Numbers 27:4

Authorized King James Version

Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָ֣מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
יִגָּרַ֤ע
be done away
to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold
#3
שֵׁם
Why should the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#4
אָבִֽינוּ׃
H1
of our father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
בְּת֖וֹךְ
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#6
מִשְׁפַּחְתּ֔וֹ
his family
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
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
אֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#9
ל֖וֹ
H0
#10
בֵּ֑ן
because he hath no son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
תְּנָה
Give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#12
לָּ֣נוּ
H0
#13
אֲחֻזָּ֔ה
unto us therefore a possession
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
#14
בְּת֖וֹךְ
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#15
אֲחֵ֥י
the brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#16
אָבִֽינוּ׃
H1
of our father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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