Numbers 6:9

Authorized King James Version

And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכִֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
מֵ֤ת
And if any man
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#3
מֵ֤ת
And if any man
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#4
עָלָיו֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
בְּפֶ֣תַע
very
a wink, i.e., moment (used only [with or without preposition] adverbially, quickly or unexpectedly)
#6
פִּתְאֹ֔ם
suddenly
instantly
#7
וְטִמֵּ֖א
by him and he hath defiled
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#8
רֹאשׁוֹ֙
his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#9
נִזְר֑וֹ
of his consecration
properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl
#10
יְגַלְּחֶֽנּוּ׃
shall he shave
properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste
#11
רֹאשׁוֹ֙
his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#12
בַּיּ֥וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#13
טָֽהֳרָת֔וֹ
of his cleansing
ceremonial purification; moral purity
#14
בַּיּ֥וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#15
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י
on the seventh
seventh
#16
יְגַלְּחֶֽנּוּ׃
shall he shave
properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

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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