Numbers 16:14

Authorized King James Version

Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֡ף
Moreover
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#2
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
אֶרֶץ֩
us into a land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
זָבַ֨ת
that floweth
to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
#6
חָלָ֤ב
with milk
milk (as the richness of kine)
#7
וּדְבַשׁ֙
and honey
honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup
#8
הֲבִ֣יאֹתָ֔נוּ
thou hast not brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
וַתִּ֨תֶּן
or given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#10
לָ֔נוּ
H0
#11
נַֽחֲלַ֖ת
us inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#12
שָׂדֶ֣ה
of fields
a field (as flat)
#13
וָכָ֑רֶם
and vineyards
a garden or vineyard
#14
הַֽעֵינֵ֞י
the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#15
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֥ים
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)
#16
הָהֵ֛ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#17
תְּנַקֵּ֖ר
wilt thou put out
to bore (penetrate, quarry)
#18
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
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

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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