Numbers 4:47

Authorized King James Version

From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden 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
שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים
From thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#3
שָׁנָ֑ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#4
וָמַ֔עְלָה
and upward
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#5
וְעַ֖ד
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
חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים
even unto fifty
fifty
#8
שָׁנָ֑ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#9
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
הַבָּ֗א
every one that came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
לַֽעֲבֹ֨ד
to do
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#12
וַֽעֲבֹדַ֥ת
and the service
work of any kind
#13
וַֽעֲבֹדַ֥ת
and the service
work of any kind
#14
וַֽעֲבֹדַ֥ת
and the service
work of any kind
#15
מַשָּׂ֖א
of the burden
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
#16
בְּאֹ֥הֶל
in the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#17
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

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Numbers Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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