Numbers 31:36

Authorized King James Version

And the half, which was the portion of them that went out to war, was in number three hundred thousand and seven and thirty thousand and five hundred sheep:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתְּהִי֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הַֽמֶּחֱצָ֔ה
And the half
a halving
#3
חֵ֕לֶק
which was the portion
properly, smoothness (of the tongue)
#4
הַיֹּֽצְאִ֖ים
of them that went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#5
בַּצָּבָ֑א
to war
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#6
מִסְפַּ֣ר
was in number
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#7
הַצֹּ֗אן
sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#8
שְׁלֹשׁ
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#9
מֵאֽוֹת׃
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#10
אֲלָפִ֖ים
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#11
וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים
and thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#12
אֲלָפִ֖ים
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#13
וְשִׁבְעַ֥ת
and seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#14
אֲלָפִ֖ים
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#15
וַֽחֲמֵ֥שׁ
and five
five
#16
מֵאֽוֹת׃
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources