Numbers 26:21

Authorized King James Version

And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בְנֵי
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
פֶ֔רֶץ
of Pharez
perets, the name of two israelites
#4
לְחֶצְרֹ֕ן
were of Hezron
chetsron, the name of a place in palestine; also of two israelites
#5
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
the family
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
#6
הַֽחֶצְרֹנִ֑י
of the Hezronites
a chetsronite or (collectively) descendants of chetsron
#7
לְחָמ֕וּל
of Hamul
chamul, an israelite
#8
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
the family
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
#9
הֶחָֽמוּלִֽי׃
of the Hamulites
a chamulite (collectively) or descendants of chamul

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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