Numbers 5:24

Authorized King James Version

And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that causeth the curse: and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִשְׁקָה֙
to drink
to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה
And he shall cause the woman
a woman
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַמַּ֥יִם
and the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#6
לְמָרִֽים׃
into her and become bitter
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
#7
הַֽמְאָרֲרִ֖ים
that causeth the curse
to execrate
#8
וּבָ֥אוּ
shall enter
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
בָ֛הּ
H0
#10
הַמַּ֥יִם
and the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#11
הַֽמְאָרֲרִ֖ים
that causeth the curse
to execrate
#12
לְמָרִֽים׃
into her and become bitter
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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