Numbers 33:54

Authorized King James Version

And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: and to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's inheritance shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תִּתְנֶחָֽלוּ׃
And ye shall divide
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הָאָ֨רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#4
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
by lot
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#5
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹֽתֵיכֶ֗ם
among your families
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#6
לָרַ֞ב
and to the more
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#7
תַּרְבּ֤וּ
ye shall give the more
to increase (in whatever respect)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#10
וְלַמְעַט֙
and to the fewer
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
#11
תַּמְעִ֣יט
ye shall give the less
properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#14
אֶל֩
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
יֵ֨צֵא
falleth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#17
ל֥וֹ
H0
#18
שָׁ֛מָּה
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#19
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
by lot
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#20
ל֣וֹ
H0
#21
יִֽהְיֶ֑ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#22
לְמַטּ֥וֹת
according to the tribes
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#23
אֲבֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם
H1
of your fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#24
תִּתְנֶחָֽלוּ׃
And ye shall divide
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

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 revelation 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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