Numbers 12:14

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מֹשֶׁ֗ה
unto Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#5
וְאָבִ֙יהָ֙
H1
If her father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#6
יָרַק֙
had but
to spit
#7
יָרַק֙
had but
to spit
#8
בְּפָנֶ֔יהָ
in her 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
#9
הֲלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
תִכָּלֵ֖ם
should she not be ashamed
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
#11
שִׁבְעַ֤ת
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#12
יָמִים֙
days
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
#13
תִּסָּגֵ֞ר
let her be shut
to shut up; figuratively, to surrender
#14
שִׁבְעַ֤ת
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#15
יָמִים֙
days
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
#16
מִח֣וּץ
out
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#17
לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
from 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
#18
וְאַחַ֖ר
and after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#19
תֵּֽאָסֵֽף׃
that let her be received
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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