Numbers 4:48

Authorized King James Version

Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽהְי֖וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם
Even those that were numbered
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#3
שְׁמֹנַ֣ת
of them were eight
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
#4
אֲלָפִ֔ים
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#5
וַֽחֲמֵ֥שׁ
and five
five
#6
מֵא֖וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#7
וּשְׁמֹנִֽים׃
and fourscore
eighty, also eightieth

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

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