Numbers 16:39

Authorized King James Version

And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּ֞ח
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
אֶלְעָזָ֣ר
And Eleazar
elazar, the name of seven israelites
#3
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
אֵ֚ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
מַחְתּ֣וֹת
censers
a pan for live coals
#6
הַנְּחֹ֔שֶׁת
the brasen
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
#7
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
הִקְרִ֖יבוּ
had offered
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#9
הַשְּׂרֻפִ֑ים
wherewith they that were burnt
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#10
וַֽיְרַקְּע֖וּם
and they were made broad
to pound the earth (as a sign of passion); by analogy to expand (by hammering); by implication, to overlay (with thin sheets of metal)
#11
צִפּ֥וּי
plates for a covering
encasement (with metal)
#12
לַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
of the altar
an altar

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

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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