Numbers 35:28

Authorized King James Version

Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
בְעִ֤יר
in the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#3
מִקְלָטוֹ֙
of his refuge
an asylum (as a receptacle)
#4
יֵשֵׁ֔ב
Because he should have remained
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#5
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#6
מוֹת֙
the death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#7
הַכֹּהֵ֣ן
priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#8
הַגָּדֹ֔ל
of the high
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#9
וְאַֽחֲרֵ֥י
but after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
מוֹת֙
the death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#11
הַכֹּהֵ֣ן
priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#12
הַגָּדֹ֔ל
of the high
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#13
יָשׁוּב֙
shall return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#14
הָֽרֹצֵ֔חַ
the slayer
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
#15
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
אֶ֖רֶץ
into the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#17
אֲחֻזָּתֽוֹ׃
of his possession
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

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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