Numbers 11:8

Authorized King James Version

And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שָׁטוּ֩
went about
properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel
#2
הָעָ֨ם
And the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
וְלָֽקְט֜וּ
and gathered
properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean
#4
וְטָֽחֲנ֣וּ
it and ground
to grind meal; hence, to be a concubine (that being their employment)
#5
בָֽרֵחַ֗יִם
it in mills
a mill-stone
#6
א֤וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#7
דָכוּ֙
or beat
to bruise in a mortar
#8
בַּמְּדֹכָ֔ה
it in a mortar
a mortar
#9
וּבִשְּׁלוּ֙
and baked
properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen
#10
בַּפָּר֔וּר
it in pans
a skillet (as flat or deep)
#11
וְעָשׂ֥וּ
and made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
אֹת֖וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
עֻג֑וֹת
cakes
an ashcake (as round)
#14
וְהָיָ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#15
כְּטַ֖עַם
of it and the taste
properly, a taste, i.e., (figuratively) perception; by implication, intelligence; transitively, a mandate
#16
כְּטַ֖עַם
of it and the taste
properly, a taste, i.e., (figuratively) perception; by implication, intelligence; transitively, a mandate
#17
לְשַׁ֥ד
of fresh
(figuratively) vigor; also a sweet or fat cake
#18
הַשָּֽׁמֶן׃
oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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