Numbers 18:5

Authorized King James Version

And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֗ם
H8104
And ye shall keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#2
אֵ֚ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
H4931
and the charge
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#4
הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ
H6944
of the sanctuary
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#5
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
H4931
and the charge
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#7
הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ
H4196
of the altar
an altar
#8
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
ע֛וֹד
H5750
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#11
קֶ֖צֶף
H7110
that there be no wrath
a splinter (as chipped off)
#12
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
בְּנֵ֥י
H1121
any more upon 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
#14
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 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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