Numbers 5:17

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִקַּ֥ח
shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
הַמָּֽיִם׃
it into the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#4
קְדֹשִׁ֖ים
holy
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#5
בִּכְלִי
vessel
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#6
חָ֑רֶשׂ
in an earthen
a piece of pottery
#7
וּמִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#8
הֶֽעָפָ֗ר
and of the dust
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#9
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
יִֽהְיֶה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
בְּקַרְקַ֣ע
that is in the floor
floor (as if a pavement of pieces or tesseroe), of a building or the sea
#12
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
of the tabernacle
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
#13
יִקַּ֥ח
shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#14
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#15
וְנָתַ֥ן
and put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#16
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#17
הַמָּֽיִם׃
it into the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Numbers Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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