Numbers 27:16

Authorized King James Version

Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִפְקֹ֣ד
H6485
set
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#2
יְהוָ֔ה
H3068
Let the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
H430
the God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#4
הָֽרוּחֹ֖ת
H7307
of the spirits
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#5
לְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
בָּשָׂ֑ר
H1320
of all flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#7
אִ֖ישׁ
H376
a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#8
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
הָֽעֵדָֽה׃
H5712
over the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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