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Anonymous girl asked
14 year ago

where does the book of numbers get its name

 
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  1. Casie says:

    The Book of Numbers actually has two names:

    1. Hebrew Name: In Hebrew, the book is called Bemidbar (בְּמִדְבַּר), which literally translates to “in the desert”. This name reflects the central theme of the book, which follows the Israelites’ wanderings in the wilderness for forty years after their escape from Egypt.

    2. English Name: The English name, Numbers, comes from the Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. The Septuagint translators titled the book Arithmoi (Ἀριθμοί), which means “numbers”. This title likely refers to the two censuses of the Israelites that are recorded in the book (Numbers 1 and 26).

  2. Shumeet says:

    The Book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Bible, gets its name from the censuses or “numberings” of the Israelites that are detailed within its pages. The name “Numbers” is derived from the Greek word “Arithmoi,” which was used in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. This name reflects the significant portions of the text that recount the counting of the Israelite population.

    In the Hebrew Bible, the book is known as “Bemidbar,” which means “In the Wilderness,” referring to the setting of the book and the broader narrative focus on the Israelites’ 40 years of wandering in the desert after their exodus from Egypt. This title captures the essence of the book’s content more comprehensively than the Greek name, as it encompasses not only the censuses but also the various events, laws, and experiences of the Israelites during their journey.

    The censuses serve crucial roles in the narrative, organizing the people for their journey and military campaigns, and allotting inheritance among the tribes. However, the Book of Numbers also covers many significant events, including rebellions, divine punishments, and the continued guidance and presence of God among the Israelites, making it a rich tapestry of law, history, and theology.

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