Numbers 11:33

Authorized King James Version

And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַבָּשָׂ֗ר
And while the flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#2
עוֹדֶ֙נּוּ֙
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#3
בֵּ֣ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#4
שִׁנֵּיהֶ֔ם
between their teeth
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
#5
טֶ֖רֶם
was yet
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
#6
יִכָּרֵ֑ת
ere it was chewed
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#7
וְאַ֤ף
the wrath
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#8
יְהוָה֙
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
חָרָ֣ה
was kindled
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
#10
בָּעָ֔ם
against the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#11
וַיַּ֤ךְ
smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#12
יְהוָה֙
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
בָּעָ֔ם
against the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#14
מַכָּ֖ה
plague
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
#15
רַבָּ֥ה
great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#16
מְאֹֽד׃
with a very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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

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