Numbers 4:22

Authorized King James Version

Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נָשֹׂ֗א
Take
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
רֹ֛אשׁ
also the sum
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#4
בְּנֵ֥י
of the 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
#5
גֵֽרְשׁ֖וֹן
of Gershon
gereshon or gereshom, an israelite
#6
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#7
הֵ֑ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#8
לְבֵ֥ית
throughout the houses
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
אֲבֹתָ֖ם
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#10
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃
by their 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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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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