Numbers 4:27

Authorized King James Version

At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
פִּי֩
H6310
At the appointment
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#3
אַֽהֲרֹ֨ן
H175
of Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#4
בְּנֵ֣י
H1121
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
#5
תִּֽהְיֶ֗ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
עֲבֹֽדָתָ֑ם
H5656
and in all their service
work of any kind
#8
בְּנֵ֣י
H1121
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
#9
הַגֵּֽרְשֻׁנִּ֔י
H1649
of the Gershonites
a gereshonite or descendant of gereshon
#10
לְכָ֨ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
מַשָּׂאָֽם׃
H4853
all their burdens
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
#12
וּלְכֹ֖ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
עֲבֹֽדָתָ֑ם
H5656
and in all their service
work of any kind
#14
וּפְקַדְתֶּ֤ם
H6485
and ye shall appoint
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#15
עֲלֵהֶם֙
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
בְּמִשְׁמֶ֔רֶת
H4931
unto them in charge
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#17
אֵ֖ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#19
מַשָּׂאָֽם׃
H4853
all their burdens
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

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

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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