Numbers 7:2

Authorized King James Version

That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּקְרִ֙יבוּ֙
offered
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#2
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י
That the princes
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
רָאשֵׁ֖י
heads
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#5
בֵּ֣ית
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
אֲבֹתָ֑ם
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#7
הֵ֚ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#8
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י
That the princes
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#9
הַמַּטֹּ֔ת
of the tribes
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#10
הֵ֥ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#11
הָעֹֽמְדִ֖ים
and were over
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
הַפְּקֻדִֽים׃
them that were numbered
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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