Numbers 22:12

Authorized King James Version

And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
H559
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֱלֹהִים֙
H430
And God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#3
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
בִּלְעָ֔ם
H1109
unto Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#5
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
תֵלֵ֖ךְ
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
עִמָּהֶ֑ם
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#8
לֹ֤א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
תָאֹר֙
H779
with them thou shalt not curse
to execrate
#10
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הָעָ֔ם
H5971
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#12
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
בָר֖וּךְ
H1288
for they are blessed
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#14
הֽוּא׃
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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