Numbers 26:57

Authorized King James Version

And these are they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Merarites.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵ֨לֶּה
these or those
#2
פְקוּדֵ֣י
And these are they that were numbered
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#3
הַלֵּוִי֮
of the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#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
לְגֵֽרְשׁ֗וֹן
of Gershon
gereshon or gereshom, an israelite
#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
הַגֵּ֣רְשֻׁנִּ֔י
of the Gershonites
a gereshonite or descendant of gereshon
#8
לִקְהָ֕ת
of Kohath
kehath, an israelite
#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
הַקְּהָתִ֑י
of the Kohathites
a kohathite (collectively) or descendants of kehath
#11
לִמְרָרִ֕י
of Merari
merari, an israelite
#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
הַמְּרָרִֽי׃
of the Merarites
a merarite (collectively), or decendants of merari

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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