Numbers 15:26

Authorized King James Version

And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנִסְלַ֗ח
And it shall be forgiven
to forgive
#2
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
עֲדַת֙
all the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#4
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
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
וְלַגֵּ֖ר
and the stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#7
הַגָּ֣ר
that sojourneth
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
#8
בְּתוֹכָ֑ם
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#9
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
הָעָ֖ם
them seeing all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#12
בִּשְׁגָגָֽה׃
were in ignorance
a mistake or inadvertent transgression

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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