Numbers 2:31

Authorized King James Version

All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
הַפְּקֻדִים֙
All they that were numbered
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#3
לְמַ֣חֲנֵה
in the camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#4
דָ֔ן
of Dan
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
#5
מֵא֑וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#6
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#7
וְשִׁבְעָ֧ה
and seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#8
וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים
and fifty
fifty
#9
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#10
וְשֵׁ֣שׁ
and six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#11
מֵא֑וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#12
לָאַֽחֲרֹנָ֥ה
hindmost
hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
#13
יִסְע֖וּ
They shall go
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#14
לְדִגְלֵיהֶֽם׃
with their standards
a flag

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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