Numbers 4:6

Authorized King James Version

And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָֽתְנ֣וּ
And shall put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
עָלָ֗יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
כְּסוּי֙
thereon the covering
properly, covered, i.e., (as noun) a covering
#4
ע֣וֹר
skins
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#5
תַּ֔חַשׁ
of badgers
a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope
#6
וּפָֽרְשׂ֧וּ
and shall spread
to break apart, disperse, etc
#7
בֶֽגֶד
it a cloth
a covering, i.e., clothing
#8
כְּלִ֛יל
wholly
complete; as noun, the whole (specifically, a sacrifice entirely consumed); as adverb, fully
#9
תְּכֵ֖לֶת
of blue
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
#10
מִלְמָ֑עְלָה
over
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#11
וְשָׂמ֖וּ
and shall put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#12
בַּדָּֽיו׃
in the staves
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

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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