Numbers 5:6

Authorized King James Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דַּבֵּר֮
Speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
אִ֣ישׁ
When a man
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)
#6
אֽוֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#7
אִשָּׁ֗ה
or woman
a woman
#8
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
יַֽעֲשׂוּ֙
shall commit
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#10
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
חַטֹּ֣את
any sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#12
הָֽאָדָ֔ם
that men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#13
לִמְעֹ֥ל
commit
properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously
#14
מַ֖עַל
to do a trespass
treachery, i.e., sin
#15
בַּֽיהוָ֑ה
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
וְאָֽשְׁמָ֖ה
be guilty
to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish
#17
הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ
and that person
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#18
הַהִֽוא׃
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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