Numbers 27:3

Authorized King James Version

Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָבִינוּ֮
H1
Our father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#2
מֵ֔ת
but died
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#3
בַּמִּדְבָּר֒
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#4
וְה֨וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#5
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
הָיָ֜ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
בְּת֣וֹךְ
and he was not in
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#8
בַּֽעֲדַת
in the company
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#9
הַנּֽוֹעָדִ֛ים
of them that gathered themselves together
to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or positi
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
יְהוָ֖ה
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
בַּֽעֲדַת
in the company
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#13
קֹ֑רַח
of Korah
korach, the name of two edomites and three israelites
#14
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
בְחֶטְא֣וֹ
in his own sin
a crime or its penalty
#16
מֵ֔ת
but died
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#17
וּבָנִ֖ים
and had no sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#18
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
הָ֥יוּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#20
לֽוֹ׃
H0

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

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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