Numbers 5:7

Authorized King James Version

Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִתְוַדּ֗וּ
Then they shall confess
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
#2
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
חַטָּאתָם֮
their sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
עָשׂוּ֒
which they have done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
וְהֵשִׁ֤יב
and he shall recompense
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
אֲשָׁמוֹ֙
his trespass
guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering
#9
בְּרֹאשׁ֔וֹ
with the principal
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#10
וַחֲמִֽישִׁת֖וֹ
unto it the fifth
fifth; also a fifth
#11
יֹסֵ֣ף
thereof and add
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#12
עָלָ֑יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
וְנָתַ֕ן
part thereof and give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#14
לַֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
אָשַׁ֥ם
it unto him against whom he hath trespassed
to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish
#16
לֽוֹ׃
H0

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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