Numbers 5:26

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall take an handful of the offering, even the memorial thereof, and burn it upon the altar, and afterward shall cause the woman to drink the water.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְקָמַ֨ץ
shall take an handful
to grasp with the hand
#2
הַכֹּהֵ֤ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#4
הַמִּנְחָה֙
of the offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
אַזְכָּ֣רָתָ֔הּ
even the memorial
a reminder; specifically remembrance-offering
#7
וְהִקְטִ֖יר
thereof and burn
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#8
הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָה
it upon the altar
an altar
#9
וְאַחַ֛ר
and afterward
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
יַשְׁקֶ֥ה
to drink
to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הָֽאִשָּׁ֖ה
shall cause the woman
a woman
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
הַמָּֽיִם׃
the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

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 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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