Numbers 3:15

Authorized King James Version

Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תִּפְקְדֵֽם׃
H6485
Number
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
מִבֶּן
H1121
old
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
לֵוִ֔י
H3878
of Levi
levi, a son of jacob
#5
לְבֵ֥ית
H1004
after the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
אֲבֹתָ֖ם
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#7
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם
H4940
by their families
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
#8
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
זָכָ֛ר
H2145
every male
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#10
מִבֶּן
H1121
old
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
חֹ֥דֶשׁ
H2320
from a month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#12
וָמַ֖עְלָה
H4605
and upward
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#13
תִּפְקְדֵֽם׃
H6485
Number
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources