Numbers 18:2

Authorized King James Version

And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְגַ֣ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
אַחֶיךָ֩
And thy brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#4
מַטֵּ֨ה
also of the tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#5
לֵוִ֜י
of Levi
levi, a son of jacob
#6
שֵׁ֤בֶט
the tribe
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#7
אָבִ֙יךָ֙
H1
of thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#8
הַקְרֵ֣ב
bring
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#9
אִתָּ֔ךְ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#10
וְיִלָּו֥וּ
thou with thee that they may be joined
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
#11
עָלֶ֖יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
וִֽישָׁרְת֑וּךָ
unto thee and minister
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#13
וְאַתָּה֙
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#14
וּבָנֶ֣יךָ
unto thee but thou and thy sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#15
אִתָּ֔ךְ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#16
לִפְנֵ֖י
with thee shall minister 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
#17
אֹ֥הֶל
the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#18
הָֽעֵדֻֽת׃
of witness
testimony

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 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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