Numbers 35:32

Authorized King James Version

And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תִקְח֣וּ
And ye shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#3
כֹ֔פֶר
no satisfaction
properly, a cover, i.e., (literally) a village (as covered in)
#4
לָנ֖וּס
for him that is fled
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
עִ֣יר
to the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#7
מִקְלָט֑וֹ
of his refuge
an asylum (as a receptacle)
#8
לָשׁוּב֙
that he should come again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#9
לָשֶׁ֣בֶת
to dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#10
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#12
מ֖וֹת
until the death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#13
הַכֹּהֵֽן׃
of the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

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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