Numbers 21:22

Authorized King James Version

Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the king's high way, until we be past thy borders.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נַעֲבֹ֖ר
Let me pass
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#2
בְאַרְצֶ֗ךָ
through thy land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#3
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
נִטֶּה֙
we will not turn
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#5
בְּשָׂדֶ֣ה
into the fields
a field (as flat)
#6
וּבְכֶ֔רֶם
or into the vineyards
a garden or vineyard
#7
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
נִשְׁתֶּ֖ה
we will not drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#9
מֵ֣י
of the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#10
בְאֵ֑ר
of the well
a pit; especially a well
#11
בְּדֶ֤רֶךְ
high way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#12
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙
by the king's
a king
#13
נֵלֵ֔ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
עַ֥ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#15
אֲשֶֽׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
נַעֲבֹ֖ר
Let me pass
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#17
גְּבֻלֶֽךָ׃
thy borders
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

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

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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