Numbers 23:6

Authorized King James Version

And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֣שָׁב
And he returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
אֵלָ֔יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#4
נִצָּ֖ב
unto him and lo he stood
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
עֹֽלָת֑וֹ
by his burnt sacrifice
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#7
ה֖וּא
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
#8
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
שָׂרֵ֥י
he and all the princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#10
מוֹאָֽב׃
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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