Numbers 27:20

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָֽתַתָּ֥ה
And thou shalt put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
מֵהֽוֹדְךָ֖
some of thine honour
grandeur (i.e., an imposing form and appearance)
#3
עָלָ֑יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
לְמַ֣עַן
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#5
יִשְׁמְע֔וּ
may be obedient
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
עֲדַ֖ת
upon him that all the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#8
בְּנֵ֥י
of 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
#9
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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