Numbers 16:48

Authorized King James Version

And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֥ד
And he stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#2
בֵּֽין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#3
הַמֵּתִ֖ים
between the dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#4
וּבֵ֣ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#5
הַֽחַיִּ֑ים
and the living
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#6
וַתֵּֽעָצַ֖ר
was stayed
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
#7
הַמַּגֵּפָֽה׃
and the plague
a pestilence; by analogy, defeat

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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