Numbers 31:30

Authorized King James Version

And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמִמַּֽחֲצִ֨ת
half
a halving or the middle
#2
בְּנֵֽי
And 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
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel's
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
תִּקַּ֣ח׀
thou shalt take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#5
אֶחָ֣ד׀
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#6
אָחֻ֣ז
portion
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
#7
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#8
הַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֗ים
of fifty
fifty
#9
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#10
הָֽאָדָ֧ם
of the persons
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#11
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#12
הַבָּקָ֛ר
of the beeves
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#13
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#14
הַֽחֲמֹרִ֥ים
of the asses
a male ass (from its dun red)
#15
וּמִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#16
הַצֹּ֖אן
and of the flocks
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#17
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה
of all manner of beasts
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#19
וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה
and give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#20
אֹתָם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#21
לַלְוִיִּ֔ם
them unto the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#22
שֹֽׁמְרֵ֕י
which keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#23
מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
the charge
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#24
מִשְׁכַּ֥ן
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
#25
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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