Numbers 11:25

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּ֨רֶד

H3381

came 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

יְהוָ֥ה׀

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בֶּֽעָנָן֮

H6051

in a cloud

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר

H1696

and spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלָיו֒

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיָּ֗אצֶל

H680

unto him and took

properly, to join; used only as a denominative from h0681; to separate; hence, to select, refuse, contract

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָר֔וּחַ

H7307

and it came to pass that when the spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

עָלָ֔יו

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

וַיִּתֵּ֕ן

H5414

that was upon him and gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#12

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#13

שִׁבְעִ֥ים

H7657

it unto the seventy

seventy

#14

אִ֖ישׁ

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#15

הַזְּקֵנִ֑ים

H2205

elders

old

#16

וַיְהִ֗י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#17

כְּנ֤וֹחַ

H5117

rested

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

#18

עֲלֵיהֶם֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#19

הָר֔וּחַ

H7307

and it came to pass that when the spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#20

וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ

H5012

upon them they prophesied

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

#21

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#22

יָסָֽפוּ׃

H3254

and did not cease

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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Numbers 11:25

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources