Numbers 14:29

Authorized King James Version

Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּמִּדְבָּ֣ר
in this wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#2
הַ֠זֶּה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#3
יִפְּל֨וּ
shall fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#4
פִגְרֵיכֶ֜ם
Your carcases
a carcase (as limp), whether of man or beast; figuratively, an idolatrous image
#5
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
פְּקֻֽדֵיכֶם֙
and all that were numbered
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#7
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
מִסְפַּרְכֶ֔ם
of you according to your whole number
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#9
מִבֶּ֛ן
old
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
from twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#11
שָׁנָ֖ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#12
וָמָ֑עְלָה
and upward
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#13
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
הֲלִֽינֹתֶ֖ם
which have murmured
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#15
עָלָֽי׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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

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

Related Resources

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

Study Resources