Numbers 35:23

Authorized King James Version

Or with any stone, wherewith a man may die, seeing him not, and cast it upon him, that he die, and was not his enemy, neither sought his harm:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
א֣וֹ
H176
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#2
בְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
אֶ֜בֶן
H68
Or with any stone
a stone
#4
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
וַיָּמֹ֑ת
H4191
it upon him that he die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#6
בָּהּ֙
H0
#7
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
him not
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
רְא֔וֹת
H7200
seeing
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#9
וַיַּפֵּ֥ל
H5307
and cast
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#10
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
וַיָּמֹ֑ת
H4191
it upon him that he die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#12
וְהוּא֙
H1931
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
#13
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
him not
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
אוֹיֵ֣ב
H341
and was not his enemy
hating; an adversary
#15
ל֔וֹ
H0
#16
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
him not
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ
H1245
neither sought
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#18
רָֽעָתֽוֹ׃
H7451
his harm
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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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