Numbers 4:33

Authorized King James Version

This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service, in the tabernacle of the congregation, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֹ֣את
this (often used adverb)
#2
עֲבֹֽדָתָ֖ם
This is the service
work of any kind
#3
מִשְׁפְּחֹת֙
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
מְרָרִ֔י
of Merari
merari, an israelite
#6
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
עֲבֹֽדָתָ֖ם
This is the service
work of any kind
#8
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#9
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
#10
בְּיַד֙
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
#11
אִֽיתָמָ֔ר
of Ithamar
ithamar, a son of aaron
#12
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
#13
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
of Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#14
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

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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