Numbers 25:8

Authorized King James Version

And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַ֠יָּבֹא
And he went
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אַחַ֨ר
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#3
אִ֣ישׁ
of them through the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
אֶל
through
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
הַקֻּבָּ֗ה
into the tent
a pavilion (as a domed cavity)
#7
וַיִּדְקֹר֙
and thrust
to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם
both
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#10
אֵ֚ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
אִ֣ישׁ
of them through the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#12
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#13
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
הָֽאִשָּׁ֖ה
and the woman
a woman
#15
אֶל
through
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
קֳבָתָ֑הּ
her belly
the abdomen (as a cavity)
#17
וַתֵּֽעָצַר֙
was stayed
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
#18
הַמַּגֵּפָ֔ה
So the plague
a pestilence; by analogy, defeat
#19
מֵעַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#20
בְּנֵ֥י
from the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#21
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

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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