Numbers 22:16

Authorized King James Version

And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
And they came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
בִּלְעָ֑ם
to Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#4
אָמַר֙
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
ל֗וֹ
H0
#6
כֹּ֤ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#7
אָמַר֙
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
בָּלָ֣ק
Balak
balak, a moabitish king
#9
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
צִפּ֔וֹר
of Zippor
tsippor, a moabite
#11
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#12
נָ֥א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#13
תִמָּנַ֖ע
Let nothing I pray thee hinder
to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury
#14
מֵֽהֲלֹ֥ךְ
thee from coming
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#15
אֵלָֽי׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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