Numbers 3:31

Authorized King James Version

And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמִשְׁמַרְתָּ֗ם
And their charge
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#2
הָֽאָרֹ֤ן
shall be the ark
a box
#3
וְהַשֻּׁלְחָן֙
and the table
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
#4
וְהַמְּנֹרָ֣ה
and the candlestick
a chandelier
#5
וְהַֽמִּזְבְּחֹ֔ת
and the altars
an altar
#6
וּכְלֵ֣י
and the vessels
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#7
הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ
of the sanctuary
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#8
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
יְשָֽׁרְת֖וּ
wherewith they minister
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#10
בָּהֶ֑ם
H0
#11
וְהַ֨מָּסָ֔ךְ
and the hanging
a cover, i.e., veil
#12
וְכֹ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
עֲבֹֽדָתֽוֹ׃
and all the service
work of any kind

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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