Numbers 16:37

Authorized King James Version

Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for they are hallowed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱמֹ֨ר
Speak
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אֶלְעָזָ֜ר
unto Eleazar
elazar, the name of seven israelites
#4
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
אַֽהֲרֹ֣ן
of Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#6
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#7
וְיָרֵ֤ם
that he take up
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַמַּחְתֹּת֙
the censers
a pan for live coals
#10
מִבֵּ֣ין
out
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#11
הַשְּׂרֵפָ֔ה
of the burning
cremation
#12
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הָאֵ֖שׁ
thou the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#14
זְרֵה
and scatter
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow
#15
הָ֑לְאָה
yonder
to the distance, i.e., far away; also (of time) thus far
#16
כִּ֖י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#17
קָדֵֽשׁוּ׃
for they are hallowed
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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