Numbers 14:5

Authorized King James Version

Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#2
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
Then Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
וְאַֽהֲרֹ֖ן
and Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
לִפְנֵ֕י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
לִפְנֵ֕י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
קְהַ֥ל
all the assembly
assemblage (usually concretely)
#9
עֲדַ֖ת
of the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#10
בְּנֵ֥י
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
#11
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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

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