Numbers 11:5

Authorized King James Version

We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זָכַ֙רְנוּ֙
We remember
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַדָּגָ֔ה
the fish
fish
#4
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
נֹאכַ֥ל
which we did eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#6
בְּמִצְרַ֖יִם
in Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#7
חִנָּ֑ם
freely
gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage
#8
אֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַקִּשֻּׁאִ֗ים
the cucumbers
a cucumber (from the difficulty of digestion)
#10
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הָֽאֲבַטִּחִ֔ים
H20
and the melons
a melon (only plural)
#12
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הֶֽחָצִ֥יר
and the leeks
grass; also a leek (collectively)
#14
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
הַבְּצָלִ֖ים
and the onions
an onion
#16
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
הַשּׁוּמִֽים׃
and the garlick
garlic (from its rank odor)

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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