Numbers 4:7

Authorized King James Version

And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַ֣ל׀
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
שֻׁלְחַ֣ן
And upon the table
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
#3
הַפָּנִ֗ים
of shewbread
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#4
יִפְרְשׂוּ֮
they shall spread
to break apart, disperse, etc
#5
בֶּ֣גֶד
a cloth
a covering, i.e., clothing
#6
תְּכֵלֶת֒
of blue
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
#7
וְנָֽתְנ֣וּ
and put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#8
עָ֠לָיו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הַקְּעָרֹ֤ת
thereon the dishes
a bowl (as cut out hollow)
#11
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַכַּפֹּת֙
and the spoons
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#13
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
הַמְּנַקִּיֹּ֔ת
and the bowls
a sacrificial basin (for holding blood)
#15
וְאֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
קְשׂ֣וֹת
and covers
a jug (from its shape)
#17
הַנָּ֑סֶךְ
to cover withal
a libation; also a cast idol
#18
וְלֶ֥חֶם
bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#19
הַתָּמִ֖יד
and the continual
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
#20
עָלָ֥יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#21
יִֽהְיֶֽה׃
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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