Numbers 35:34

Authorized King James Version

Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹ֧א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תְטַמֵּ֣א
Defile
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הָאָ֗רֶץ
not therefore the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
אַתֶּם֙
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#7
יֹֽשְׁבִ֣ים
which ye shall inhabit
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#8
בָּ֔הּ
H0
#9
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
אֲנִ֖י
i
#11
שֹׁכֵ֕ן
I dwell
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#12
בְּת֖וֹךְ
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#13
כִּ֚י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
אֲנִ֣י
i
#15
יְהוָ֔ה
for I the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
שֹׁכֵ֕ן
I dwell
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#17
בְּת֖וֹךְ
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#18
בְּנֵ֥י
the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#19
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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