Numbers 31:47

Authorized King James Version

Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, which kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקַּ֨ח

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֹשֶֽׁה׃

H4872

Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

מִמַּֽחֲצִ֣ת

H4276

half

a halving or the middle

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

Even 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

H3478

of Israel's

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽאָחֻז֙

H270

portion

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

אֶחָ֣ד

H259

one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#10

הַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֔ים

H2572

of fifty

fifty

#11

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#12

הָֽאָדָ֖ם

H120

both of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#13

וּמִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#14

הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה

H929

and of beast

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

#15

וַיִּתֵּ֨ן

H5414

and gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#16

אֹתָ֜ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

לַלְוִיִּ֗ם

H3881

them unto the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

#18

שֹֽׁמְרֵי֙

H8104

which kept

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#19

מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙

H4931

the charge

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

#20

מִשְׁכַּ֣ן

H4908

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

#21

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

as the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#22

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#23

צִוָּ֥ה

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#24

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

as the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#25

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#26

מֹשֶֽׁה׃

H4872

Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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Numbers 31:47

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources