Numbers 4:9

Authorized King James Version

And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָֽקְח֣וּ׀
And they shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
בֶּ֣גֶד
a cloth
a covering, i.e., clothing
#3
תְּכֵ֗לֶת
of blue
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
#4
וְכִסּ֞וּ
and cover
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
מְנֹרַ֤ת
the candlestick
a chandelier
#7
הַמָּאוֹר֙
of the light
properly, a luminous body or luminary, i.e., (abstractly) light (as an element); figuratively, brightness, i.e.,cheerfulness; specifically, a chandeli
#8
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
נֵ֣רֹתֶ֔יהָ
and his lamps
a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)
#10
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
מַלְקָחֶ֖יהָ
and his tongs
(only in dual) tweezers
#12
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
מַחְתֹּתֶ֑יהָ
and his snuffdishes
a pan for live coals
#14
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
כְּלֵ֣י
vessels
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#17
שַׁמְנָ֔הּ
and all the oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#18
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#19
יְשָֽׁרְתוּ
thereof wherewith they minister
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#20
לָ֖הּ
H0
#21
בָּהֶֽם׃
H0

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

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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