Numbers 22:34

Authorized King James Version

And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
בִּלְעָ֜ם
And Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מַלְאַ֤ךְ
unto the angel
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#5
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
חָטָ֔אתִי
I have sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#7
כִּ֚י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
for I knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#10
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
אַתָּ֛ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#12
נִצָּ֥ב
not that thou stoodest
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#13
לִקְרָאתִ֖י
against
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#14
בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ
in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#15
וְעַתָּ֛ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#16
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#17
רַ֥ע
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#18
בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#19
אָשׁ֥וּבָה
I will get me back again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#20
לִּֽי׃
H0

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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