Numbers 5:15

Authorized King James Version

Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֵבִ֤יא
and he shall bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
הָאִ֣ישׁ
Then shall the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אִשְׁתּוֹ֮
his wife
a woman
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
הַכֹּהֵן֒
unto the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#7
וְהֵבִ֤יא
and he shall bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
קָרְבָּנָהּ֙
her offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#10
עָלֶ֔יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
עֲשִׂירִ֥ת
for her the tenth
tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part
#12
הָֽאֵיפָ֖ה
part of an ephah
an ephah or measure for grain; hence, a measure in general
#13
קֶ֣מַח
meal
flour
#14
שְׂעֹרִ֑ים
of barley
barley (as villose)
#15
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
יִצֹ֨ק
he shall pour
properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
#17
עָלָ֜יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
שֶׁ֗מֶן
no oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#19
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#20
יִתֵּ֤ן
upon it nor put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#21
עָלָיו֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#22
לְבֹנָ֔ה
frankincense
frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)
#23
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#24
מִנְחַ֥ת
an offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#25
קְנָאֹת֙
of jealousy
jealousy or envy
#26
ה֔וּא
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
#27
מִנְחַ֥ת
an offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#28
זִכָּר֖וֹן
of memorial
a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)
#29
מַזְכֶּ֥רֶת
bringing
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#30
עָוֹֽן׃
iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

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

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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