me saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
תְּנָה
Give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#13
לָּ֥נוּ
H0
#14
בָשָׂ֖ר
should I have flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#15
וְנֹאכֵֽלָה׃
that we may eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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