Numbers 11:22

Authorized King James Version

Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲצֹ֧אן
Shall the flocks
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#2
וּבָקָ֛ר
and the herds
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#3
יִשָּׁחֵ֥ט
be slain
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#4
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#5
וּמָצָ֥א
for them to suffice
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#6
לָהֶ֑ם
H0
#7
אִ֣ם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#8
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
דְּגֵ֥י
them or shall all the fish
a fish (often used collectively)
#11
הַיָּ֛ם
of the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#12
יֵֽאָסֵ֥ף
be gathered together
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#13
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#14
וּמָצָ֥א
for them to suffice
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#15
לָהֶֽם׃
H0

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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