Numbers 35:14

Authorized King James Version

Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֣ת׀
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
and three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#3
עָרֵ֥י
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
תִּתְּנ֖וּ
Ye shall give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#5
מֵעֵ֣בֶר
on this side
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
#6
לַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן
Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#7
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
and three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#9
עָרֵ֥י
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#10
תִּתְּנ֖וּ
Ye shall give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
כְּנָ֑עַן
of Canaan
kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him
#13
עָרֵ֥י
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#14
מִקְלָ֖ט
of refuge
an asylum (as a receptacle)
#15
תִּֽהְיֶֽינָה׃
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

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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