Numbers 12:8

Authorized King James Version

With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פֶּ֞ה
mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
פֶּ֞ה
mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#4
לְדַבֵּ֖ר
With him will I speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#5
בּ֗וֹ
H0
#6
וּמַרְאֶה֙
even apparently
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#7
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
בְחִידֹ֔ת
and not in dark speeches
a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim
#9
וּתְמֻנַ֥ת
and the similitude
something portioned (i.e., fashioned) out, as a shape, i.e., (indefinitely) phantom, or (specifically) embodiment, or (figuratively) manifestation (of
#10
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
יַבִּ֑יט
shall he behold
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
#12
וּמַדּ֙וּעַ֙
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
#13
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
יְרֵאתֶ֔ם
wherefore then were ye not afraid
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#15
לְדַבֵּ֖ר
With him will I speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#16
בְּעַבְדִּ֥י
against my servant
a servant
#17
בְמֹשֶֽׁה׃
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

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

Questions for Reflection

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