Numbers 12:1

Authorized King James Version

And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתְּדַבֵּ֨ר
spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
מִרְיָ֤ם
And Miriam
mirjam, the name of two israelitesses
#3
וְאַֽהֲרֹן֙
and Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#4
בְּמֹשֶׁ֔ה
against Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
אֹד֛וֹת
because of
turnings (i.e., occasions); (adverb) on account of
#7
אִשָּׁ֥ה
woman
a woman
#8
כֻשִׁ֖ית
an Ethiopian
a cushite woman
#9
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
לָקָֽח׃
for he had married
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#11
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
אִשָּׁ֥ה
woman
a woman
#13
כֻשִׁ֖ית
an Ethiopian
a cushite woman
#14
לָקָֽח׃
for he had married
to take (in the widest variety of applications)

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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