Numbers 7:9

Authorized King James Version

But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלִבְנֵ֥י
But unto the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
קְהָ֖ת
of Kohath
kehath, an israelite
#3
לֹ֣א
none
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
נָתָ֑ן
he gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#5
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
עֲבֹדַ֤ת
because the service
work of any kind
#7
הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙
of the sanctuary
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#8
עֲלֵהֶ֔ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
בַּכָּתֵ֖ף
upon their shoulders
the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi
#10
יִשָּֽׂאוּ׃
belonging unto them was that they should bear
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

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 revelation 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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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