Numbers 33:9

Authorized King James Version

And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched there.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּסְעוּ֙
And they removed
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#2
מִמָּרָ֔ה
from Marah
marah, a place in the desert
#3
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
וּ֠בְאֵילִם
and in Elim
elim, a place in the desert
#5
וּ֠בְאֵילִם
and in Elim
elim, a place in the desert
#6
שְׁתֵּ֣ים
were twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#7
עֶשְׂרֵ֞ה
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#8
עֵינֹ֥ת
fountains
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#9
מַ֛יִם
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#10
וְשִׁבְעִ֥ים
and threescore and ten
seventy
#11
תְּמָרִ֖ים
palm trees
a palm tree
#12
וַיַּֽחֲנוּ
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
שָֽׁם׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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