Numbers 17:12

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
בְּנֵ֣י
And the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
unto Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#6
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
הֵ֥ן
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#8
גָּוַ֛עְנוּ
Behold we die
to breathe out, i.e., (by implication) expire
#9
אָבָֽדְנוּ׃
H6
we all perish
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#10
כֻּלָּ֥נוּ
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
אָבָֽדְנוּ׃
H6
we all perish
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

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 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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