Numbers 22:15

Authorized King James Version

And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֥סֶף
yet again
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#2
ע֖וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#3
בָּלָ֑ק
And Balak
balak, a moabitish king
#4
שְׁלֹ֣חַ
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#5
שָׂרִ֔ים
princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#6
רַבִּ֥ים
more
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#7
וְנִכְבָּדִ֖ים
and more honourable
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#8
מֵאֵֽלֶּה׃
these or those

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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