Numbers 3:12

Authorized King James Version

And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽאֲנִ֞י
i
#2
הִנֵּ֧ה
lo!
#3
לָקַ֣חְתִּי
And I behold I have taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַלְוִיִּֽם׃
the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#6
מִתּוֹךְ֙
from among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#7
מִבְּנֵ֣י
among 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
#8
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#9
תַּ֧חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
בְּכ֛וֹר
instead of all the firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#12
פֶּ֥טֶר
that openeth
a fissure, i.e., (concretely) firstling (as opening the matrix)
#13
רֶ֖חֶם
the matrix
the womb
#14
מִבְּנֵ֣י
among 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
#15
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#16
וְהָ֥יוּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#17
לִ֖י
H0
#18
הַלְוִיִּֽם׃
the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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