Numbers 5:14

Authorized King James Version

And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עָבַ֨ר
come
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#2
עָלָ֧יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
רֽוּחַ
And the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#4
קִנְאָה֙
of jealousy
jealousy or envy
#5
וְקִנֵּ֣א
upon him and he be jealous
to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ
of his wife
a woman
#8
וְהִ֣וא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#9
נִטְמָֽאָה׃
and she be defiled
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#10
אֽוֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#11
עָבַ֨ר
come
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#12
עָלָ֤יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
רֽוּחַ
And the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#14
קִנְאָה֙
of jealousy
jealousy or envy
#15
וְקִנֵּ֣א
upon him and he be jealous
to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious
#16
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ
of his wife
a woman
#18
וְהִ֖יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#19
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#20
נִטְמָֽאָה׃
and she be defiled
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 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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