Numbers 4:23

Authorized King James Version

From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בֶּן
old
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים
From thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#3
שָׁנָ֖ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#4
וָמַ֗עְלָה
and upward
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#5
עַ֛ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#6
בֶּן
old
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
until fifty
fifty
#8
שָׁנָ֖ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#9
תִּפְקֹ֣ד
shalt thou number
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#10
אוֹתָ֑ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
הַבָּא֙
them all that enter in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#13
לִצְבֹ֣א
to perform
to mass (an army or servants)
#14
צָבָ֔א
the service
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#15
לַֽעֲבֹ֥ד
to do
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#16
עֲבֹדָ֖ה
the work
work of any kind
#17
בְּאֹ֥הֶל
in the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#18
מוֹעֵֽד׃
of the congregation
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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