Numbers 14:27

Authorized King James Version

How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#2
מָתַ֗י
properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)
#3
לָֽעֵדָ֤ה
congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#4
הָֽרָעָה֙
How long shall I bear with this evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#5
הַזֹּ֔את
this (often used adverb)
#6
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
הֵ֥מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#8
מַלִּינִ֛ים
which murmur
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#9
עָלָ֑י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
תְּלֻנּ֞וֹת
the murmurings
a grumbling
#12
בְּנֵ֣י
of 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
#13
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#14
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
הֵ֧מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#16
מַלִּינִ֛ים
which murmur
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#17
עָלַ֖י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
שָׁמָֽעְתִּי׃
against me I have heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

Study Resources