Numbers 26:35

Authorized King James Version

These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֣לֶּה
these or those
#2
בְנֵֽי
These are 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
אֶפְרַיִם֮
of Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#4
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
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
לְשׁוּתֶ֗לַח
of Shuthelah
shuthelach, the name of two israelites
#6
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
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
הַשֻּׁ֣תַלְחִ֔י
of the Shuthalhites
a shuthalchite (collectively) or descendants of shuthelach
#8
לְבֶ֕כֶר
of Becher
beker, the name of two israelites
#9
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
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
הַבַּכְרִ֑י
of the Bachrites
a bakrite (collectively) or descendants of beker
#11
לְתַ֕חַן
of Tahan
tachan, the name of two israelites
#12
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
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
הַֽתַּחֲנִֽי׃
of the Tahanites
a tachanite (collectively) or descendants of tachan

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources