Numbers 16:30

Authorized King James Version

But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בְּרִיאָ֞ה

H1278

a new thing

a creation, i.e., a novelty

יִבְרָ֣א

H1254

make

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

But if the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וּפָֽצְתָ֨ה

H6475

open

to rend, i.e., open (especially the mouth)

הָֽאֲדָמָ֤ה

H127

and the earth

soil (from its general redness)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פִּ֙יהָ֙

H6310

her mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וּבָֽלְעָ֤ה

H1104

and swallow them up

to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

#10

אֹתָם֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

לָהֶ֔ם

#15

וְיָֽרְד֥וּ

H3381

with all that appertain unto them and they go down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#16

חַיִּ֖ים

H2416

quick

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#17

שְׁאֹ֑לָה

H7585

into the pit

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

#18

וִֽידַעְתֶּ֕ם

H3045

then ye shall understand

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#19

כִּ֧י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#20

נִֽאֲצ֛וּ

H5006

have provoked

to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom

#21

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֥ים

H376

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)

#22

הָאֵ֖לֶּה

H428

these or those

#23

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#24

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

But if the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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Numbers 16:30

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources