Numbers 24:12

Authorized King James Version

And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֵאמֹֽר׃
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
בִּלְעָ֖ם
And Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
בָּלָ֑ק
unto Balak
balak, a moabitish king
#5
הֲלֹ֗א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
גַּ֧ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
מַלְאָכֶ֛יךָ
I not also to thy messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#9
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
שָׁלַ֥חְתָּ
which thou sentest
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#11
אֵלַ֖י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי
Spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#13
לֵאמֹֽר׃
said
to say (used with great latitude)

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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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