Numbers 5:30

Authorized King James Version

Or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon him, and he be jealous over his wife, and shall set the woman before the LORD, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#2
אִ֗ישׁ
upon him
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
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
תַּֽעֲבֹ֥ר
cometh
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#5
עָלָ֛יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
ר֥וּחַ
Or when the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#7
קִנְאָ֖ה
of jealousy
jealousy or envy
#8
וְקִנֵּ֣א
and he be jealous
to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הָֽאִשָּׁה֙
over his wife
a woman
#11
וְהֶֽעֱמִ֤יד
and shall set
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הָֽאִשָּׁה֙
over his wife
a woman
#14
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#15
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
וְעָ֤שָׂה
shall execute
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#17
לָהּ֙
H0
#18
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
and the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#19
אֵ֥ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#21
הַתּוֹרָ֖ה
upon her all this law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#22
הַזֹּֽאת׃
this (often used adverb)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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