Numbers 26:27

Authorized King James Version

These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those that were numbered of them, threescore thousand and five hundred.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֛לֶּה
these or those
#2
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
These are the 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
#3
הַזְּבֽוּלֹנִ֖י
of the Zebulunites
a zebulonite or descendant of zebulun
#4
לִפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם
according to those that were numbered
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#5
שִׁשִּׁ֥ים
of them threescore
sixty
#6
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#7
וַֽחֲמֵ֥שׁ
and five
five
#8
מֵאֽוֹת׃
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

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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