Numbers 26:47

Authorized King James Version

These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four 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
בְּנֵֽי
of 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
#4
אָשֵׁ֖ר
of Asher
asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine
#5
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
#6
שְׁלֹשָׁ֧ה
and three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#7
וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים
of them who were fifty
fifty
#8
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#9
וְאַרְבַּ֥ע
and four
four
#10
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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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