Numbers 6:15

Authorized King James Version

And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְסַ֣ל
And a basket
properly, a willow twig (as pendulous), i.e., an osier; but only as woven into a basket
#2
מַצּ֖וֹת
of unleavened bread
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes
#3
סֹ֤לֶת
of fine flour
flour (as chipped off)
#4
חַלֹּת֙
cakes
a cake (as usually punctured)
#5
בְּלוּלֹ֣ת
mingled
to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder
#6
בַּשָּׁ֑מֶן
with oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#7
וּרְקִיקֵ֥י
and wafers
a thin cake
#8
מַצּ֖וֹת
of unleavened bread
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes
#9
מְשֻׁחִ֣ים
anointed
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
#10
בַּשָּׁ֑מֶן
with oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#11
וּמִנְחָתָ֖ם
and their meat offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#12
וְנִסְכֵּיהֶֽם׃
and their drink offerings
a libation; also a cast idol

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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