Numbers 8:14

Authorized King James Version

Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be mine.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִבְדַּלְתָּ֙
Thus shalt thou separate
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַלְוִיִּֽם׃
and the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#4
מִתּ֖וֹךְ
from among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#5
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
וְהָ֥יוּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
לִ֖י
H0
#9
הַלְוִיִּֽם׃
and the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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