Numbers 22:26

Authorized King James Version

And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיּ֥וֹסֶף
H3254
further
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#2
מַלְאַךְ
H4397
And the angel
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#3
יְהוָ֖ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
עֲב֑וֹר
H5674
went
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#5
וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙
H5975
and stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#6
בְּמָק֣וֹם
H4725
place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#7
צָ֔ר
H6862
in a narrow
a pebble (as in h6864)
#8
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
אֵֽין
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#10
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
H1870
where was no way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#11
לִנְט֖וֹת
H5186
to turn
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#12
יָמִ֥ין
H3225
either to the right hand
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#13
וּשְׂמֹֽאול׃
H8040
or to the left
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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