Numbers 4:16

Authorized King James Version

And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פְּקֻדַּ֗ת
And to the office
visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)
#2
אֶלְעָזָ֣ר׀
of Eleazar
elazar, the name of seven israelites
#3
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
אַֽהֲרֹ֣ן
of Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#5
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#6
וְשֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#7
הַמָּאוֹר֙
for the light
properly, a luminous body or luminary, i.e., (abstractly) light (as an element); figuratively, brightness, i.e.,cheerfulness; specifically, a chandeli
#8
וּקְטֹ֣רֶת
incense
a fumigation
#9
הַסַּמִּ֔ים
and the sweet
an aroma
#10
וּמִנְחַ֥ת
meat offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#11
הַתָּמִ֖יד
and the daily
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
#12
וְשֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#13
הַמִּשְׁחָ֑ה
and the anointing
unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift
#14
פְּקֻדַּ֗ת
And to the office
visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)
#15
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙
of all the tabernacle
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
#17
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#19
בּ֔וֹ
H0
#20
בְּקֹ֖דֶשׁ
and of all that therein is in the sanctuary
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#21
וּבְכֵלָֽיו׃
and in the vessels
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

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

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