Numbers 32:2

Authorized King James Version

The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
וּבְנֵ֣י
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
#3
גָ֖ד
of Gad
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
#4
וּבְנֵ֣י
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
#5
רְאוּבֵ֑ן
of Reuben
reuben, a son of jacob
#6
לֵאמֹֽר׃
and spake
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
מֹשֶׁה֙
unto Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#9
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
אֶלְעָזָ֣ר
and to Eleazar
elazar, the name of seven israelites
#11
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#12
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
נְשִׂיאֵ֥י
and unto the princes
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#14
הָֽעֵדָ֖ה
of the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#15
לֵאמֹֽר׃
and spake
to say (used with great latitude)

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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