Numbers 6:7

Authorized King James Version

He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְאָבִ֣יו
H1
for his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#2
וּלְאִמּ֗וֹ
or for his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#3
לְאָחִיו֙
for his brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#4
וּלְאַ֣חֹת֔וֹ
or for his sister
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
#5
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יִטַּמָּ֥א
He shall not make himself unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#7
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#8
בְּמֹתָ֑ם
when they die
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#9
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
נֵ֥זֶר
because the consecration
properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl
#11
אֱלֹהָ֖יו
of his God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃
is upon his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

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 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 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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