Numbers 32:23

Authorized King James Version

But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
תַֽעֲשׂוּן֙
But if ye will not do so
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#4
כֵּ֔ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#5
הִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#6
חֲטָאתֶ֖ם
behold ye have sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#7
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
וּדְעוּ֙
and be sure
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#9
חַטַּאתְכֶ֔ם
your sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
תִּמְצָ֖א
will find you out
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#12
אֶתְכֶֽם׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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