Numbers 21:30

Authorized King James Version

We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which reacheth unto Medeba.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַנִּירָ֛ם
We have shot
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
#2
אָבַ֥ד
H6
is perished
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#3
חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן
at them Heshbon
cheshbon, a place east of the jordan
#4
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#5
דִּיבֹ֑ן
even unto Dibon
dibon, the name of three places in palestine
#6
וַנַּשִּׁ֣ים
and we have laid them waste
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#7
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#8
נֹ֔פַח
even unto Nophah
nophach, a place in moab
#9
אֲשֶׁ֖רׄ
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#11
מֵֽידְבָֽא׃
which reacheth unto Medeba
medeba, a place in palestine

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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