Numbers 17:2

Authorized King James Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods: write thou every man's name upon his rod.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דַּבֵּ֣ר׀
H1696
Speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
בְּנֵ֣י
H1121
unto 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
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
וְקַ֣ח
H3947
and take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#6
מֵֽאִתָּ֡ם
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
מַטֵּֽהוּ׃
H4294
of every one of them a rod
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#8
מַטֵּֽהוּ׃
H4294
of every one of them a rod
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#9
לְבֵ֣ית
H1004
according to the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#10
אֲבֹתָ֔ם
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#11
מֵאֵ֤ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
נְשִֽׂיאֵהֶם֙
H5387
of all their princes
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#14
לְבֵ֣ית
H1004
according to the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#15
אֲבֹתָ֔ם
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#16
שְׁנֵ֥ים
H8147
twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#17
עָשָׂ֖ר
H6240
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#18
מַטֵּֽהוּ׃
H4294
of every one of them a rod
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#19
אִ֣ישׁ
H376
thou every man's
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#20
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#21
שְׁמ֔וֹ
H8034
name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#22
תִּכְתֹּ֖ב
H3789
write
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#23
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#24
מַטֵּֽהוּ׃
H4294
of every one of them a rod
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

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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