Numbers 3:50

Authorized King James Version

Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֵאֵ֗ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
בְּכ֛וֹר
Of the firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#3
בְּנֵ֥י
of the children
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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
לָקַ֣ח
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
הַכָּ֑סֶף
he the money
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#8
חֲמִשָּׁ֨ה
and five
five
#9
וְשִׁשִּׁ֜ים
and threescore
sixty
#10
וּשְׁלֹ֥שׁ
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#11
מֵא֛וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#12
וָאֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#13
בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל
shekels after the shekel
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#14
הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃
of the sanctuary
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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