Numbers 9:3

Authorized King James Version

In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּאַרְבָּעָ֣ה
In the fourteenth
four
#2
עָשָֽׂר
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#3
י֠וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#4
בַּחֹ֨דֶשׁ
of this month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#5
הַזֶּ֜ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#6
בֵּ֧ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#7
הָֽעֲרְבַּ֛יִם
at even
dusk
#8
תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
thereof shall ye keep
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
אֹת֖וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
בְּמֹֽעֲד֑וֹ
it in his appointed season
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
#11
כְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
חֻקֹּתָ֥יו
according to all the rites
a statute
#13
וּכְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
מִשְׁפָּטָ֖יו
of it and according to all the ceremonies
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#15
תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
thereof shall ye keep
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#16
אֹתֽוֹ׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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 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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