Numbers 26:40

Authorized King James Version

And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ
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
בֶ֖לַע
of Bela
bela, the name of a place
#4
אַ֣רְדְּ
were Ard
ard, the name of two israelites
#5
לְנַֽעֲמָ֔ן
and Naaman
naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene
#6
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
of Ard 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
#7
הָֽאַרְדִּ֔י
of the Ardites
an ardite (collectively) or descendant of ard
#8
לְנַֽעֲמָ֔ן
and Naaman
naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene
#9
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
of Ard 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
#10
הַֽנַּעֲמִֽי׃
of the Naamites
a naamanite, or descendant of naaman (collectively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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