Numbers 35:27

Authorized King James Version

And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמָצָ֤א
find
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#2
אֹתוֹ֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
גֹּאֵ֤ל
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
#4
דָּֽם׃
he shall not be guilty 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
#5
מִח֕וּץ
him without
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#6
לִגְב֖וּל
the borders
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#7
עִ֣יר
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#8
מִקְלָט֑וֹ
of his refuge
an asylum (as a receptacle)
#9
הָ֣רֹצֵ֔חַ
kill
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
#10
גֹּאֵ֤ל
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
#11
דָּֽם׃
he shall not be guilty 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
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הָ֣רֹצֵ֔חַ
kill
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
#14
אֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#15
ל֖וֹ
H0
#16
דָּֽם׃
he shall not be guilty 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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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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