Numbers 22:4

Authorized King James Version

And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לְמוֹאָ֖ב
And Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
זִקְנֵ֣י
unto the elders
old
#5
מִדְיָ֗ן
of Midian
midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
#6
עַתָּ֞ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#7
כִּלְחֹ֣ךְ
lick up
to lick
#8
הַקָּהָל֙
Now shall this company
assemblage (usually concretely)
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
סְבִ֣יבֹתֵ֔ינוּ
all that are round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#12
כִּלְחֹ֣ךְ
lick up
to lick
#13
הַשּׁ֔וֹר
us as the ox
a bullock (as a traveller)
#14
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
יֶ֣רֶק
the grass
properly, pallor, i.e., hence, the yellowish green of young and sickly vegetation; concretely, verdure, i.e., grass or vegetation
#16
הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה
of the field
a field (as flat)
#17
וּבָלָ֧ק
And Balak
balak, a moabitish king
#18
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
#19
צִפּ֛וֹר
of Zippor
tsippor, a moabite
#20
מֶ֥לֶךְ
was king
a king
#21
לְמוֹאָ֖ב
And Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#22
בָּעֵ֥ת
at that time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#23
הַהִֽוא׃
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 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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources