Numbers 16:12

Authorized King James Version

And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
לִקְרֹ֛א
to call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#4
לְדָתָ֥ן
Dathan
dathan, an israelite
#5
וְלַֽאֲבִירָ֖ם
H48
and Abiram
abiram, the name of two israelites
#6
בְּנֵ֣י
the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
אֱלִיאָ֑ב
of Eliab
eliab, the name of six israelites
#8
וַיֹּֽאמְר֖וּ
which said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
נַֽעֲלֶֽה׃
We will not come up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

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

Questions for Reflection

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