Numbers 22:11

Authorized King James Version

Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#2
הָעָם֙
Behold there is a people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
הַיֹּצֵ֣א
come out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#4
מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#5
וַיְכַ֖ס
which covereth
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
עֵ֣ין
the face
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
הָאָ֑רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
עַתָּ֗ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#10
לְכָ֤ה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
קָֽבָה
now curse
to scoop out, i.e., (figuratively) to malign or execrate (i.e., stab with words)
#12
לִּי֙
H0
#13
אֹת֔וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
אוּלַ֥י
if not; hence perhaps
#15
אוּכַ֛ל
me them peradventure I shall be able
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#16
לְהִלָּ֥חֶם
to overcome
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#17
בּ֖וֹ
H0
#18
וְגֵֽרַשְׁתִּֽיו׃
them and drive them out
to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Numbers Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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