Numbers 36:2

Authorized King James Version

And they said, The LORD commanded my lord to give the land for an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel: and my lord was commanded by the LORD to give the inheritance of Zelophehad our brother unto his daughters.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּֽאמְר֗וּ
And they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
וַֽאדֹנִי֙
and my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#4
צֻוָּ֣ה
commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#5
בַֽיהוָ֔ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
לָתֵ֗ת
to give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הָאָ֧רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
נַחֲלַ֛ת
for an inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#10
בְּגוֹרָ֖ל
by lot
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#11
לִבְנֵ֣י
to 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
#12
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#13
וַֽאדֹנִי֙
and my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#14
צֻוָּ֣ה
commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#15
בַֽיהוָ֔ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
לָתֵ֗ת
to give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#17
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
נַחֲלַ֛ת
for an inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#19
צְלָפְחָ֥ד
of Zelophehad
tselophchad, an israelite
#20
אָחִ֖ינוּ
our brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#21
לִבְנֹתָֽיו׃
unto his daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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