Numbers 35:24

Authorized King James Version

Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשָֽׁפְטוּ֙
shall judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#2
הָֽעֵדָ֔ה
Then the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#3
בֵּ֚ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#4
הַמַּכֶּ֔ה
between the slayer
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#5
וּבֵ֖ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#6
גֹּאֵ֣ל
and 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
#7
הַדָּ֑ם
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
#8
עַ֥ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֖ים
according to these judgments
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#10
הָאֵֽלֶּה׃
these or those

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 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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