Numbers 12:15

Authorized King James Version

And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּסָּגֵ֥ר
was shut
to shut up; figuratively, to surrender
#2
מִרְיָֽם׃
And Miriam
mirjam, the name of two israelitesses
#3
מִח֥וּץ
out
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#4
לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה
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
#5
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#6
יָמִ֑ים
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
#7
וְהָעָם֙
and the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
נָסַ֔ע
journeyed
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#10
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#11
הֵֽאָסֵ֖ף
was brought
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#12
מִרְיָֽם׃
And Miriam
mirjam, the name of two israelitesses

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources