Numbers 11:17

Authorized King James Version

And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיָֽרַדְתִּ֗י
And I will come 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
#2
וְדִבַּרְתִּ֣י
and talk
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#3
עִמְּךָ֮
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
שָׁם֒
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#5
וְאָֽצַלְתִּ֗י
with thee there and I will take
properly, to join; used only as a denominative from h0681; to separate; hence, to select, refuse, contract
#6
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
הָר֛וּחַ
of the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#8
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
עָלֶ֖יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י
which is upon thee and will put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#11
עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
תִשָּׂ֥א
it upon them and they shall bear
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#13
אִתְּךָ֙
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#14
בְּמַשָּׂ֣א
the burden
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
#15
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#16
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
תִשָּׂ֥א
it upon them and they shall bear
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#18
אַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#19
לְבַדֶּֽךָ׃
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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