Numbers 27:14

Authorized King James Version

For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֩
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
מְרִיתֶ֨ם
For ye rebelled
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
#3
פִּ֜י
against my commandment
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#4
מִדְבַּר
in the desert
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#5
צִֽן׃
of Zin
tsin, a part of the desert
#6
בִּמְרִיבַת֙
in the strife
quarrel
#7
הָֽעֵדָ֔ה
of the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#8
לְהַקְדִּישֵׁ֥נִי
to sanctify
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#9
מֵֽי
me at the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#10
לְעֵֽינֵיהֶ֑ם
before their eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#11
הֵ֛ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#12
מֵֽי
me at the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#13
מְרִיבַ֥ת
of Meribah
meribah, the name of two places in the desert
#14
קָדֵ֖שׁ
in Kadesh
kadesh, a place in the desert
#15
מִדְבַּר
in the desert
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#16
צִֽן׃
of Zin
tsin, a part of the desert

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

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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