Numbers 36:1

Authorized King James Version

And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיִּקְרְב֞וּ
H7126
came near
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#2
רָאשֵׁ֥י
H7218
And the chief
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#3
אָב֖וֹת
H1
fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#4
מִֽמִּשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת
H4940
of the families
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#5
לִבְנֵ֥י
H1121
of 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
#6
גִלְעָד֙
H1568
of Gilead
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
#7
לִבְנֵ֥י
H1121
of 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
#8
מָכִ֣יר
H4353
of Machir
makir, an israelite
#9
לִבְנֵ֥י
H1121
of 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
#10
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
H4519
of Manasseh
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#11
מִֽמִּשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת
H4940
of the families
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#12
לִבְנֵ֥י
H1121
of 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
#13
יוֹסֵ֑ף
H3130
of Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#14
וַֽיְדַבְּר֞וּ
H1696
and spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#15
וְלִפְנֵ֣י
H6440
and before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#16
מֹשֶׁה֙
H4872
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#17
וְלִפְנֵ֣י
H6440
and before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#18
הַנְּשִׂאִ֔ים
H5387
the princes
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#19
רָאשֵׁ֥י
H7218
And the chief
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#20
אָב֖וֹת
H1
fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#21
לִבְנֵ֥י
H1121
of 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
#22
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
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 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 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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources