Numbers 26:5

Authorized King James Version

Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רְאוּבֵ֗ן
Reuben
reuben, a son of jacob
#2
בְּכ֣וֹר
the eldest
first-born; hence, chief
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
son of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
רְאוּבֵ֗ן
Reuben
reuben, a son of jacob
#6
חֲנוֹךְ֙
Hanoch
chanok, an antediluvian patriach
#7
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
of whom cometh 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
#8
הַֽחֲנֹכִ֔י
of the Hanochites
a chanokite (collectively) or descendants of chanok
#9
לְפַלּ֕וּא
of Pallu
pallu, an israelite
#10
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
of whom cometh 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
#11
הַפַּלֻּאִֽי׃
of the Palluites
a palluite (collectively) or descendants of pallu

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

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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