Numbers 14:36

Authorized King James Version

And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
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)
#2
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
שָׁלַ֥ח
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#4
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
which Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#5
לָת֣וּר
to search
to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#8
וַיָּשֻׁ֗בוּ
who returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#9
וַיַּלִּ֤וֹנוּ
to murmur
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#10
עָלָיו֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה
and made all the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#14
לְהוֹצִ֥יא
against him by bringing up
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#15
דִבָּ֖ה
a slander
slander
#16
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation 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 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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