Numbers 3:32

Authorized King James Version

And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י
over the chief
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#2
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י
over the chief
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#3
הַלֵּוִ֔י
of the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#4
אֶלְעָזָ֖ר
And Eleazar
elazar, the name of seven israelites
#5
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
אַֽהֲרֹ֣ן
of Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#7
הַכֹּהֵ֑ן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#8
פְּקֻדַּ֕ת
and have the oversight
visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)
#9
שֹֽׁמְרֵ֖י
of them that keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#10
מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת
the charge
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#11
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

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