Numbers 4:8

Authorized King James Version

And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּפָֽרְשׂ֣וּ
And they shall spread
to break apart, disperse, etc
#2
עֲלֵיהֶ֗ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
בֶּ֚גֶד
upon them a cloth
a covering, i.e., clothing
#4
תּוֹלַ֣עַת
of scarlet
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
#5
שָׁנִ֔י
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
#6
וְכִסּ֣וּ
and cover
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#7
אֹת֔וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
בְּמִכְסֵ֖ה
the same with a covering
a covering, i.e., weatherboarding
#9
ע֣וֹר
skins
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#10
תָּ֑חַשׁ
of badgers
a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope
#11
וְשָׂמ֖וּ
and shall put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
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

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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