Numbers 26:10

Authorized King James Version

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּפְתַּ֨ח
opened
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#2
הָאָ֜רֶץ
And the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
פִּ֗יהָ
her mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#5
וַתִּבְלַ֥ע
and swallowed them up
to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy
#6
אֹתָ֛ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
וְאֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#8
קֹ֖רַח
together with Korah
korach, the name of two edomites and three israelites
#9
בְּמ֣וֹת
died
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#10
הָֽעֵדָ֑ה
when that company
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#11
בַּֽאֲכֹ֣ל
devoured
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#12
הָאֵ֗שׁ
what time the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#13
אֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים
and fifty
fifty
#15
וּמָאתַ֙יִם֙
two hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#16
אִ֔ישׁ
men
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)
#17
וַיִּֽהְי֖וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#18
לְנֵֽס׃
and they became a sign
a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token

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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