Numbers 11:27

Authorized King James Version

And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֣רָץ
And there ran
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
#2
הַנַּ֔עַר
a young man
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#3
וַיַּגֵּ֥ד
and told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#4
לְמֹשֶׁ֖ה
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#5
וַיֹּאמַ֑ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אֶלְדָּ֣ד
Eldad
eldad, an israelite
#7
וּמֵידָ֔ד
and Medad
medad, an israelite
#8
מִֽתְנַבְּאִ֖ים
do prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#9
בַּֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃
in the camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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