Numbers 7:83

Authorized King James Version

And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּלְזֶ֣בַח
And for a sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#2
הַשְּׁלָמִים֮
of peace offerings
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
#3
בָּקָ֣ר
oxen
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#4
שְׁנַיִם֒
two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#5
אֵילִ֤ם
rams
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#6
חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה
five
five
#7
עַתֻּדִ֣ים
he goats
prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people
#8
חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה
five
five
#9
כְּבָשִׂ֥ים
lambs
a ram (just old enough to butt)
#10
בֶּן
of the first
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
שָׁנָ֖ה
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#12
חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה
five
five
#13
זֶ֛ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#14
קָרְבַּ֥ן
this was the offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#15
אֲחִירַ֖ע
of Ahira
achira, an israelite
#16
בֶּן
of the first
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#17
עֵינָֽן׃
of Enan
enan, an israelite

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of peace 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

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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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