Numbers 8:24

Authorized King James Version

This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֹ֖את
this (often used adverb)
#2
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
לַלְוִיִּ֑ם
This is it that belongeth unto the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#4
מִבֶּן֩
old
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
חָמֵ֨שׁ
and five
five
#6
וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים
from twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#7
שָׁנָה֙
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#8
וָמַ֔עְלָה
and upward
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#9
יָבוֹא֙
they shall go in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
לִצְבֹ֣א
to wait
to mass (an army or servants)
#11
צָבָ֔א
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#12
בַּֽעֲבֹדַ֖ת
upon the service
work of any kind
#13
אֹ֥הֶל
of the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#14
מוֹעֵֽד׃
of the congregation
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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