Numbers 32:12

Authorized King James Version

Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בִּלְתִּ֞י
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#2
כָּלֵ֤ב
Save Caleb
caleb, the name of three israelites
#3
בִּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
יְפֻנֶּה֙
of Jephunneh
jephunneh, the name of two israelites
#5
הַקְּנִזִּ֔י
the Kenezite
a kenizzite or descendant of kenaz
#6
וִֽיהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
and Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#7
בִּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
נ֑וּן
of Nun
nun or non, the father of joshua
#9
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
מִלְא֖וּ
for they have wholly
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#11
אַֽחֲרֵ֥י
followed
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#12
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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