Numbers 5:23

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall blot them out with the bitter water:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֠כָתַב
shall write
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הָֽאָלֹ֥ת
these curses
an imprecation
#4
הָאֵ֛לֶּה
these or those
#5
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#6
בַּסֵּ֑פֶר
in a book
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#7
וּמָחָ֖ה
and he shall blot
properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
מֵ֥י
water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#10
הַמָּרִֽים׃
them out with the bitter
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly

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

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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