Numbers 3:35

Authorized King James Version

And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּנְשִׂ֤יא
And the chief
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#2
בֵֽית
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#3
אָב֙
H1
of the father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#4
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
of the 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
#5
מְרָרִ֔י
of Merari
merari, an israelite
#6
צֽוּרִיאֵ֖ל
was Zuriel
tsuriel, an israelite
#7
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
#8
אֲבִיחָ֑יִל
H32
of Abihail
abihail or abichail, the name of three israelites and two israelitesses
#9
עַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
יֶ֧רֶךְ
on the side
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
#11
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
of the tabernacle
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
#12
יַֽחֲנ֖וּ
these shall pitch
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
#13
צָפֹֽנָה׃
northward
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

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 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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