Numbers 26:3

Authorized King James Version

And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר
spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
מֹשֶׁ֜ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
וְאֶלְעָזָ֧ר
and Eleazar
elazar, the name of seven israelites
#4
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#5
אֹתָ֖ם
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#6
בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת
with them in the plains
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
#7
מוֹאָ֑ב
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
יַרְדֵּ֥ן
by Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#10
יְרֵח֖וֹ
near Jericho
jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine
#11
לֵאמֹֽר׃
saying
to say (used with great latitude)

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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