Numbers 15:3

Authorized King James Version

And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לַֽעֲשׂ֞וֹת
And will make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
אִשֶּׁ֤ה
an offering by fire
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
#3
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
עֹלָ֣ה
a burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#5
אוֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#6
זֶ֔בַח
or a sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#7
לְפַלֵּא
in performing
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
#8
נֶ֙דֶר֙
a vow
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
#9
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#10
בִנְדָבָ֔ה
or in a freewill offering
properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift
#11
א֖וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#12
בְּמֹֽעֲדֵיכֶ֑ם
or in your solemn feasts
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
#13
לַֽעֲשׂ֞וֹת
And will make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
רֵ֤יחַ
savour
odor (as if blown)
#15
נִיחֹ֙חַ֙
a sweet
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
#16
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#18
הַבָּקָ֖ר
of the herd
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#19
א֥וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#20
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#21
הַצֹּֽאן׃
or of the flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

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

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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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