Numbers 3:28

Authorized King James Version

In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּמִסְפַּר֙
In the number
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#2
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
זָכָ֔ר
of all the males
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#4
מִבֶּן
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
#5
חֹ֖דֶשׁ
from a month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#6
וָמָ֑עְלָה
and upward
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#7
שְׁמֹנַ֤ת
were eight
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
#8
אֲלָפִים֙
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#9
וְשֵׁ֣שׁ
and six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#10
מֵא֔וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#11
שֹֽׁמְרֵ֖י
keeping
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#12
מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת
the charge
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#13
הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃
of the sanctuary
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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