Numbers 35:11

Authorized King James Version

Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִקְרִיתֶ֤ם
Then ye shall appoint
to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)
#2
לָכֶם֙
H0
#3
עָרֵ֥י
to be cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
עָרֵ֥י
to be cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#5
מִקְלָ֖ט
of refuge
an asylum (as a receptacle)
#6
תִּֽהְיֶ֣ינָה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
לָכֶ֑ם
H0
#8
וְנָ֥ס
may flee
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#9
שָׁ֙מָּה֙
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#10
רֹצֵ֔חַ
for you that the slayer
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
#11
מַכֵּה
thither which killeth
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#12
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
any person
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#13
בִּשְׁגָגָֽה׃
at unawares
a mistake or inadvertent transgression

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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