Numbers 25:18

Authorized King James Version

For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor's sake.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
צֹֽרְרִ֥ים
For they vex
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
#3
הֵם֙
they (only used when emphatic)
#4
לָכֶ֔ם
H0
#5
בְּנִכְלֵיהֶ֛ם
you with their wiles
deceit
#6
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
נִכְּל֥וּ
wherewith they have beguiled
to defraud, i.e., act treacherously
#8
לָכֶ֖ם
H0
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
דְּבַר
and in the matter
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#11
פְּעֽוֹר׃
for Peor's
peor, a mountain east of jordan in moab; baal peor, (for h1187) a deity worshipped there
#12
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
דְּבַר
and in the matter
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#14
כָּזְבִּ֨י
of Cozbi
cozbi, a midianitess
#15
בַת
the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#16
נְשִׂ֤יא
of a prince
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#17
מִדְיָן֙
of Midian
midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
#18
אֲחֹתָ֔ם
their sister
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
#19
הַמֻּכָּ֥ה
which was slain
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#20
בְיוֹם
in the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#21
הַמַּגֵּפָ֑ה׃
of the plague
a pestilence; by analogy, defeat
#22
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#23
דְּבַר
and in the matter
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#24
פְּעֽוֹר׃
for Peor's
peor, a mountain east of jordan in moab; baal peor, (for h1187) a deity worshipped there
#25
וַיְהִ֖י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#26
אַחֲרֵ֣י
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#27
הַמַּגֵּפָ֑ה׃
of the plague
a pestilence; by analogy, defeat

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

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