Numbers 19:14

Authorized King James Version

This is the law, when a man dieth in a tent: all that come into the tent, and all that is in the tent, shall be unclean seven days.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֹ֚את
this (often used adverb)
#2
הַתּוֹרָ֔ה
This is the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#3
אָדָ֖ם
when a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#4
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
יָמ֣וּת
dieth
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#6
בָּאֹ֔הֶל
and all that is in the tent
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
הַבָּ֤א
all that come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
בָּאֹ֔הֶל
and all that is in the tent
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#11
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
בָּאֹ֔הֶל
and all that is in the tent
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#14
יִטְמָ֖א
shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#15
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#16
יָמִֽים׃
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 revelation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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