Numbers 17:9

Authorized King James Version

And Moses brought out all the rods from before the LORD unto all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every man his rod.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּצֵ֨א
H3318
brought out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
H4872
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
מַטֵּֽהוּ׃
H4294
all the rods
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#6
מִלִּפְנֵ֣י
H6440
from before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
יְהוָ֔ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
אֶֽל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
בְּנֵ֖י
H1121
unto all 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
#11
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#12
וַיִּרְא֥וּ
H7200
and they looked
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#13
וַיִּקְח֖וּ
H3947
and took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#14
אִ֥ישׁ
H376
every man
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)
#15
מַטֵּֽהוּ׃
H4294
all the rods
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources