Numbers 4:28

Authorized King James Version

This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֹ֣את
this (often used adverb)
#2
עֲבֹדַ֗ת
This is the service
work of any kind
#3
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֛ת
of the 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
#4
בֶּֽן
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
הַגֵּֽרְשֻׁנִּ֖י
of Gershon
a gereshonite or descendant of gereshon
#6
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#7
מוֹעֵ֑ד
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
#8
וּמִ֨שְׁמַרְתָּ֔ם
and their charge
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#9
בְּיַד֙
shall be under the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#10
אִֽיתָמָ֔ר
of Ithamar
ithamar, a son of aaron
#11
בֶּֽן
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
#12
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
of Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#13
הַכֹּהֵֽן׃
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources