Numbers 31:43

Authorized King James Version

(Now the half that pertained unto the congregation was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתְּהִ֛י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
מֶֽחֱצַ֥ת
Now the half
a halving
#3
הָֽעֵדָ֖ה
that pertained unto the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#4
מִן
sheep
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#5
הַצֹּ֑אן
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#6
שְׁלֹשׁ
was three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#7
מֵאֽוֹת׃
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#8
אֲלָפִ֖ים
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#9
וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים
and thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#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
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
and seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#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
וַֽחֲמֵ֥שׁ
and five
five
#14
מֵאֽוֹת׃
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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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