Numbers 13:2

Authorized King James Version

Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תִּשְׁלָ֔חוּ
H7971
Send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
לְךָ֣
H0
#3
אֲנָשִׁ֗ים
H582
thou men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#4
וְיָתֻ֙רוּ֙
H8446
that they may search
to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
אֶ֣רֶץ
H776
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
כְּנַ֔עַן
H3667
of Canaan
kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him
#8
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
אֲנִ֥י
H589
i
#10
נֹתֵ֖ן
H5414
which I give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
לִבְנֵ֣י
H1121
unto the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#13
אִ֨ישׁ
H376
of every
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#14
אֶחָ֜ד
H259
a man
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#15
אִ֨ישׁ
H376
of every
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#16
אֶחָ֜ד
H259
a man
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#17
לְמַטֵּ֤ה
H4294
tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#18
אֲבֹתָיו֙
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#19
תִּשְׁלָ֔חוּ
H7971
Send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#20
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#21
נָשִׂ֥יא
H5387
every one a ruler
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#22
בָהֶֽם׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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