Numbers 16:47

Authorized King James Version

And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּ֨ח
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
אַֽהֲרֹ֜ן
And Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#3
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
דִּבֶּ֣ר
commanded
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#5
מֹשֶׁ֗ה
as Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#6
וַיָּ֙רָץ֙
and ran
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
תּ֣וֹך
into the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#9
הַקָּהָ֔ל
of the congregation
assemblage (usually concretely)
#10
וְהִנֵּ֛ה
lo!
#11
הֵחֵ֥ל
was begun
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#12
הַנֶּ֖גֶף
and behold the plague
a trip (of the foot); figuratively, an infliction (of disease)
#13
הָעָֽם׃
among the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#14
וַיִּתֵּן֙
and he put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#15
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
הַקְּטֹ֔רֶת
on incense
a fumigation
#17
וַיְכַפֵּ֖ר
and made an atonement
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#18
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
הָעָֽם׃
among the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of covenant community 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 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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