Numbers 19:16

Authorized King James Version

And whosoever toucheth one that is slain with a sword in the open fields, or a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכֹ֨ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
יִגַּ֜ע
And whosoever toucheth
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
פְּנֵ֣י
in the open
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
הַשָּׂדֶ֗ה
fields
a field (as flat)
#7
בַּֽחֲלַל
one that is slain
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#8
חֶ֙רֶב֙
with a sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#9
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#10
בְמֵ֔ת
or a dead body
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#11
אֽוֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#12
בְעֶ֥צֶם
or a bone
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#13
אָדָ֖ם
of a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#14
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#15
בְקָ֑בֶר
or a grave
a sepulcher
#16
יִטְמָ֖א
shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#17
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#18
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

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 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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