Numbers 4:34

Authorized King James Version

And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their fathers,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּפְקֹ֨ד
numbered
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#2
מֹשֶׁ֧ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
וְאַֽהֲרֹ֛ן
and Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#4
וּנְשִׂיאֵ֥י
and the chief
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#5
הָֽעֵדָ֖ה
of the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
בְּנֵ֣י
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
#8
הַקְּהָתִ֑י
of the Kohathites
a kohathite (collectively) or descendants of kehath
#9
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם
after 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
#10
וּלְבֵ֥ית
and after the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
אֲבֹתָֽם׃
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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