Numbers 16:29

Authorized King James Version

If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
כְּמ֤וֹת
the common death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#3
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
הָ֣אָדָ֔ם
of all men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#5
יְמֻת֣וּן
If these men die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#6
אֵ֔לֶּה
these or those
#7
וּפְקֻדַּת֙
after the visitation
visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)
#8
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
הָ֣אָדָ֔ם
of all men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#10
יִפָּקֵ֖ד
or if they be visited
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#11
עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
יְהוָ֖ה
then the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
שְׁלָחָֽנִי׃
hath not sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

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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