Numbers 33:7

Authorized King James Version

And they removed from Etham, and turned again unto Pi-hahiroth, which is before Baal-zephon: and they pitched before Migdol.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּסְעוּ֙
And they removed
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#2
מֵֽאֵתָ֔ם
from Etham
etham, a place in the desert
#3
וַיָּ֙שָׁב֙
and turned again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
פִּ֣י
H0
#6
הַֽחִירֹ֔ת
unto Pihahiroth
pi-ha-chiroth, a place in egypt
#7
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
בַּ֣עַל
H0
#11
צְפ֑וֹן
which is before Baalzephon
baal-tsephon, a place in eqypt
#12
וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ
and they pitched
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
#13
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#14
מִגְדֹּֽל׃
Migdol
migdol, a place in egypt

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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