Numbers 31:15

Authorized King James Version

And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#4
הַֽחִיִּיתֶ֖ם
alive
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
נְקֵבָֽה׃
all the women
female (from the sexual form)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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