Numbers 34:12

Authorized King James Version

And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיָרַ֤ד
shall go down
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
הַגְּבוּל֙
And the border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#3
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔נָה
to Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#4
וְהָי֥וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
תֽוֹצְאֹתָ֖יו
and the goings out
(only in plural collective) exit, i.e., (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source
#6
יָ֣ם
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
#7
הַמֶּ֑לַח
of it shall be at the salt
properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)
#8
זֹאת֩
this (often used adverb)
#9
תִּֽהְיֶ֨ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
לָכֶ֥ם
H0
#11
הָאָ֛רֶץ
this shall be your land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
לִגְבֻֽלֹתֶ֖יהָ
with the coasts
a boundary, region
#13
סָבִֽיב׃
thereof round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 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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