Numbers 31:5

Authorized King James Version

So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּמָּֽסְרוּ֙
So there were delivered
to sunder, i.e., (transitively) set apart, or (reflexive) apostatize
#2
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#5
לַמַּטֶּ֑ה
of every tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#6
שְׁנֵים
twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#7
עָשָׂ֥ר
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#8
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#9
חֲלוּצֵ֥י
armed
to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen
#10
צָבָֽא׃
for war
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

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 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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