Numbers 4:19

Authorized King James Version

But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְזֹ֣את׀
this (often used adverb)
#2
עֲשׂ֣וּ
But thus do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
לָהֶ֗ם
H0
#4
וְחָיוּ֙
unto them that they may live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#5
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יָמֻ֔תוּ
and not die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#7
בְּגִשְׁתָּ֖ם
when they approach
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַקֳּדָשִׁ֑ים
holy things
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#10
הַקֳּדָשִׁ֑ים
holy things
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#11
אַֽהֲרֹ֤ן
Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#12
וּבָנָיו֙
and his sons
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
יָבֹ֔אוּ
shall go in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#14
וְשָׂמ֣וּ
and appoint
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#15
אוֹתָ֗ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
אִ֛ישׁ
one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#17
אִ֛ישׁ
one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#18
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
עֲבֹֽדָת֖וֹ
to his service
work of any kind
#20
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#21
מַשָּׂאֽוֹ׃
and to his burden
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

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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