Numbers 29:12

Authorized King James Version

And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבַֽחֲמִשָּׁה֩
And on the fifteenth
five
#2
עָשָׂ֨ר
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#3
יָמִֽים׃
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#4
לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ
month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#5
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י
of the seventh
seventh
#6
מִֽקְרָא
convocation
something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal
#7
קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙
ye shall have an holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#8
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
לָכֶ֔ם
H0
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
מְלֶ֥אכֶת
work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#12
עֲבֹדָ֖ה
no servile
work of any kind
#13
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
תַֽעֲשׂ֑וּ
ye shall do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#15
וְחַגֹּתֶ֥ם
and ye shall keep
properly, to move in a circle, i.e., (specifically) to march in a sacred procession, to observe a festival; by implication, to be giddy
#16
חַ֛ג
a feast
a festival, or a victim therefor
#17
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#18
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#19
יָמִֽים׃
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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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