Numbers 26:20

Authorized King James Version

And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בְנֵֽי
H1121
And the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
יְהוּדָה֮
H3063
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#4
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
H4940
after their families
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#5
לְשֵׁלָ֗ה
H7956
were of Shelah
shelah, the name of a postdiluvian patriarch and of an israelite
#6
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
H4940
after their families
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#7
הַשֵּׁ֣לָנִ֔י
H8024
of the Shelanites
a shelanite (collectively), or descendants of shelah
#8
לְפֶ֕רֶץ
H6557
of Pharez
perets, the name of two israelites
#9
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
H4940
after their families
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#10
הַפַּרְצִ֑י
H6558
of the Pharzites
a partsite (collectively) or descendants of perets
#11
לְזֶ֕רַח
H2226
of Zerah
zerach, the name of three israelites, also of an idumaean and an ethiopian prince
#12
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
H4940
after their families
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#13
הַזַּרְחִֽי׃
H2227
of the Zarhites
a zarchite or descendant of zerach

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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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