Numbers 35:25

Authorized King James Version

And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִצִּ֨ילוּ
H5337
shall deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#2
הָֽעֵדָ֔ה
H5712
And the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#3
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הָֽרֹצֵ֗חַ
H7523
the slayer
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
#5
מִיַּד֮
H3027
out of the 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
#6
גֹּאֵ֣ל
H1350
of 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
הַדָּם֒
H1818
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
וְהֵשִׁ֤יבוּ
H7725
shall restore
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#9
אֹתוֹ֙
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הָֽעֵדָ֔ה
H5712
And the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#11
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
עִ֥יר
H5892
him to the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#13
מִקְלָט֖וֹ
H4733
of his refuge
an asylum (as a receptacle)
#14
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
נָ֣ס
H5127
whither he was fled
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#16
שָׁ֑מָּה
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#17
וְיָ֣שַׁב
H3427
and he shall abide
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#18
בָּ֗הּ
H0
#19
עַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#20
מוֹת֙
H4194
in it unto the death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#21
הַכֹּהֵ֣ן
H3548
priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#22
הַגָּדֹ֔ל
H1419
of the high
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#23
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#24
מָשַׁ֥ח
H4886
which was anointed
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
#25
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#26
בְּשֶׁ֥מֶן
H8081
oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#27
הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃
H6944
with the holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

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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