Numbers 11:23

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
unto Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#5
הֲיַ֥ד
hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#6
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
תִּקְצָ֑ר
waxed short
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
#8
עַתָּ֥ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#9
תִרְאֶ֛ה
thou shalt see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#10
הֲיִקְרְךָ֥
shall come to pass
to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)
#11
דְבָרִ֖י
now whether my word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#12
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#13
לֹֽא׃
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

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 divine sovereignty 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 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

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