Numbers 11:31

Authorized King James Version

And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day's journey on this side, and as it were a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְר֜וּחַ
a wind
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#2
נָסַ֣ע׀
And there went forth
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#3
מֵאֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
יְהוָ֗ה
from the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
וַיָּ֣גָז
and brought
properly, to shear off; but used only in the (figuratively) sense of passing rapidly
#6
שַׂלְוִים֮
quails
the quail collectively (as slow in flight from its weight)
#7
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#8
הַיָּם֒
from 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
#9
וַיִּטֹּ֨שׁ
and let them fall
properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה
by 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
#12
וּכְדֶ֤רֶךְ
journey
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#13
יוֹם֙
and as it were a day's
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#14
כֹּ֔ה
on the other side
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#15
וּכְדֶ֤רֶךְ
journey
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#16
יוֹם֙
and as it were a day's
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#17
כֹּ֔ה
on the other side
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#18
סְבִיב֖וֹת
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#19
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה
by 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
#20
וּכְאַמָּתַ֖יִם
and as it were two cubits
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#21
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#22
פְּנֵ֥י
high upon the face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#23
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Numbers Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources