Numbers 35:21

Authorized King James Version

Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#2
בְאֵיבָ֞ה
Or in enmity
hostility
#3
הַמַּכֶּ֖ה
he that smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#4
בְיָדוֹ֙
him with his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#5
יָמִ֛ית
be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#6
יָמִ֛ית
be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#7
יָמִ֛ית
be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#8
הַמַּכֶּ֖ה
he that smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#9
הָֽרֹצֵ֖חַ
for he is a murderer
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
#10
ה֑וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#11
גֹּאֵ֣ל
the revenger
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
#12
הַדָּ֗ם
of blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#13
יָמִ֛ית
be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
הָֽרֹצֵ֖חַ
for he is a murderer
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
#16
בְּפִגְעוֹ
when he meeteth
to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity
#17
בֽוֹ׃
H0

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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