Numbers 16:27

Authorized King James Version

So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּֽעָל֗וּ
So they gat up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#2
מֵעַ֧ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
מִשְׁכַּן
from the tabernacle
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
#4
קֹ֛רֶח
of Korah
korach, the name of two edomites and three israelites
#5
וְדָתָ֨ן
Dathan
dathan, an israelite
#6
וַֽאֲבִירָ֜ם
H48
and Abiram
abiram, the name of two israelites
#7
מִסָּבִ֑יב
on every side
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#8
וְדָתָ֨ן
Dathan
dathan, an israelite
#9
וַֽאֲבִירָ֜ם
H48
and Abiram
abiram, the name of two israelites
#10
יָֽצְא֣וּ
came out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#11
נִצָּבִ֗ים
and stood
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#12
פֶּ֚תַח
in the door
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
#13
אָֽהֳלֵיהֶ֔ם
of their tents
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#14
וּנְשֵׁיהֶ֥ם
and their wives
a woman
#15
וּבְנֵיהֶ֖ם
and their 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
#16
וְטַפָּֽם׃
and their little children
a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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