Numbers 35:7

Authorized King James Version

So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
עִ֑יר
So all the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#3
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
תִּתְּנוּ֙
which ye shall give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#5
לַלְוִיִּ֔ם
to the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#6
אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
shall be forty
forty
#7
וּשְׁמֹנֶ֖ה
and eight
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
#8
עִ֑יר
So all the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#9
אֶתְהֶ֖ן
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
מִגְרְשֵׁיהֶֽן׃
them shall ye give with their suburbs
a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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