Numbers 34:11

Authorized King James Version

And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיָרַ֣ד
shall descend
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#2
הַגְּבֻ֔ל
And the coast
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#3
מִשְּׁפָ֛ם
from Shepham
shepham, a place in or near palestine
#4
הָֽרִבְלָ֖ה
to Riblah
riblah, a place in syria
#5
קֵֽדְמָה׃
eastward
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
#6
לָעָ֑יִן
of Ain
ajin, the name (thus simply) of two places in palestine
#7
וְיָרַ֣ד
shall descend
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#8
הַגְּבֻ֔ל
And the coast
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#9
וּמָחָ֛ה
and shall reach
properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
כֶּ֥תֶף
unto the side
the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi
#12
יָם
of the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#13
כִּנֶּ֖רֶת
of Chinnereth
kinneroth or kinnereth, a place in palestine
#14
קֵֽדְמָה׃
eastward
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Numbers Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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