Numbers 14:28

Authorized King James Version

Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱמֹ֣ר
Say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲלֵהֶ֗ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
חַי
I live
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#4
אָ֙נִי֙
i
#5
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#6
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#8
לֹ֕א
unto them As truly as
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
דִּבַּרְתֶּ֖ם
as ye have spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#11
בְּאָזְנָ֑י
in mine ears
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#12
כֵּ֖ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#13
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה
so will I do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
לָכֶֽם׃
H0

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

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 salvation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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