Numbers 31:19

Authorized King James Version

And do ye abide without the camp seven days: whosoever hath killed any person, and whosoever hath touched any slain, purify both yourselves and your captives on the third day, and on the seventh day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתֶּ֗ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
חֲנ֛וּ
And do ye abide
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
#3
מִח֥וּץ
without
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#4
לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה
the camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#5
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#6
וּבַיּ֣וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#7
כֹּל֩
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
הֹרֵ֨ג
whosoever hath killed
to smite with deadly intent
#9
נֶ֜פֶשׁ
any person
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#10
וְכֹ֣ל׀
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
נֹגֵ֣עַ
and whosoever hath touched
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#12
בֶּֽחָלָ֗ל
any slain
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#13
תִּֽתְחַטְּא֞וּ
purify
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#14
וּבַיּ֣וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#15
הַשְּׁלִישִׁי֙
on the third
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#16
וּבַיּ֣וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#17
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י
and on the seventh
seventh
#18
אַתֶּ֖ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#19
וּשְׁבִיכֶֽם׃
both yourselves and your captives
exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

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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