Numbers 21:35

Authorized King James Version

So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּכּ֨וּ
So they smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#2
אֹת֤וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
בָּנָיו֙
him and his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
עַמּ֔וֹ
and all his people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#9
בִּלְתִּ֥י
until there was none
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#10
הִשְׁאִֽיר
left
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
#11
ל֖וֹ
H0
#12
שָׂרִ֑יד
him alive
a survivor
#13
וַיִּֽירְשׁ֖וּ
and they possessed
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
אַרְצֽוֹ׃
his land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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