Numbers 30:2

Authorized King James Version

If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִישׁ֩
If a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#2
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
יִדֹּ֨ר
vow
to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)
#4
נֶ֜דֶר
a vow
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
#5
לַֽיהוָ֗ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
אֽוֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#7
הִשָּׁ֤בַע
or swear
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#8
שְׁבֻעָה֙
an oath
properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath
#9
לֶאְסֹ֤ר
to bind
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
#10
אִסָּר֙
with a bond
an obligation or vow (of abstinence)
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
נַפְשׁ֔וֹ
his soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#13
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
יַחֵ֖ל
he shall not break
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#15
דְּבָר֑וֹ
his word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#16
כְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#17
הַיֹּצֵ֥א
according to all that proceedeth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#18
מִפִּ֖יו
out of his mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#19
יַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃
he shall do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 covenant 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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