Numbers 32:5

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּֽאמְר֗וּ
Wherefore said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#3
מָצָ֤אנוּ
they if we have found
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
#4
חֵן֙
grace
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
#5
בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ
in thy sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#6
יֻתַּ֞ן
be given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הָאָ֧רֶץ
let this land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
הַזֹּ֛את
this (often used adverb)
#10
לַֽעֲבָדֶ֖יךָ
unto thy servants
a servant
#11
לַֽאֲחֻזָּ֑ה
for a possession
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
#12
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#13
תַּֽעֲבִרֵ֖נוּ
and bring us not over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃
Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine

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 grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation 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 grace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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