Numbers 6:20

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD: this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֵנִיף֩
shall wave
to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad
#2
אוֹתָ֨ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
לַכֹּהֵ֔ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
הַתְּנוּפָ֔ה
them for a wave offering
a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings
#5
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
#6
יְהוָה֒
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
קֹ֤דֶשׁ
this is holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#8
הוּא֙
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
#9
לַכֹּהֵ֔ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#10
עַ֚ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
חֲזֵ֣ה
breast
the breast (as most seen in front)
#12
הַתְּנוּפָ֔ה
them for a wave offering
a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings
#13
וְעַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
שׁ֣וֹק
shoulder
the (lower) leg (as a runner)
#15
הַתְּרוּמָ֑ה
and heave
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
#16
וְאַחַ֛ר
and after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#17
יִשְׁתֶּ֥ה
may drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#18
הַנָּזִ֖יר
that the Nazarite
separate, i.e., consecrated (as prince, a nazirite); hence (figuratively from the latter) an unpruned vine (like an unshorn nazirite)
#19
יָֽיִן׃
wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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